Marion 'Howard' Roth

Marion “Howard” Roth

Howard Roth of Indianola, Nebraska died February 22, 2012, at his home at the age of 89. He was born July 4, 1922 near Deweese, Nebraska to Alfred Harvey and Rachel Mina “Jane” (Hannum) Roth. The family moved to Frontier County in 1932. He graduated from Nebraska School of Agriculture at Curtis in 1939.

Howard was united in marriage to Ruth Marie Brush on May 1, 1944 at Oberlin, Kansas. They lived all of their married life on a farm southeast of Stockville in Frontier County. God blessed them with one loving daughter, Lois. After the death of his wife in August 1984, Howard moved to a house near his daughter and family at Indianola where he lived the rest of his life.

He was a lifelong farmer, always ready to lend a helping hand to others. He shared many vacations with his family, proudly declaring he had visited 39 of the 50 states. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their various activities.

He enjoyed playing the piano and harmonica, both played by ear. For years he was a member of the Bartley Rural Fire Department and the District 92 school board. He was a faithful blood donor, giving over 18 gallons over his lifetime. His hobbies included reading, watching television and spending time with his family. Everyone enjoyed hearing his stories of past memories, family vacations, and farming, with his memory of details amazing his listeners. He was always a favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Jane; his beloved wife Ruth; sister Evelyn R. Martin and brother-in-law Alvin Martin.

He is survived by his daughter Lois Reiners and husband Don of Indianola; four grandchildren, Angela and Bart Nichols of Gothenburg, John and Jennifer Reiners of Spearfish, South Dakota, Joe Reiners and Heather Brownell of Moab, Utah, and Michelle and Andrew Hedke of McCook; great-grandchildren Lindsey, J.C., Dylan, Allison, Vincent, Ashtyn, Grace, Addi, Preston, Kali and Ava; and numerous relatives and friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 25, 2012, 4:00 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook, NE, with Raymond Durner officiating. Cremation will follow the service and a private family inurnment will be held at the Bartley Cemetery at a later time. The casket will remain closed.

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