Phillip Wayne Roth

Phillip Wayne Roth, 74, died February 3, 2022 at Community East Hospital from complications of congestive heart failure and emphysema. Phil was born as a twin July 11, 1947, in Carlisle, PA, to W. Mark and Madeline (Wolfe) Roth. Phil loved people and made them feel at ease. The consummate host, he gladly shared his homemade bread and cakes with neighbors, friends and acquaintances. Phil graduated from Boiling Springs, PA, High School in 1965. He received a BS in teaching from Kutztown State College (now University) in 1975, graduating with high honors. Later Phil studied conversational Spanish through the University of San Francisco. Then he earned a masters degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL. In 1976 he moved to Indianapolis, IN, and worked for the Indiana State Department of Education, evaluating grade-level State standards for ESL. After retirement, Phil worked at JoAnn Fabrics for a number of years, delighting customers with his inquisitive conversations and sense of humor. In 1999, Phil met his partner Jim Rang, who survives. They enjoyed eating different cuisines at local restaurants with friends, and relaxing at home watching old movies. Also surviving are his sister Anna M. Belser, Elizabethtown, PA; and three brothers: Eugene E. Roth, Carlisle, PA; Dale M. (Sandra) Roth, State College, PA; Paul W. Roth (Linda), Rockingham, VA; nieces Hannah Belser, Mechanicsburg, PA; Christine (Alex) McElwee, Manassas, VA; Janet Brown, Dauphin, PA; Amber Roth, Longmont, CO; and nephews: Andrew (Virginia) Belser, Tucson, AZ; Greg (Teresa) Roth, Liverpool, NY; Todd Roth, State College, PA; Nathan Roth, Rockingham, VA; Aaron (Giuliana) Roth, Harrisonburg, VA; and many grandnieces and grandnephews, and great grandnieces and great grandnephews. Family times were very special for Phil. He enjoyed playing Scrabble with his mother, and many board games with extended family, which frequently erupted in laughter that Phil instigated. Phil was the life of the party, spontaneously adding a comic remark that set off into another belly laugh. His family shall miss his wild and wonderful stories. His niece Amber remembers, “He rolled in with laughter and delight and brought each of us happiness.” In addition to his parents Phil was preceded in death by a brother Kenneth M. Roth; and brothers-in-law Vernon Belser, and Carl Back. Phil was an active member of North United Methodist Church in Indianapolis for many years. He volunteered as a receptionist to answer phone calls and greet visitors. Phil was fluent in Spanish and learned some Portuguese. These were helpful when he traveled to Nicaragua and Brazil, where served as last-minute interpreter someone in the hospital, including a meaningful prayer in Portuguese. Phil'scharming character and openness inspired many regardless of their native home or circumstances. He also joined a beloved Aunt Ruth on a peace tour of Eastern Europe. Phil and his twin brother Paul sang for several church and civic gatherings, often singing The Lord's Prayer in worship. In the 1970s a friend convinced Phil and Paul to sing a locally composed Mother of Twins song, which became the Pennsylvania State Chapter theme song. Later on, Phil's beautiful voice led him to join Jim in singing in the Indianapolis Gay Men's Chorus. He and Jim enjoyed the camaraderie with the members and the special concerts for many years. Recently Phil transferred his membership to join Jim at Irvington United Methodist Church on the east side of Indianapolis. Pastor Denise Robinson will conduct a memorial service at 30 N. Audubon Road, Indianapolis, IN, March 12 at 11 am. The service will be streamed on the church Facebook. Interment of cremains will be at Westminster Cemetery, 1159 Newville Road, Carlisle, PA 17013, at a later date. Memorials in Phil's honor may be made to Irvington United Methodist to support United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Feeney-Hornak Mortuary-Shadeland,1307 Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, is providing arrangements.