Roth, Russell Lee (1935-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Dec 19 p. 3

Birth date: 1935 Aug 23

text of obituary:

Young Farmer Killed In Tractor Accident

SERVICES FOR RUSSELL LEE ROTH HELD AT WAYLAND, IOWA

Wayland, Iowa. — Funeral services for Russell Lee Roth, young farmer who was fatally injured when pinned under his overturned tractor, were held Sunday afternoon, Dec. 8, at the Wayland Mennonite Church, Rev. Vernon Gerig and Rev. Loris A. Habegger officiated.

The young man was using the tractor to haul into a ravine when it slipped on frozen ground and overturned.

Russell was born near here Aug. 23,1935, and was a graduate of local schools. On Oct. 19, 1957, he was married to Janice Kauffman, who survives with the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence E. Roth,one sister and two brothers, and the grandmothers, Mrs. Lavina Meyer and Mrs. Lydia Roth.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Dec 26 p. 10

text of obituary:

RUSSELL LEE ROTH

Russell Lee Roth, son of Clarence E. and Mabel (Meyer) Roth was instantly killed in a tragic accident on the Harold Kauffman farm north of Wayland, Iowa shortly after the noon hour on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 5,1957. He had taken a tractor and a load of trash to a ravine in the timber tract on the farm when the ground crumbled beneath the weight of the tractor. The overturning vehicle threw Russell into the ravine and then fell on him.

Russell was born at the home of his parents on the farm located in Henry County east of Wayland on August 23, 1935. He received his education in the schools of this vicinity. During his high school career he was one of Wayland's outstanding basketball players; at the same time he was an outstanding school citizen and student.

He always had a great love for the out-of-doors and the farm. After high school graduation he worked for his mother and others in the community, to a large degree at farming tasks. In February 1955 he was inducted into the United States Army where he served as cook and baker until his discharge in January, 1957. Since October 1 of this year he and his brother-in-law Ed Wagler, had operated and managed the farm on which he met death.

On Dec. 14, 1947, Russell publicly confessed Christ as his Saviour and upon baptism was received into membership in the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church. On Jan. 30, 1955, he transferred his membership to the Wayland Mennonite Church and remained a faithful attendant and member there until his tragic death.

A little over six weeks ago, on October 19, 1957, he was united in marriage with Janice Kauffman. The couple shared in joyful anticipation the establishment of their own Christian home. During this brief period they resided in Wayland.

He is survived by his sorrowing wife, Mrs. Janice Roth, Wayland; his parents; two brothers, Clarence E. of Mt. Pleasant and Max of Wayland; a sister, Mrs. Evelyn Garrett, Wayland; two grandmothers, Mrs. Lavina Meyer and Mrs. Lydia Roth, Wayland and the family of his wife. All are saddened by the sudden removal of Russell from their circle of friendship.