Rollin Roth

Rollin "Rollie" A. Roth passed away on June 4, 2016, while at the Valley Inn of Mancos, due to complications from a subdural hematoma. Rollie was born in Broomfield, Colorado May 7, 1927 to Mathias and Natalie Roth.

He grew up on the family dairy farm, where he, his dad and two older brothers milked 58 cows by hand every day. Often as they were getting things cleaned up, the first cow out in the morning was showing back up at the barn in the afternoon. He quit school after the 8th grade and started working the farm full time. At the age of 18 he joined the US Navy, as World War II was drawing to an end, as a Sea Bee in the construction core. As he was preparing to head to Holland to help with the rebuilding effort, his oldest brother was released from a German POW camp after 27 months. Rollie was given the task to escort his brother Chuck back home. The war soon ended and he was sent to California finishing his enlistment serving as a cook.
While selling eggs in west Denver, he met Ella Marie Fick and they were later married in February 1947. Rollie worked as a mechanic for the Denver Tramway, and in 1955 joined the Colorado State Patrol serving in Golden. After two years he quit and bought a ranch in Hotchkiss, CO. Lack of health insurance led him to rejoin the State Patrol and he moved to Durango in 1957. He later transferred to Bayfield when that duty station was created in 1964. Rollie retired from the State Patrol in 1983, and was later elected as a La Plata County Commissioner in 1984. After that term ended he worked for the La Plata County Sheriff’s office transporting prisoners across the state. He retired from the LPSO to his small ranch in Bayfield raising hay, miniature burros, chickens and fainting goats, to name a few.

Rollie loved all animals, trees and plants, but mostly he loved people. Always willing to help and offer a hand when needed. He always tried to treat people the way he wanted to be treated.

Rollie is survived by two sons: Gary (Joanne) Roth Elizabeth of Colorado and Greg (Sharon) Roth of Bayfield; 1 brother and 2 sisters; 3 grandchildren: Christopher (Heather) Roth of Fort Collins, Tanya (Keith) Lawyer of Ignacio and Gentry (Michelle) Roth of Littleton and 3 great grandchildren: Rollin C. Roth, Ulani Roth and Wyatt Roth.

Rollie was a long standing member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, due to scheduling, the 7th Day Adventist graciously offered their facility for services on July 22, 2016 at 10 a.m., which is located at 1775 Florida Road, Durango. After services at the 7th Day Adventist, a procession will go to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave., where Rollie's ashes will be placed in the columbarium and a reception will take place in St. Mark's Parrish Hall. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in his honor.