George Joseph Roth (88) of Newton

George Joseph Roth, age 88, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 10:30 AM – Saturday, August 19, 2023, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 PM (Noon) – Friday, August 25, 2023, at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois, with Fr. Pawel L, celebrating mass. The burial will be in the Mt Calvary Cemetery in Newton, Illinois, with military rites by the Jasper Post # 20 American Legion. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the church and again 11:00 to 11:30AM on Friday, before the mass. In loving memory of George, memorials may be made to the St Thomas School. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here. 

George was born on August 13, 1935, on the family farm, south of Olney, Illinois, the son John and Florence (Brassie) Roth. He graduated from St Joseph Grade School and East Richland High School. After high school, George served in the United States Army. George married Suzanne “Sue” Frohning on April 28, 1962, at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, and she survives. George had a strong work ethic and started working at a young age. He worked at Mike’s Ice Cream Parlor, Hahn Motors, Eagleson Motors, M.D. Borah Ford, all in Olney, Consumer Power in Michigan, farmed, sold insurance, and later retired from Newton Power Station after 25 years of service. Following his retirement, he started helping as an assistant at Blake-Buchanan Funeral Home/ Meyer Funeral Home for 10 years and served as a deputy for the Jasper County Coroner. George also worked and invested in the oil industry for many years and owned his own company, Roth Oil Company. He enjoyed exploring, drilling, and producing oil wells. George was a faithful member of St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, were he served as greeter, sacristan, usher, eucharistic minister, and a member of parish finance council and the weekly Rosary prayer group. George was a member of the Knights of Columbus #1704 and a 4th degree member of the Newton Assembly #1554. He was a member for 68 ½ years and served in many levels of the Knights of Columbus, serving past Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator and had recruited well over 300 members during his time. George was also a member of the Winterrowd Masonic Lodge #664, Ainad Shriners, Jasper County Shrine Club, Jasper Post #20 American Legion, Disabled American Veterans. George enjoyed martial arts and was a 4 th degree black belt in karate. He enjoyed traveling, visiting with family and friends and never knew a stranger. George also did a lot of volunteer work over the years. He delivered meals on wheels, coached baseball, and softball, and helped with activities on the long-term care unit of Richland Memorial Hospital.

George is survived by Wife of 61 years – Sue Roth of Newton, Illinois; Children – Chris (Cheryl) Roth of DeBary, Florida; Suzanne Withers of Oakwood, Illinois; and Jenna (Carl) Blake of Yale, Illinois; Sister – Pauline (Carl) Frohning of Newton, Illinois; Grandchildren – Cody (Marley) Roth, Connor Roth, Marissa Withers, Kyle Withers, Jeremy (Lena) Blake, and Michael (Shelly) Blake; Great Grandchildren – Finnegan Roth, Jackson Roth, Riley Blake, Brantley Blake, and Allison Blake; Sister-in-law- Lena Roth of Olney, Illinois. Several nieces, nephews, and special friends also survive.

George was preceded in death by his parents, sons Anthony Roth and John Roth, siblings Charles Roth, James Robert Roth, Charolette Roth, and Joan Lynn, and his father and mother-in-law John and Leona Frohning.