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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Ashby, Roth Henry

ASHBY, Roth Henry Roth Henry Ashby, a career US Air Force Veteran, banker, beloved father, husband and friend passed away on Monday, July 27th due to complications from a heart attack.

Born in 1934 in Lorain, Ohio, Roth lived with his two older brothers, Marshall Jr. and Milton and parents, Marshall Sr. and Pecola Ashby until he joined the Air Force at the age of nineteen.

Roth served in both Korea and Vietnam.

He met his wife, Toyoko, in Tokyo while serving in Japan and the two were married in 1959.

His last assignments were at Fairchild and McCord Air Force bases.

He chose Spokane as his last assignment knowing it would be an excellent place for he and Toyoko to raise their two children, Terrie and Frank.

After retiring from the Air Force in1973, Roth worked in banking for Old National Bank and various credit bureau services.

With his wife, Roth was utterly devoted to his family, sometimes working two jobs to provide financial security.

Roth was a champion of education and was proud to attend every graduation for his children who both have earned doctorates.

Along with his two children, Roth is survived by his granddaughters: Rachel Scott and Jessica Scott; by his daughter-in-law, Rebecca Hartzler; and his companion, Marg Clow.

Roth liked to think of himself as a curmudgeon and was refreshingly irreverent.

More importantly all who knew him experienced him as supportive, generous, and loving.

He enjoyed teasing and being teased.

His family and many many friends will miss him dearly and are grateful to have known him.

The family would like to give special thanks to all of the doctors, nurses and staff at Deaconess Hospital and Hospice of Spokane who exceeded expectations and provided outstanding and compassionate care for Roth in the last days of his life.

Donations in Roth’s name may be made to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur, Spokane, WA, 509-456-0438, or www.hospiceofspokane.org.