William F. "Willy" Roth

William F. Roth, who everyone knew as “Willy”, passed away on February 2, 2024 following a valiant battle with heart disease. He was born November 25, 1944, in Lyons, Kansas, the only son of William and Opal (Scales) Roth. Willy went thru life in such a way that everyone who knew him will always treasure the wonderful memories, as he had touched so many hearts. 

     Willy was raised and educated in Kansas and went on to honorably serve in the United States Air Force. During his tenure in the Vietnam Conflict, he worked as a helicopter mechanic. The military service instilled in him values of dedication and loyalty which he carried throughout his entire life. Willy had a successful career after his time in the Air Force, gaining employment at Enron, then later at Kinder-Morgan as a pipeline operator. 

    On February 26, 2000, Willy married the love of his life, Jacquie, in Las Vegas. They lived in Kansas until he retired, then they settled in Braceville, IL. After retirement, Willy enjoyed working at Ritchie Brothers Auction, and really enjoyed bowling. 

     Willy will always be remembered for his love of old cars and Coors Light, “Williokee”, his crazy costumes and hats, the creative ways he always made people laugh, and the joy he brought others. His family had asked others to describe him in one word. Funny, positive, exceptional, compassionate, witty, caring, loving, reliable, hilarious, dedicated, joking, creative, amazing, friend, special, entertaining and a joy were just some of those words. He was one of a kind, and will live on in the hearts of so many. Being an organ donor, his last gift he gave was to help others in need.  

      Willy is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jacquie; children: Paul (Krystl) Nicoletti of Gardner, IL, Bobbi (the late Allen) Kingman of Essex, IL, Jeff (Judy) Roth, Dan (Tammi) Roth all of Kansas, Casey Roth of Minnesota, Fred (Heather) Roth of Iowa; grandchildren: Michael (Kathleen) of Joliet, IL, Brandan Nicoletti of Gardner, IL, Jakob (Misty) Nicoletti of Braceville, IL, Kaci (Andrew) Metheney of Gardner, IL, Bethani Nicoletti of Gardner, IL, also Jordan, Briar, Gretchen, Ethan, Erica and Cain; great grandchildren: Braylyn, Weston, Briella, Blake, Tristan, Trevor (Savannah), Bekka, Lucas, Conner, Kendyll, Kyla, Dani and Dominic; great great grandson: Ryder; sisters: Sharon Reiger, Nyla (Mark) Gibbons, Carol Englehaupt, and Rhonda Glazier. 

     Willy was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Marilyn Davis, Phyllis Lewis, Kathi Elliot; son in law and friend; Allen Kingman. 

     Cremation rites have been accorded.

     The family would like to invite all of Willy’s family and friends to a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 203 Liberty Street, Gardner, IL on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 4:00-6:00pm. Please wear a loud, crazy print shirt in memory of him.  Willy will be laid to rest on February 17, 2024 in Gridley Cemetery in Gridley, Kansas. 

    Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Willy’s name to any animal shelter or rescue. 

     Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Willy’s memorial page online through social media.