Rita Roth

Rita Emma Steinkamp Roth was born in Carroll, Iowa on December 9, 1938, to John and Susan Steinkamp of Breda. She was one of 14 children. Rita married David E. Roth on August 2, 1958, and they raised five children.

Rita learned at an early age how to show hospitality to others. As such, Rita and Dave taught their children how to be gracious hosts; welcoming guests with a smile, a laugh, and something to drink.

Throughout their marriage, work took them to various locations in Iowa. They settled in Fort Dodge, where they raised their children and were active members of Corpus Christi Parish. After their children grew up, they moved to Colorado where they worked for 17 years. Over that time, grandchildren were born. Even over the miles, Rita and Dave made sure their grandchildren knew them. Since phone calls were the best form of communication then, all the grandbabies knew how to carry on conversations over the phone by the time they were 2 years old. Many happy vacations were spent in Castle Rock, Colorado while visiting Grandma and Grandpa Roth.

Wherever they lived, Rita and Dave always recognized a neighbor in need and were the first to help. Lifelong friendships were formed through their good works.

Rita was an excellent cook. Her beef and pork roast meals were highly anticipated, as well as her world-famous potato salad. Rita was an avid and sharp card player. She knew many card games and often could not be beat. She taught all her grandchildren and several of her great grandchildren the love of card playing, starting with Pass the Ace and Kings in the Corner, which she played up until her final days.

Left to celebrate and remember her are her children Tim and Nadine Roth, Bettendorf; Terri and Tim Burke, Papillion, NE; Sandy and Mike Harvey, Fort Dodge; Jane and Denny Baker, Madrid; and Patti and John Nilles, Ankeny. Thirteen grandchildren and their spouses, 42 great grandchildren. Her sister Lois and many friends and family.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Dave Roth, her parents and 12 of her siblings and their spouses.

Rita will be remembered as a wife and mother whose greatest gift was her family.

Print