Obituaries

Jean Marie Wilson Roth, 86

February 19, 2014

Jean Marie Wilson Roth, beloved wife, mother and friend, died at Brethren Village on Wednesday. She was 86.

Jean was the wife of Luther Harry Roth, the love of her life, whom she met on a date arranged by his brother. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in October.

A long-time resident of Millersville, Jean embodied a remarkable combination of optimism, creativity, energy and compassion — a reflection of her strong Christian faith.

She selflessly drew on her considerable skills in music, teaching, sewing and cooking to help both friends and strangers, from Vietnamese refugees to shut-ins to Fresh Air children, without hesitation.

Strangers didn’t stay strangers for long, though. With a keen sense of humor, a flair for hospitality and a frequent smile, Jean made friends easily.

And once someone became a friend of Jean’s, they were always her friend, no matter the circumstances. Jean was a pillar of support – spiritually and tangibly — when someone she knew ran into tough times.

Jean had a special place in her heart for children, both inside and outside her family. She loved and encouraged her own four children and four grandchildren, as well as countless other children. Whether they needed clothing, food, help with homework or just a hug, Jean was there for them.

Jean was born in Wyoming, PA, a small town in Luzerne County, on Dec. 21, 1927, the daughter of the late George Keifer Wilson and Minnie Naylor Wilson.

When Jean was about 10, Mr. Wilson insisted his daughter begin piano lessons, using an old, out-of-tune upright piano in the living room. Jean was less than enthused about practicing. But she soon discovered that she could make it sound like she was practicing by mindlessly repeating the same scale, which she could do while reading a book.

Her scheme, however, was spotted by her mother. Her father asked Jean why she wasn’t taking her piano seriously. Jean replied, “If you had to practice on this rinky-dink old thing, you wouldn’t want to practice either.” A few days later, Jean came home to find a baby-grand piano. Jean went on to play piano for many events at her high school, and played glockenspiel in the marching band.

At 16, Jean landed a job as organist at a tiny Presbyterian church in nearby Pittston, a trolley ride away. She quickly found that rehearsals with the choir, full of Welsh coal miners, routinely ran late because of their passion for singing “just one more.”

After studying piano at Scranton Conservatory and graduating from Wyoming High School in a class of only 50 students, Jean took business classes at Wyoming Seminary. She was working in the office of Sordoni Construction in Forty Fort when she met Luther.

Jean married Luther in 1950. The young couple lived briefly in York, where Luther found a job teaching high-school math. When Luther got a job at Hamilton Watch in 1951, they moved to Lancaster.

In early 1952, the couple decided to buy a house. After a long search, they found one in Millersville that was both affordable and had a living room big enough for Jean’s piano, which she had left in Wyoming.

Jean looked to boost the family’s income by taking a “temporary” job as the organist for First United Methodist Church in Millersville. That became a permanent job lasting 28 years, with Jean and Luther becoming active members who served in many volunteer roles.

Besides playing the organ, Jean directed the church’s cherub choir, which she named “The Joyful Noise.” She also co-founded a sewing group at the church that made clothes to give to low-income women and children, and was active in the church’s chapter of United Methodist Women.

Jean was busy outside the church too, as a volunteer with Millersville Meals on Wheels and a founding member of the Millersville Women’s Club, serving as its first president.

In 1984, Jean wrote a five-minute speech about Harriet Lane, the niece of President James Buchanan, for a statewide General Federation of Women’s Clubs competition, finishing second. But that wasn’t the last time she spoke about Harriet Lane.

Soon after the state contest, the Millersville Women’s Club needed a program for a meeting. Jean stepped in, expanding her speech into a one-woman show, “Harriet Lane: America’s Princess,” with Jean as a 70-year-old Harriet Lane reminiscing about her life. Jean ended up presenting the show dozens of times to schools and community groups across the region.

Jean also had a career in education. She joined the School District of Lancaster in 1975 as an instructional aide at Lafayette Elementary working with school-aged refugees from South Vietnam. Later, Jean served as a library aide in various elementary schools and a resource-room aide at Reynolds Junior High. She retired in 1990.

