Barbara Roth

1916 - 2016

Barbara Roth, birder, animal lover, chemist and role model departed this earthly life on February 6, 2016 after 99 years. Her long and productive life ended peacefully at the Carolina Meadows Retirement Community in Chapel Hill, NC. Her accomplishments and influences stand as mute testimony to a life well spent.

Born on June 9, 1916 in Milwaukee, WI, she was the only child of Nellie May Farr and John William Frederick Roth, III. Her grandfather served as pastor of the Cedar Grove Presbyterian Church in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin from 1890-1916.

As a young adult, Barbara earned an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Beloit College in Beloit, WI and later master and doctorate degrees in organic chemistry from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. She has had a room named in her honor in the Center for the Sciences at Beloit College.

Dr. Roth began her professional career as a research chemist in 1941 with American Cyanamid Company, Bound Brook, NJ. After 10 years there and 4 years with The Gillette Co., Chicago, IL, she joined Burroughs Wellcome Co., Tuckahoe, NY, in 1955 as a Senior Research Chemist. In 1970, when Burroughs Wellcome (now Glaxo, Smith, Kline) moved its entire research department to Research Triangle Park, NC, Dr. Roth was promoted to Group Leader in Medicinal Organic Chemistry, and served as Head of Dihydrofolate Reductase Research for The Burroughs Wellcome laboratories in England and the USA until her retirement in 1986 at the age of 70. Additionally she held appointments as an Adjunct Professor at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, in the Departments of Pharmacology and Chemistry. Dr. Roth was the author of 68 research papers and abstracts, held 38 patents world-wide, and in 1964 was elected a fellow of The American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Despite her admirable contributions to the field of chemistry, it was Barbara Roth's work and devotion to birding that will be her lasting legacy in the piedmont of North Carolina. Barbara founded the New Hope Chapter of the Audubon Society and established the Jordan Lake Circle for Audubon Christmas and spring bird counts. She taught numerous courses and classes on birding, and influenced scores of fledgling birders. She earned the title of 'Conservationist of the Year' in 1997 by the New Hope Audubon Society for her outstanding work in the field of conservation. She was also awarded the 'Great Egret Award' as the founder of the New Hope Audubon Society for her cause of conservation and dedication to birding.

Her interest in local history led to her research of early University of North Carolina landowners as well as genealogy of early Chatham County families. She was a devoted and eccentric animal lover as well as a traveler to and admirer of foreign cultures.

Barbara is survived by family and extended family members, Paul and Anne Koeppe, Lee and Linda VandeWall, Penelope Farr Martinak, Grace Meister, Mary and Marlin Tanck; her Holland family Anja and Andre Stolk-Roth, and her adopted North Carolina families of Ann Erickson and Betty King.

She led a full and rich life, and stands as a role model for hard work, perseverance and independence to many who will follow. She will be missed.

A funeral to celebrate Barbara's life will take place at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Monday, February 15, 2016 at 3 pm.

Burial will take place at Presbyterian Cemetery in the Town of Holland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to the National Audubon Society, 225 Varick St, New York, NY 10014.

For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com