Irene M. Roths

is honored with a Brick from the Children of Irene M. Roths.

Irene M. Roths was many things in her life: daughter, sister, wife, friend. But to us, she was Mom. Our Mom.

Mom took care of eight children. She loved us all and made each of us feel special. Those of us who were the "older" kids remember the little farmhouse with no running water and the pump in the kitchen. It was hard work for Mom to keep us and our clothes clean but she got the job done!

Holidays and birthdays were special to Mom, and she made them special for us. On Christmas morning, Santa left a gift for each of us at our place at the table. On our birthdays, we had our choice of a birthday cake "flavor." The cake would often be placed on the crystal cake stand that Mom and Dad had received as a wedding gift.

Mom had a sweet tooth, and she loved to share it with us. My special memories include cinnamon rolls every Saturday and homemade fudge on many Sunday afternoons. We popped popcorn in a metal container with a crank handle. And how about "Essie's" cobbler made with tart cherries?

Mom developed Parkinson's Disease when she was still quite young. So her grandchildren were not able to know her as the woman with snapping brown eyes who made turkey dressing with cinnamon and raisins, took us to catechism each week, and gave a mean "summer" haircut, But I hope that we're able to pass on those values that she and Dad taught us: responsibility, caring for others, appreciation of education and knowledge.

And a love for fudge.

Irene Mildred Winter Roths: Born April 22, 1924 to John and Barbara Winter in Andale, KS. Married Francis "Tubby" Roths on August 19, 1947. Their children are: Donna, Clyde "Butch," Dennis, Glen, Shirley, Sharon, Donald, and Bernard. Irene passed away on December 26, 1995.

Submitted by Glen R. Roths

September 16, 1998