WILLIAM L. “BILL” ROTH

Aug. 30, 1934 – July 10, 2016

Bill Roth was born and raised on his family’s farm just a few miles west of Ashland. He graduated from Ashland High School in 1952. Bill was raised with farm values and a belief in God that guided him throughout his life. After graduation, he joined the Navy. He married Elaine Lynch in 1959, and together they raised six children who would become his greatest legacy.

For years, Bill worked the night shift at the telephone company, which left him at home during the day to watch over his and most of the neighborhood’s children. But days at the Roth’s house were absolutely not spent in front of the TV. No, with Bill Roth, days were made to be spent outside exploring, and within that exploration, learning about yourself and our world.

Growing up with the Roth family meant you got to go outside when a storm was on the horizon, and you would learn about electricity in the sky. It meant that on dark, clear nights you could grab your sleeping bag and go outside and learn about astronomy, the constellations, fireflies, and recognize the hoot of an owl.

Bill’s gift was the ability to see and believe in what “could” be – and whether that was his community, his church, or a child … Bill Roth cared. Seeing and believing in what could be prompted him to run and hold the position of Mayor of Ashland for four years and serve on Ashland’s school board for 14.

He taught his children and grandchildren the wonder of a sunset and the peacefulness found in appreciation of our sky. He taught them about our earth by picking up rocks and finding a chance to talk about glaciers. He taught them about hope via the blooming of a dandelion and the trip it would take as you blew on it, sending its seeds through the wind. And he taught them about gratefulness and giving thanks to God for all of the blessings in our life.

When it came to questions of faith, questions about our Catholic traditions or questions that had no concrete answer, Bill Roth was willing to share his thoughts and knowledge and engage in a dialogue that was rich and thought provoking. We were all better for experiencing it.

Rest in peace, Mr. Roth. You taught us well, and you live on through the lives, the stories and the love of your family. I, for one, am happy to know that there is one more angel watching over us. –Diane Newell, friend