Earl W. Roth

Earl William Roth, 93, of Goshen died October 30, 2020 at Green House Village of Goshen. 

He was born June 26, 1927 to the late Philip and Amelia (Steckley) Roth in Albany, Oregon and grew up on a farm there.

After serving as a non-combatant in the U.S. Navy during WWII, Earl married Ruth Esther Jantzen on August 21, 1948. She preceded him in death on December 27, 2004. Also preceding Earl in death are a beloved son, Loren Dale Roth, and two brothers, Loren and Clayton Roth.

Earl was a graduate of Albany High School, Multnomah School of the Bible, and Lewis and Clark College. He received his M.A. in Ed. from the Oregon College of Education. He was ordained as a minister with the Mennonite Church USA.

Earl and Ruth left to be missionaries in Congo in 1954. Earl served there as an evangelist, director of a high school and industrial school, and Missionary Representative for Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission. He and Ruth served in Africa for 32 years and raised their children there. Returning stateside, Earl became General Secretary of AIMM for 7 years. Earl was a faithful presence at Silverwood Mennonite Church. He sat on the Elder Board and was a congregational chairperson. He also served on the resident advisory board at Hubbard Hill.

Earl is perhaps known best for his sweet spirit and his unceasing kindness to everyone. 

Left to cherish Earl’s memory are a daughter, Yvonne (Virgil) Smith; a son, Marc (Judy) Roth; daughter-in-law, Nancy Roth; four grandsons that he was so proud of, Brendan (Laura) Roth, Corey Roth, Philip (McKalyn) Roth, and Alex (Hannah) Roth; three great grandchildren, Taylor, Riley, and Abe; a brother, Leonard (Donna) Roth; and a sister, Rosalie Roth.

A private graveside service will take place at Prairie Street Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, PO Box 744, Goshen, IN 46527. 

Arrangements are with Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Silverwood Mennonite Church at a later date.

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