In addition to her husband, Jean is survived by four children: Barry Roth, husband of Annette Tonell, of Placitas, NM; Deb Bierly, wife of Randy Bierly, of Shillington; Alison Mekeel, wife of Tim Mekeel, of Lancaster; and Becky Jones, wife of Cliff Jones, of Joppatowne, MD.
Jean is also survived by four grandchildren: Karl Bierly, husband of Pamela Bierly, of Manchester, MD; David Bierly, husband of Sarah Bierly, of Bensalem; Laura Bierly, wife of Captain Joshua Dietrich (USAF), of Portales, NM; and Colin Mekeel, of Lancaster.
Jean was predeceased by one brother, Robert Wilson, of Wyoming, PA.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM at First United Methodist Church, 121 N. George St., Millersville, PA on Saturday, March 15. Friends will be received beginning at 10 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Organ Fund at First United Methodist Church, Millersville; the Philhaven Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, P.O. Box 550, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064.

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Condolences to the Family

February 27, 2014

Dear family of Jean: Jean was the organist at the Millersville church for our wedding in Oct. 1975. I’m sure she didn’t have many requests for the song “Colour My World” by Chicago which she played very well for our service. I again had the chance to care for her at the former St. Joseph hospital outpatient surgery dept. sometime between 1997-2000. When we spoke she was glad to hear I was still happily married to my husband Rick. It is funny her anniversary is Oct. too. She was a very nice person and always smiling. I am sure she will be missed by many. We hope she wasn’t ill long. We are unable to attend her service due to a family gathering that day but she will be in our thoughts. Our condolences to all of the family.  Karen and Rick Fralich

February 26, 2014

So many memories from my childhood included Mrs Roth!  Singing in the youth choir with her and Mrs. York, remembering her playing in the choir loft at Millersville Methodist, being a part of so many worship services, weddings, and funerals.  Through her music she gave so much to so many.  And I’m sure she took (and gave) lots of quips with my dad as they worked together in the choir!  
I always felt warmed by her presence – she had a gentle kindness that was spiced by a ready smile and easy laughter.  To Mr Roth, Deb, Barry, Allison, Becky, and all your extended family, I’m sorry for the loss you must be feeling, and hope it’s softened by lots of love and gratefulness for having her in your lives.  She was a very special person, and will always be remembered by those who knew her.  
Those choirs in heaven have got a great new accompanist, and I’ll bet they’re singing with a specially joyful noise!  
With love,
Heather (Finney) Eng

February 25, 2014

Dear Lou and the Roth Family,
Jean has gone on before us.  My Fred is there and I will come, I promised Fred.
But I loved Jean, we did so much church work together, she was 
always ready to do one more thing when her calender was akready jammed full.
With all her energy, she was an inspiration to me.
Farewell, Jean, until we meet again at Jesus’ feet.
Betty Finney
 

February 25, 2014

Dear Roth family,
I’m Gretchen Finney (Rehlin), and I have lovely memories of your mom as a kind and talented lady.   I attended the Millersville Methodist church while growing up, and I remember her playing the organ with great feeling and touch; I didn’t realize how blessed our church was until I later heard other organ players!  
She was gentle and kind; I remember my newborn Shelley nestling in her comfortable arms–she had that touch.  She always had a smile on her face; a motherly smile—I always felt loved whenever I spoke with her.   
She was a good friend to my mom, and I’m guessing she was a blessing to my dad when he was the choir director for many years.   
May her sweet spirit and gentleness live on in you, her children.   
With utmost sympathy, and confidence that she is in the arms of her Savior,
Gretchen Rehlin

February 25, 2014

Even though I hadn’t seen Mrs. Roth (I can’t think of her as Jean!) for year and years, I know the world is a little less warm
with her passing. Unlike my sister Janet, the song I think of with Mrs. Roth is “Josephina, Please No Lean-a on the Bell,” which
she sang at some “talent” show at the Millersville Methodist Church. And I can still see and hear her in my mind so clearly!
She was such a fun-loving, warm, happy person. All of us who knew her were blessed! Condolences to you all — and how wonderful to know that you will all meet again.  
In Christian love, June Finney Rabatin

