Bobby Joe Roth
January 23, 1938 ~ September 13, 2023
Bobby Joe Roth, 85, of Columbus went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, after a battle with cancer.
Joe was born January 23, 1938, in Crothersville, Indiana to Lester and Corene Roth. Joe attended Columbus High School where he met the love of his life, Orletta Greathouse. The two were married on September 29, 1957. Joe served eight years in the Indiana National Guard. He retired from Cummins Engine Company after 31 gratifying years. While employed at Cummins, Joe began his career as a Tool Maker. He then advanced to Tool Design and later to Supervisor over Facility Maintenance. Joe and Orletta moved to Rocky Mt., North Carolina where Joe was recruited to manage the Tool Room at the Cummins plant in Rocky Mt. After returning back home to Columbus, Joe worked at CMEP and was then contracted by RTW. Even into his retirement, Joe enjoyed problem solving and was often consulted by former coworkers for his logistical expertise.
Most importantly, Joe loved the Lord and served Him faithfully. He was an active member, deacon, and elder of East Columbus Christian Church. Joe also served on the Columbus Christian School Board of Directors and the School Building Campaign. Joe was a loyal supporter of Columbus Christian School. For over 25 years, Grandpa Joe (as many of the students called him) cheered on crusader athletics and kept the scorebook for the CCS varsity boys’ basketball team. Joe also served as golf coach at the school for 12 years.
With a quick wit and a warm spirit, Joe had a lively personality and was always eager to make others feel welcomed and valued. He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, avid fisherman, golfer and great problem solver.
Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. Monday, September 18, 2023, at East Columbus Christian Church, 3170 Indiana Ave., Columbus, IN 47201 with Ron Bridgewater and Mike Gillespie officiating. Calling hours will be from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, at the church and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
Joe’s legacy lives on through his wife of 66 years, Orletta Roth; sons Kevin (Beth) Roth and Steve (Beth) Roth of Columbus. Five grandsons; Ryan Roth, Kyle (Shelby) Roth, Derek (Jaimie) Roth, Nicholas (Samantha) Roth, and Sean (Megan) Roth; Nine great-grandchildren: Dean, Oliver, Harris, Porter, Jasper, Colton, Theodore, Danilynn and James; two brothers: Danny (Jane) Roth, Eddie (Donna) Roth; Sister-In-Law; Deloris Roth and several nephews and two nieces.
Memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to Columbus Christian School or Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana.
Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
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Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Bobby Joe Roth.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Bobby Joe Roth.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Bobby Joe Roth.
Orletta & families
..may you be comforted knowing Joe is with our LORD, in HIS arms, healed and in peace. Patricia Voelz-Sandlin ’57
A good name is better than fine perfume,
and the day of death better than the day of birth.
Ecclesiastes 7:1
Sacred Duty Spray was purchased for the family of Bobby Joe Roth.
The Brockman Family purchased the Strength & Solace Spray for the family of Bobby Joe Roth.
The Brockman Family planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Bobby Joe Roth.
Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet was purchased for the family of Bobby Joe Roth.
Orletta and family, my condolences and prayers to you in your loss of Joe. A friend of many years with many happy memories. Joe will be in good company with Darrel and Hollie. May friends, family and faith sustain you in the coming days. Rest In Peace, my friend. Kim Casner
Joy and Judy (the Hart twins) purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Bobby Joe Roth.
Joy and Judy (the Hart twins) planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Bobby Joe Roth.
To the Roth family, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Joe was every bit of a servant and magnificent man of God! I had the joy to get to know Joe while working here at CCS. He always treated me as family and always had good advice, a joke and a smile! I know he’s rejoicing with Jesus now! Anxious to see you again Grandpa Joe.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Bobby Joe Roth.
I Am Sorry for The Loss of Joe, He Was a Nice Man, and I Remember Him Well from CHS. Sending My Thoughts and Prayers to Orletta and His Family.
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Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Bobby Joe Roth.
My name is Dorene Bowman and I have many special memories of Joe. I worked at Columbus Church School for 20 years and got to know Joe very well ! The last words I remember him saying to me that he was doing fine ! He said he had cancer, but it was God’s plan and he trusted in the Lord! He was at peace and happy as he knew he would see his Heavenly Father sooner than later . A true man of God! He made an impact on me and one and all who knew him! Looking forward to seeing joe in Heaven ! It’s such a beautiful blessing from God when you have that reassurance where your loved one is ! We know where Joe is!
Scripture records that mankind is made in God’s image and then tells us how to live. Joe was a godly husband, father, grandfather, co-worker, and friend. His home is heaven with his Lord and Savior. And that is a life well lived.
– Paul Baker and the Baker Family
There is a special place in heaven for folks like Uncle Joe. A place where you don’t need to call ahead to let folks know you are visiting, there is always room for you at the table.
Where loving words are not unfamiliar.
A heart that always welcomes you as family and the individual you are.
My heart is sad for us who are left behind, but so very thankful for having the memories and examples of Uncle Joe.
I learned of Joe’s passing during a family vacation, and of course, we were sharing memories of Uncle Joe while we played golf that day. My final par 3 was a beautiful Birdie which landed within inches of the hole… I know it was not struck by my hand but that of my dearly departed Uncle as a reminder of his love of me, and of us all, and his passion for a fun round of golf.
Uncle Joe you will be missed, but more over you will BE REMEMBERED.
God Bless and Thank you for being my Uncle.
Love,
Dave Roth and the entire Roth Family ( Michelina, Gabe, Nate & Joel)