CHRISTIAN M. ROTH 1867 - 1952

ROTH, GERIG, MILLER, RESCHLY, WENGER

Posted By: Ann Miller White (email)
Date: 4/23/2004 at 21:17:39

12/4/1952

C.M. Roth, retired business man, passed away at his home in East Wayland Saturday morning following an illness of about a month due to a faulty heart condition. Even though he was bothered at times with the ailment, he was up and around until the last several weeks.

Mr. Roth, who should have been 85 years of age December 17 served a number of years in the grocery business, retiring from active business when he sold the store to Allen Wenger some 20 years ago. During his business career he made many friends in the Wayland and neighboring communities and was known as “C.M.”

Short services were held from the Zehr Funeral Home on Monday Dec 1 at 1:30 and at 2 PM at the Sugar Creek Church with Bishop Simon Gingerich assisted by Rev. Elmer Swartzendruber of Kalona in charge. Lowell, Daniel, and Mahlon Leichty and Orrin Eichelberger were the singers. The casket bearers were Henry Gerig of Morton, Illinois, Joe Sutter, LaVerne Blosser, David and Lester Recihley, and Earl Gingerich. Interment was made in the Sugar Creek Cemetery.

Christian M., son of John and Mary Miller Roth was born in Elkhart County, Indiana December 17, 1867 and passed away at his home in Wayland, Iowa on November 29, 1952 aged 84 years, 11 months, and 12 days.

In 1873 he moved with his parents to a farm three miles northeast of Trenton, Iowa. Three years later they moved to the Wayland community. He became widely known through various business activities, particularly through the many years he operated a grocery store in Wayland. At the age of 19 he united with the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church and continued in this fellowship throughout life.

In 1894 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gerig. This union was blessed with a son, Melvin, who preceded him in death on August 20, 1949 and a daughter, Esther. He was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters, Mary, Katie (Mrs. Ben Wenger), Lydia, Mattie (Mrs. Jacob Wenger) and Emma. He is survived by his wife, a daughter (Mrs. Ervin Reschly), a foster sister (Fannie Elmeo) and six grandchildren.

He was always an active worker, ready to give a helping hand. He will be remembered by many for his generosity to the needy and for his willingness ot open his home to the homeless.