Jean Starker Roth

On March 27th, Jean Starker Roth passed from this world at her home after living a full and wonderful life. Jean was born in Portland Oregon to Thurman “TJ” and Margaret Starker. She had a brother Bruce, who preceded her in death. The family moved to Corvallis when Jean was two and except for a few years of living in Portland after her marriage to Kermit Roth, has resided in Corvallis all her life. She graduated from Oregon State College with a degree in Home Economics and stayed involved in the field in one way or another all her life. Before being married, she was a home demonstration agent for Lane and Clatsop County and also was a war food assistant for Camp Adair. She also taught Home Economics at McKenzie High School in Blue River Oregon. She judged many 4-H projects over the course of her life both in sewing and cooking competitions. This was her passion. She was a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi National Honor Society for Extension. Jean was an accomplished cook and seamstress and entertained with grace and amazing hospitality. One time Kathy Ringo and Jean actually cooked for James Beard. She knit beautifully and made many treasured afghans for her family. Kermit and Jean had a lifelong love for each other. They were married 30 years until Kermit died unexpectedly and far too soon. Jean went on to carry out her many business activities and civic leadership activities with courage and zeal. She was an accomplished business woman and a generous philanthropist. She was an original member of the Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary and was made an honorary Trustee of Good Samaritan when Kermit died. She volunteered in many capacities with 4-H and was actively involved in their programs. Jean was so friendly with everyone that she became instrumental in the fundraising campaigns for the remodeling of the Emergency Room, the Heart Center and Cancer and the Mario Pastega House. She had a commitment to help others and she wanted to make sure they got good care here, where they lived. She served on an advisory committee for the school of Health and Human Sciences and was instrumental in the funding and building of the Bates Family Studies Center. Families and healthy habits were important to her and she spent her life teaching those habits to others. Other activities included being on the Alumni Association Board for OSU, working with the OSU Library and being on the board of the Benton County Museum. She organized and planned the Kermit E Roth gateway park that welcomes all to Corvallis as they cross over the bridge into the city. In 2000 Jean was awarded the most honorable member of the OSU president’s club and the E.B. Lemon Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001. She was a member of the 4-H century club from 2006 until the present. She was a beaver thru and thru. She attended most all the home football and basketball games since the age of two and was just recognized by Benny Beaver for that achievement. She would often travel with the teams to lend her support and was their most avid fan. Jean was a very classy lady yet she knew how to have fun. She loved to laugh and was equally at home at a formal dinner or with a fishing rod in her hand. She loved boat rides, the flowers in her yard and most of all dessert. We children are glad she is finally with her beloved husband and resting well after a very full life. Jean is survived by her four children, Kenneth (Pam Culley-McCullough) of Vista, CA, Kreg (Judy) Bend, OR, Kathy Clifford (Meade),Portland, OR, Kim (Walt) Corvallis, OR. She has ten grandchildren ,Derrick and Daniel Roth, Tracy Beckwith and McKenzie Mendel, Brent, Collin and Grant Clifford, Jennifer, Kristen and Scott Griffiths. She also has eight great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Lasells Stewart Center 875 SW 26th Street Corvallis 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2015. Contributions to Jean’s memory may be made to Good Samaritan Hospital, Oregon State University College of Health and Human Sciences, 4-H, or Benton County Foundation. Please share your thoughts and memories for the family at www.demossdurdan.com

Jean Starker Roth

February 17, 1920 - March 27, 2015