Obituary: Jeffrey Wayne Roth, 70

Jeffrey Wayne Roth was born on May 16, 1954, in Albany, Oregon, to John and Judith (McLane) Roth as the second of their four children. Jeff's early years were spent in Albany, until his family moved to Scio, Oregon, to work the family farm. Jeff shared endless stories about life on the farm and trying to keep up with his older brother John. In addition to risky mischief, Jeff worked hard and enjoyed Sunday dinners with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

In 1974, Jeff met his future wife, Debby Freeman in Lebanon, Oregon. The two married on July 12, 1975, and made their first home together in Petersburg, Alaska. They had two children, Faith Nanette Roth and Jeffrey Wayne Roth II. During a love story that spanned over 50 years, Jeff and Debby built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering support for one another.

After 25 years in Alaska they moved back to Oregon. Before settling in Forest Grove to be near family, Jeff and Debby traveled for a year, adding to his fondest memories from road trips on their motorcycle.

Jeff returned to the workforce in 2000, working for the City of Hillsboro in drinking water treatment, until he retired in 2013.

An avid outdoorsman, Jeff enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. When fishing or hunting, his kids were in the boat or hiking through the woods with him. He loved listening to Car Talk Radio while bumping the bottom for halibut. He would always give up his coat to a shivering child and he was extremely handy – his knowledge of mechanics was limitless. Jeff was the first person to call when you had a problem to solve.

Papa, as his family called him, often said that if he knew grandchildren were so much fun, he would have had them first. He loved spending time with them and regularly checked in to catch up on their days. His grandchildren could count on seeing him at their sporting events and school functions.

Jeff passed away at his home, peacefully surrounded by his family, on September 1, 2024.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, John and Judith Roth; brother, Jim Deleon; and sister, Linda Boyce.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debby; children, Faith and Dylan Ross of Hillsboro, Oregon, and Jeffrey and Ashley Roth of Forest Grove, Oregon; his siblings, Judy Brunette of Albany, Oregon, Gene Deleon of Lebanon, Oregon, John Roth of Lebanon, Oregon, Joy Lara of Klamath, California, and Jay Roth, of Morrill, Maine; five grandchildren, whom he referred to as his best investments, Emma, Madison, Brodey, Cedar, and Alder; and too many nieces and nephews to count.

Jeff's life was rich with happy memories, great adventures, and the joys of family and friends. His warmth, humor, and storytelling will be deeply missed. His legacy will live on through the endless memories created in his lifetime and the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of Jeff's life will be held November 8, 2024, in Hillsboro, Oregon.