Donna L. Roth

Donna L. Roth was born in 1929 in Nelsonville, Ohio to Donald and Louise Kontner. During her early childhood due to seasonal railroad layoffs, her family moved back and forth between Walbridge and Nelsonville, before eventually settling in Walbridge. At age 12, Donna met Richard E. Roth and her love for him lasted a lifetime. Donna graduated from Walbridge High School in 1946 and was the last surviving member of her 12-person class, which connected her to a special chapter of her life and community. She was a witty, strong, and independent woman with a wonderful sense of humor and a playful streak. Donna loved her four children unconditionally, and took great pride in her family. Donna worked about 20 years as a group leader at National Family Opinion, taking pride in her work and responsibilities. Following her retirement, she joined her children at Roth Insurance Agency, where she continued working at the duties entrusted to her, and loved being part of the family business and sharing the day with the “kids” who worked with her. In 1965, Donna and Richard built the home where she lived for almost 60 years. She loved that home and the neighbors she came to know. Donna was a lifelong bowler. She even bowled in a summer league with three of her grandchildren on a team called Win Some, Lose Most. She also loved a bit of excitement and never passed up a good raffle, fundraiser, or the chance to try her luck. Some of her happiest memories were the trips her children treated her to in Las Vegas where she enjoyed breakfast, headed straight to the penny machines, and spent the day doing exactly what she loved, skipping lunch. Just keep the black coffee coming! Those trips brought her, and her family, so much fun and laughs. Donna was a devoted fan of the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Red Wings, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. She also loved a good mystery and never met one she didn’t love. Donna was a member of the Church of St. Andrew, where she formed many close and lasting friendships. Pastor Myron M. Kottke shepherded her in faith and survives her. Although Donna attended church less frequently in her later years, her faith remained an important part of her life. She believed in living the faith Christ taught, expressing it through her love for her family, her kindness toward others, and the way she lived each day. Donna had a very dedicated card ministry, remembering birthdays, anniversaries, births, deaths and special accomplishments by friends and those she barely knew. She found joy in other people’s lives and made it known. The door of her house was always open. Many holiday meals were shared with those who were alone, extended family of her in laws or friends new to our country. A life long Republican, Donna loved America and was a patriot of the first order with special respect for our veterans. Donna is survived by her children, Lynn Roth Fouts (Tim Fouts), Richard M. Roth (Sue), R. Jay Roth (Jennifer), and Ellen L. Woodruff (Bill). Her grandchildren, the Bigs, the Littles, and the Babies, knew her as Gaga. She was blessed with nine grandchildren: Leigh Johnson (Wes), Josephine Fouts, Michael Fouts (Samantha), Robert Roth (Margaret), Erika Roth, Kathryn Matus (Nolan), Alexandria Roth, Georgia Woodruff, and Steven Woodruff. Her great-grandchildren are Bobby, Theresa and Philomena Roth, Evelyn Johnson, and Dorian Fouts. She was preceded in death by Richard E. Roth, her parents Donald and Louise, Jane M. Roth, and her twin grandsons, Robert Donald Fouts and Paul Mitchell Fouts and beloved aunt Thelma Phillips. Donna’s life was filled with family, friendships, laughter, faith, and the many little pleasures that made her happy. She leaves behind a family who loved her dearly, and memories that will continue to bring smiles and laughter with so many great stories shared over and over. Visitation for Donna will be held Friday, November 13th, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Walter Funeral Home on Glendale Avenue in Toledo. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 14th, 2026, officiated by Monsignor William Kubacki. A special thank you goes to Donna’s friends at Memory Lane, where she spent a year receiving daily care, and to the caregivers and therapy team at V.I.P. Therapy. We are also deeply grateful to the compassionate staff at StoryPoint Care Center, where Donna lived for the past 15 months. Our family will always be grateful for the tender, loving, and compassionate care they provided. Words cannot fully express our gratitude for the kindness and love they showed Donna.