Luther Harry Roth, 91

December 08, 2017

Luther Harry Roth – beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend – died Friday, December 8, 2017 at Brethren Village. He was 91.

Luther was the husband of the late Jean Wilson Roth, the love of his life, who he met on a blind date arranged by his brother Buddy. Luther and Jean were married for 63 years.

A long-time resident of Millersville, Luther was a modest, ethical and loving person, devoted to his family, church and work.

Luther loved problem-solving and teaching himself new skills, especially hands-on, practical ones that he could put to use for the benefit of his family, friends and church. When someone needed a hand with a home improvement, car repair or other project, Luther and his toolbox were a frequent, welcome sight.

Jean often came up with ambitious ideas, like adding a back porch to their house, or converting an attic into bedrooms, knowing that she could rely on Luther to figure out how to do them.

Being outdoors was a delight for Luther. As a boy, his family enjoyed camping. When Luther became a father, he and Jean took their family on yearly camping trips. Luther taught his children to appreciate nature and the comforting calm it provides. He liked gardening, traveling and walking too.

Luther was a calm, gentle and kind father, who made it a priority to spend time with his children, teaching them skills and values with great patience.

In a family full of conversationalists, Luther often was the attentive listener. But he could be counted on to interject a quick-witted comment.
Luther was born on May 18, 1926 in Wilkes-Barre, the son of the late Frank Herman Roth Sr. and Caroline D. Schmalzriedt Roth.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving for two years, spending time on a cargo ship that went around the world.
After being discharged, Luther attended Bloomsburg College on the GI Bill, graduating with a degree in secondary education so he could become a teacher. He and Jean married in 1950.
The young couple lived briefly in York County, where Luther found a job teaching high-school math. When Luther got a job at Hamilton Watch in 1951, to work on the development of its self-winding watch and other R&D projects, they moved to an apartment in Lancaster city.

In 1952, the couple bought a house in Millersville, living there for 60 years. They also joined First United Methodist Church in Millersville, when Jean took a job there as church organist. Both served the church in numerous volunteer roles.

Luther taught adult Sunday School for many years, served as a trustee and sang tenor in the church choir. In addition, he and Jean did countless projects for the church, from remodeling the church chapel, to making and hanging banners and wreaths. Luther made emergency repairs to the organ on occasion too, including once on the day of a friend’s wedding. The service started while Luther was still behind the organ at the front of the church. He stayed there, tucked out of sight, for the whole service.

Luther also was active in Meals on Wheels of Millersville, serving for a time as president of its board. He delivered meals as well for more than 20 years.

Professionally, Luther joined RCA (now the site of the Burle Business Park) in 1956. As an engineering technician, he worked on picture tubes for cameras that were aboard NASA’s Ranger missions to the moon in the 1960s. Luther worked at RCA for 31 years.
Luther is survived by four children: Barry Roth, husband of Annette Tonell, of Placitas, New Mexico; Deb Bierly, wife of Randy Bierly, of Shillington; Alison Mekeel, wife of Tim Mekeel, of Lancaster; and Becky Jones, wife of Cliff Jones, of Joppa, Maryland.
Luther is also survived by four grandchildren: Karl Bierly, husband of Pamela Bierly, of Leola; David Bierly, husband of Sarah Bierly, of Glenside; Laura Bierly, wife of Capt. Joshua Dietrich (USAF), of Lawton, Oklahoma; and Colin Mekeel, of Lancaster.

In addition, Luther is survived by a great-granddaughter, Leanne Bierly, of Leola.

Luther also is survived by a brother, Carol Roth, of Norway, Maine. He was predeceased by his sister, Charlotte Patterson, and brothers Frank “Buddy” Roth and Marvin Roth.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. at the First Campus of Millersville Community Church (formerly First United Methodist Church), 121 N. George St., Millersville, on Saturday, Dec. 16. Friends will be received beginning at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, https://donatenow.heart.org or Philhaven’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, www.wellspanphilhaven.org/donate/donate-now