February 25, 2014

So many memories…..of Jean sparring with my Dad over some if his smart remarks as they worked together at (then) Millersville Methodist…he as choir director and Jean as organist.  How we all loved that wonderful organ and how wonderfully Jean made it perform!
But my absolutely favorite memory of Jean (and Lou) was at our wedding.  I asked Jean to play the recessional as loud as the organ would go.   And she did!  However one of the organ pipes blew and so Lou risked his hearing and held the pipe together while the organ thundered!  Thank you all!  ( Jean, Lou, and the organ)
i m sure that Jean must have had her down times but I never saw any.   Her infectiously happy personality will always be part of my memories of a wonderful woman
 
with much love to you all …thank you for sharing her
 
Marty (Finney) Herr

February 25, 2014

Dear Roth family,
When mom told me of Mrs. Roth’s death, I immediately heard the beautiful song “All in an April Evening” going through my head.  In her happy gentle way, she modeled Jesus’ love for us without preaching.  I still sing so many of those great songs she taught us in children’s choir to myself when I’m sad or lonely.  
She was a great woman, a creative nurturing person whose love rubbed off on all those who came in contact with her.  She DID make the world a better place.  “Well done, thy good and faithful servant!” (from somewhere in the Bible!)
I will be proud to bring my mom to her funeral.
Janet Finney Purcell

February 25, 2014

Luther – I am so sad and sorry to read about Jean in the newspaper.  I remember her very well from many Lion get-togethers over the years.  Her obit was right, she made friends easily.  All the Best.
Jim Leonard

February 24, 2014

Dear Roth family,
I met Jean at Reynolds JHS and immediately became friends. I knew from that minute, we would be close for a long time.  She always joked that she was 50 years older than my daughter and helped celebrate the birth of my granddaughter.  She was kind and caring and always talked about her true love, Luther and her wonderful children. Not a day passed that you didn’t hear about her talented and delightful grandchildren. I will miss her and may she rest in peace. My sympathy to all of you at this difficult time.
Jeanne Hamilton

February 24, 2014

I was  saddened when I read of the passing of Mrs Roth…She was a caring and dedicated  Sunday School Teacher, Organist, and Choir Director and she is now leading a chorus of heavenly angels…May the family find peace and comfort in all of the happy memories of your wife/mother/grandmother….Love, Prayers  and Hugs…Faye (Weaver) Nicholas

February 24, 2014

Sorry to hear that Aunt Jean passes away. Wish we would have gotten back up there for a visit. Unfortunately, Life get in the way. Aunt Jean and Uncle Luther are always in our prayers and will continue to be along with the rest of the family.
Love Mike & Barbara Levy

February 24, 2014

So sad to learn of her passing.  She was a kind woman who loved to share her knowledge with others. She was a friend to many.
God bless her family & friends during this difficult time. I know she will surely be missed.
Jeanne Hamilton, Christelle (Hamilton), Justin & Julianna Thaw-Bolton

February 23, 2014

Dear Roth Family,
   On behalf of the DeHart family I wish to send our good memories of Mrs. Roth.  Mrs. Roth taught me many wonderful songs in the church choir.  “All Things Bright and Beauriful” and the wonderful Christmas carols are always here with us.
Thank you Mrs. Roth,
 
Molly DeHart Henderson

February 23, 2014

My deep sympathy to Luther and family.  Jean was a great lady with a deep love and pride in her family and worked diligently to make this world a better place.  Now in heven she’ll be watching over and protecting all her loved ones.  May God bless you Jean and your family.
Joanne Yeager

Visitation
Saturday, March 15, 2014
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
First United Methodist Church.
121 N. George St
Millersville, PA 17551
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Services
Saturday, March 15, 2014
11:00 AM
First United Methodist Church
121 N. George St
Millersville, PA 17551
Map and Directions

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