Vernon Henry Roth, passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Hospice of Defiance, Ohio at the age of 89. Vernon was born on May 22, 1926 at the family home in rural Stryker to John N. and Eliza (Reichhardt) Roth.

On June 25, 1946, he married Ruth Hall of Fayette, Ohio and she survives. Also surviving are children: Barbara (James) Tanner, Quincy, Michigan; Karen (Roger) Nafziger of Archbold; Laura (Charles) Nafziger, Ron (Char) Roth, Donna (Terry) King, Connie (Kurt) Nofziger, Rick (Deb) Roth, all of Pettisville; Sandy (Mike) Short of Stryker and son in law, Richard (Brenda) Nafziger of Defiance, 22 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Helen Meck of Pettisville and Clemma Stuckey of Archbold.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Joanne (Richard) Nafziger; granddaughter, Cynthia Kay Nafziger; brother, Edwin Roth and brothers in law, Howard Meck and Donald Stuckey.

Vernon was raised in the church and accepted Christ and was baptized as a youth. He was a member of Central Mennonite Church of Archbold, where he served as a trustee for several years.   He began school by attending the Hickory Grove Country School at age 4, later attending Stryker Schools and then moving to Pettisville School district for 7th grade. He graduated from Pettisville in the class of 1943. Vernon was a full-time farmer and in the winter months worked at the Archbold Ladder Factory, eventually working at the factory full time and farming part-time. He worked at Sauder Woodworking for a number of years. In December of 1974, he and Ruth moved from the farm to a new home just south of Pettisville and acquired the Vogelsanger Orchards. Together they cared for a variety of fruit trees, sold produce and homemade apple cider. He enjoyed woodworking and made many items for area fundraising events as well as gifts for family and friends. Ready to slow down, they sold the home and orchard and moved to a new home just north of Pettisville. Vernon took a part time job with Unity Water in Wauseon, retiring at the age of 84.

A special trip that Vernon and Ruth were able to experience was a 7-Country visit to Europe in 1993, to celebrate 47 years of marriage.

In September of 2014, Vernon and Ruth moved out of Pettisville School district for the first time in 68 years, relocating to a home in Archbold.

Visitation will be held at Central Mennonite Church, Archbold on Friday, February 5 from 2-8 in the fellowship hall. Graveside service will be at Pettisville Cemetery on Saturday, February 6 at 9:30, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 at Central Mennonite Church. A fellowship meal will follow the service. Memorial gifts can be given to CHP Hospice or the charity of donor's choice.