Violet Ester Beebe Roth, hospital founder’s daughter
Violet Ester Beebe Roth, 93, of Howell, Mich., passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends Friday, Jan. 6, 2017.
Violet was born Dec. 3, 1923, in Lewes. Her parents were Dr. Richard C. Beebe, one of the founding brothers of Beebe Hospital, and Edna Cox Thomson Beebe. Violet was affectionately called Beeb by her family and friends. She attended Lewes School where she played clarinet in the marching band. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Maryland and earned a degree in sociology and psychology.
While in college she met the love of her life, George Sidney Roth of Detroit, Mich. They were married July 29, 1945, after George's return from a tour of duty in Italy. After George's discharge from the military, the couple moved to Michigan, and eventually settled in Livonia where they raised their three children. In 1990 they retired to Howell and built their dream house. There, Violet expressed her artistic creativity and excelled as a potter. She was a lifetime member of Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church and taught Sunday school for over 20 years. Violet was loved by all who met her. She will be sorely missed for her quick wit, kind nature, gentle heart, dry sense of humor and good counsel.
Violet was preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years, George S. Roth; her eldest sister Estella Beebe Frazer; and her grandson, Sgt. David Beebe Roth.
She is survived by her sister, Anna Beebe Moore of Lewes; her children, Alan White Roth (Ellen Fontana), Cathy Stein Roth (Russel Foster), and Peter Thomson Roth (Cindy Roth). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeffrey Roth, Scott Roth (Lindsey Roth), Michael Roth (Nicole Roth) and Kristen Paulson (Brian Paulson); her great-grandchildren, Samantha Lynn Roth, Elliana Violet Roth, Emmalyn Ann Roth and Olin Paulson; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service has been scheduled for June 3 at 11 a.m. at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church, Livonia, Mich. All are invited to attend and celebrate the life and times of this remarkable woman.
