Bonnie Lou Roth

Bonnie Roth 92 of Swanton, Ohio transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home on April 2, 2023 while snow birding in Florida at her daughter Connie’s home. Being a snowbird is something Bonnie had been enjoying for the past 7 years each winter.
Bonnie was born in Toledo, Ohio to Art and Betty Barnes.  Bonnie grew up in Toledo and Swanton, Ohio.  Bonnie was introduced to Donald J Roth when she was young.  They were friends for years before getting married December 17, 1949.  They were married for 65 ½ years.  They were blessed with 6 wonderful children. The last two were twins and Don joked that they stopped having children when they started coming in pairs.

Bonnie worked as a young adult in Swanton at Harding’s Bakery, we believe that is where her sweet tooth developed.  Her sweet tooth continued the rest of her life.  As Bonnie aged and her appetite decreased, she always had room for dessert! Over the years, Bonnie worked at Don’s Superette, Brockoff’s Dry Goods and Johnston’s Fruit Farm.  Her main job was raising their 6 children in a Godly home. Whatever activity her children were involved in, whether a sporting event, 4-H meeting, band competition or children’s church program, Bonnie was in attendance to support her children.

Bonnie attended Brailey Union Church starting at a young age.  She was baptized in the Maumee River at approximately 10 years old. Bonnie raised all her children to love God.  Bonnie faithfully attended Brailey Union Church her whole life.  She served as the church treasurer for many years.  She was a Sunday school teacher, Bible school teacher and coordinated many potlucks and gatherings that involved food and serving in the church kitchen.  Bonnie also participated in the church choir and helped with many projects around the church and the church parsonage.

Bonnie and Don served the Lord together by volunteering at Camp Selah, a Christian Camp in Reading, MI.  During the summer, a week at Camp Selah was something all her children enjoyed.  Many of Bonnie’s grandchildren have attended a week at Camp Selah and the tradition continues with some of her great grandchildren still attending a week at camp.  Usually Bonnie was found working in the camp’s kitchen and Don was on the tractor moving the lawn. They also served alongside each other on various mission trips in the Appalachian area of Kentucky and in a Texas border town that ministered to people in Mexico.

Along with being active in her church, Bonnie was also involved in the Mother of Twins Club and the Delta Garden Club.  Bonnie often provided the flowers for the church on Sundays and took many floral arrangements to the Fulton County Fair.  Entering floral arrangements at the Fulton County Fair is a tradition that was carried on by her daughter, Connie until she moved to Florida.  The tradition is still carried on by her granddaughters, Mary Crosser and Lindsay Niedzwiecki.

Bonnie was a friend to all and was always ready to lend a hand or to make a meal. She loved to have people in her home, especially when groups or missionaries or special speakers came to Brailey Church.  She often hosted Sunday dinners for her adult children and their families. Her homemade bread and strawberry jam was a “hit” at any family get together. 

A favorite family tradition was started by Don and Bonnie and has been going on for over 50 years.  The annual trip to Neebish Island in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where up to 40 friends and family members gather at Neebish Island Resort for a week in July. The week is filled with quality family time. Games are played, puzzles are assembled, fish are caught and meals are shared. It’s the highlight of every summer.  

Bonnie is loved by her entire family and was the glue that held her brothers and sisters together, especially since her father died at a fairly young age.  Bonnie’s family of 6 children has grown to include 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren.  Christmas with her immediate family has grown to over 60 people and Bonnie always insisted on giving each person a Christmas gift.  

Bonnie will be missed by family and friends and friends that feel like family, but the memories we have created and the family traditions will continue on for years to come. Bonnie has left an amazing family legacy!  We know that when Bonnie entered Heaven she heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”  Surviving Bonnie are her 6 children, John (Kim) Roth, Tom (Pam) Roth, Ron (Barb) Roth, Connie (Jeff) Kovatch, Sharon (John) Niedzwiecki, Karen (Dan) Montgomery, 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren plus one on the way, sister, Janet Winterhalter, sister’s in law’s, Dorothy Vose, Carol Roth and Eloise Barnes, brother in law’s, Jerry Swafford and Ron Fredritz, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Preceding Bonnie in death were her loving husband:  Donald J Roth, her parents: Art and Betty Barnes, her brothers: Ronald and Kenneth Barnes, sisters: Lois Swafford and Linda Kazmaier.

Visitation will be held at Brailey Union Church 5571 County Road 3, Swanton, Ohio on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 10:30 – 11:30 AM with the Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11:30 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brailey Union Church, 5571 County Road 3, Swanton, Ohio 43558 or Camp Selah, 3600 Long Lake Road, Reading, MI 49274.

A private graveside service will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Neapolis, Ohio where Bonnie’s ashes will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Donald J Roth. Thank you to Weigel Funeral Home of Swanton, Ohio for assisting in the arrangements.