Bernhardt "Ben" Roth SR

January 3, 1935 - December 29, 2019

A great loss occurred on December 29, 2019 when Bernhardt "Ben" Paul Roth Sr., passed away suddenly. A big man in both stature and presence, "Big Ben" was known for his hospitality and humor. If you visited his home in Oakland, TN, you were sure to have your glass, plate, and heart filled. Ben will forever be remembered for how openly he loved and the way he made you feel just as big as he was. Ben was born January 3, 1935 in Niagara Falls, NY to parents Herman and Martha Roth. He graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1952 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army. Sales came naturally to such a charismatic man, and he put that skill to use at Kimberly-Clark until his retirement in 1993. He married his devoted wife Mary Lou Roth on September 30, 1989 and the two shared many adventures together. Ben was an active member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church. He enjoyed cooking for friends, family, and his church, even if you insisted you weren't hungry. His small tidy print could be found daily on crossword puzzles and to-do lists on lined legal pads. Ever a hopeless romantic, you could often find Ben rewatching Sabrina or As Good As It Gets. A deep and measured voice made him a mesmerizing storyteller and he loved to recount tales of his younger years in a way that made you feel like you were part of the mischief. He was also a great listener and any troubles you shared became his own. Ben would offer any advice he could and would call on one of the many people who considered him a friend if the problem required additional expertise. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Ben was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Martha Roth and his former wife Constance Roth (nee Fermoile). He will be greatly missed by his wife Mary Lou Roth, sister Doreen Herbst (husband Robert), daughter Rebecca Murphy (husband Larry), son Bernhardt Paul Roth, Jr., grandchildren Jamie Shaw (husband Stuart), Livia Roth, Bernhardt L Roth, great grandchildren Sawyer Shaw and Adalyn Shaw, and by all other family and friends. A memorial service will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church on Saturday January 4, 2020 at 1:00 pm in Memphis, TN. Another service will be held in Niagara Falls, NY at a date and time to be determined.