Ellen Marie Roth, 89, passed away on September 21, 2024 at a hospice center in Bradenton, Florida. She was born in February of 1935 in Levering, Michigan, the daughter of the late Elvin and Burmah Finkbeiner.
Ellen graduated from Mendon High School. Following high school, she graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education. She served as a 4th grade teacher at Portage Public Schools for 25 years where she was Teacher of the year and earned numerous other awards.
Married to Jerome Roth, they celebrated 40 years of marriage. They lived in Battle Creek, Michigan and they were snowbirds in Sarasota, Florida until they became full time residents of Bradenton, Florida in 2011.
While living in Michigan, Ellen was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek. She volunteered at Binder Park Zoo, President of Clown Alley #44, Habitat for Humanity, and American Red Cross serving on 21 disasters. In Florida, she continued with A.R.C., as well as volunteering at the Sailor and Sarasota Circuses, was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, serving on choir, and numerous other organizations.
She had a special gift for working with young children. Creativity came easy for her in many forms. She loved to paint, sing, play piano, the circus and to read. Entertaining friends and helping others meant the world to her. She had a passion for nature, gardening, and being outside. She loved showing family and friends the beauty of the state she lived in; always
having a newly discovered place to share. She took delight in her flower gardens where she carefully harvested flowers to press and create unique, beautiful greeting cards.
She loved her family and thoroughly enjoyed time spent with them. Ellen was survived by her husband, Jerome Roth. Her sons, Gary (Debra) Start and Larry (Penny) Start and her daughter, Connie (Jerry) Hepler. Her sister, Norma (Dave) Hills. Step-children Carol (Jim) Criswell, Chuck (Jhing) Roth, and Jim Roth. As well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters, Barbara and Betty.
A Celebration of Life will be held 1 PM Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Northminster Presbyterian Church. The burial will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by Brown and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, Florida 34209
