Mervin L. Roth, 63 of Ankeny, Iowa, formally of the Wayland area, died Tuesday evening, October 16, 2007 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
Funeral Services have been set for 10:30 AM Saturday, October 20, 2007 at the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church with Pastor Ron Marsiglio and Pastor Nathan Luitjens officiating. Burial will be in the Sugar Creek Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 3:00 PM Friday at the Beatty Funeral Home in Washington with family receiving friends from 5:30-7:30 PM. Memorials in the name of Mervin L. Roth may be designated to the Teen Challenge of the Midlands or Metro Assembly of God Church.
Mervin was born July 10, 1944 in Wayland, Iowa the son of Clarence C. and Katie (Widmer) Roth. He graduated from Olds High School in 1962 and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Goshen College.
Mervin was a member of the Metro Assembly of God Church in Des Moines. He was the Executive Director of Iowa Protection and Advocacy Services and was instrumental in the creation of the American with Disabilities Act. He was a well-respected voice on behalf of persons with disabilities at the state and national levels. He enjoyed Bible study, music, woodworking, barbecuing, working in the yard, and especially spending time with family.
Survivors include daughters Brenda Stusma and husband Mark of Omaha, NE and Cori Swartz and husband Todd of Prior Lake MN; brothers, Daniel Roth and wife Donna of Lincoln, NE, Roger Roth and wife Joanne of Washington, IA and Loren Roth and wife Julie of South Bend, IN; sister-in-law Carol Nielsen and husband Jack of Port Aransas, TX and three grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Clarence Jr.