Audrey Roth

Audrey Louvaine (Pederson) Roth was born April 19, 1927, in Bird Island, MN, to William and Anna (Zupke) Pederson and had an older sister, Elaine. Audrey was baptized and confirmed at Elim Moravian Church east of Bird Island. She graduated from high school in Bird Island in June of 1945 and was very interested in music and business classes. Her father, William, passed away after Audrey’s graduation, so she clerked in a local grocery store prior to working at the bank in Bird Island for 13 years, where she worked her way from bookkeeper, to teller, to assistant cashier.

In 1958, Audrey met Merlin Roth through family friends, and they were married on September 2, 1960. She then moved to Alexandria where Merlin farmed. Audrey became Merlin’s helpmate, feeding countless hired hands and family members during planting and harvest. She tended to a large garden and preserved much of the food for the family. She also cared for her mother, Anna, who came to live with the family.

In 1964, their daughter Lona was born. Audrey was a devoted mother, encouraging Lona’s love of music and reading, attending her concerts and other events and supporting her in her career as a teacher. Audrey will be remembered for her work ethic, her forthrightness, her humility, her love of her family and her dogs (especially her granddog, Molly), and the ability to play piano and organ by ear.

Audrey passed away on September 8, 2021, at Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria at the age of 94, following a courageous battle with cancer.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin; parents, William and Anna; her sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Wes, and her nephew, Paul Roth. Audrey is survived by her daughter, Lona (Craig) Neubarth; niece, Clare (Eddie) Renoux; nephew, Brad (Wendy) Wulkan; and niece, Marie (Jesse) Graybear, Sr. and their respective families.

Many thanks to the caring staff of Bethany on the Lake and St. Croix Hospice.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.  Visitation will be held 4-6 PM on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

A live stream and recording of the service will be available 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, on the funeral home website.