ERNEST A. ‘ERNIE’ ROTH
October 11, 1942 — April 10, 2021
Lodi, California - Ernie Roth, aged 78, died peacefully at home on April 10 with his wife of 25 years, Bobbie, by his side.
Ernest Anthony Roth was born on October 11, 1942, in Gary, IN, to Ernest A. and Mariann Roth. He grew up in Hammond, IN, and graduated from Bishop Noll High School in 1960. He enlisted in the US Air Force and served honorably until 1968 as a “survival specialist” in Nevada. He always said every USAF pilot who went to Vietnam had to go through training with him.
He married Patty Murray in 1964 and they were blessed with one son, Eric Anthony Roth, in 1969. In 1994, after both of their first marriages had ended, Ernie met Bobbie (née Bulza). They were married January 1, 1996.
He retired from Amoco Oil Refinery in Whiting, IN, 1999 after 29 years of service, and Ernie and Bobbie moved to Lodi, CA, where Bobbie’s mother and sisters were living. He loved the climate, which allowed him to enjoy his love of gardening and to have a koi pond. He also began a hobby of model railroading, in which he built many beautiful layouts and also made several good friends, most notably Tom LaFountain, who remained close to him throughout his final ordeal.
He was lovingly cared for in his final days by numerous caregivers from Home Instead, and nursed from Hospice of San Joaquin. Per Ernie’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. His cremated remains will be sent to Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Crown Point, IN, to be interred in the Veterans’ Garden at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of San Joaquin.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his dear sister, Carol Keilman. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie; son, Eric (Gina) Roth; stepchildren, Erica (Aaron) Yakovetz and Rick Schultz; grandson, Jakob Roth; step-grandchildren, Brianna (Kyle) Marshall, Alex Jewell, Eva Schultz and Aria Yakovetz; greatgrandchildren, Brailynn and Issac Jewell and Thomas Marshall; and numerous cousins.
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