Robert Roether

Roether, Robert
passed away on 11-9-12. Robert Randall Roether, 88, passed away with his family at his side on Friday, Nov. 9, at the Good Samaritan Society in Prescott Valley. Bob was born on Aug. 8, 1924, in Pearce, Ariz., to Glenn and Lucille Roether. His family later moved to Phoenix, where Bob attended both Phoenix Union High School and Tempe High School, graduating in 1941. He then attended ASU for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1942. His four brothers served in various branches of the military during the war as well. In 1943, Bob married the love of his life, Betty Lou McCreight, whom he met when she worked at the first Harkins Theater in downtown Tempe and Bob was a "soda jerk" at a nearby drugstore. Their twin boys were born shortly before he left the military in 1945 and came home to Phoenix to work as a butcher. Another son was born in 1948, and by then Bob had committed to a life of ranching, running his ME Cattle Co. During this time, a daughter and another son joined the family. The family moved to Wickenburg in 1981. After getting out of the cattle business in 1986, Bob worked as a grading contractor until his retirement at age 80. For 30 years, Bob enjoyed being a lifetime member of the Wickenburg Elks Lodge, where he served as Exalted Ruler three different times. During his last few years, Bob dealt with the progression of Alzheimer's Disease with both a true cowboy's/cattleman's courage and the sense of humor for which he is fondly remembered. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Betty; his brother Hulyn Roether of Oregon; his sons Michael, Robert Jr., and Randall; his daughter Darcel Hepperle; 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and his son Melvin. A memorial service will be held at 11AM Saturday (Dec. 1) in Wickenburg at the First Presbyterian Church, 180 North Adams St., followed by a reception at the Elks Lodge, 122 North Frontier St. His family would like to extend the sincere gratitude and appreciation to the individuals at the Good Samaritan Society for taking such wonderful care of Bob during his last 18 months of life.