COLUMBUS
Bobby Joe Roth, 85, of Columbus went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, after a battle with cancer.
Joe was born January 23, 1938, in Crothersville, Indiana to Lester and Corene Roth. Joe attended Columbus High School where he met the love of his life, Orletta Greathouse. The two were married on September 29, 1957. Joe served eight years in the Indiana National Guard. He retired from Cummins Engine Company after 31 gratifying years. While employed at Cummins, Joe began his career as a Tool Maker. He then advanced to Tool Design and later to Supervisor over Facility Maintenance. Joe and Orletta moved to Rocky Mt., North Carolina where Joe was recruited to manage the Tool Room at the Cummins plant in Rocky Mt. After returning back home to Columbus, Joe worked at CMEP and was then contracted by RTW. Even into his retirement, Joe enjoyed problem solving and was often consulted by former coworkers for his logistical expertise.
Most importantly, Joe loved the Lord and served Him faithfully. He was an active member, deacon, and elder of East Columbus Christian Church. Joe also served on the Columbus Christian School Board of Directors and the School Building Campaign. Joe was a loyal supporter of Columbus Christian School. For over 25 years, Grandpa Joe (as many of the students called him) cheered on crusader athletics and kept the scorebook for the CCS varsity boys’ basketball team. Joe also served as golf coach at the school for 12 years.
With a quick wit and a warm spirit, Joe had a lively personality and was always eager to make others feel welcomed and valued. He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, avid fisherman, golfer and great problem solver.
Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. Monday, September 18, 2023 at East Columbus Christian Church, 3170 Indiana Ave., Columbus, IN 47201 with Ron Bridgewater and Mike Gillespie officiating. Calling hours will be from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, at the church and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
Joe’s legacy lives on through his wife of 66 years, Orletta Roth; sons Kevin (Beth) Roth and Steve (Beth) Roth of Columbus. Five grandsons; Ryan Roth, Kyle (Shelby) Roth, Derek (Jaimie) Roth, Nicholas (Samantha) Roth and Sean (Megan) Roth; Nine great grandchildren: Dean, Oliver, Harris, Porter, Jasper, Colton, Theodore, Danilynn and James; two brothers: Danny (Jane) Roth, Eddie (Donna) Roth; Sister-In-Law; Deloris Roth and several nephews and two nieces.
Memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to Columbus Christian School or Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana.
Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
