Robert L. "Bob" Root

Robert "Bob" Lee Root (93) of Independence, Missouri, went home to be with Jesus July 26, 2025 with family at his side. Bob was born June 5, 1932 in Topeka, Kansas to William Edward and Delma Edna (Mix) Root.
Bob married Lizzie M (Hoff) Sooter and they had one daughter, Patricia Louise. However, Bob took Liz's previous children: Gary E Sooter (US Marine Corps, killed in Vietnam 1966), Marjorie Sooter, and Francis Sooter, and raised them as his own. Bob and Liz were married 59 years when Liz passed away in 2022.
Bob dropped out of high school in his senior year and joined the Navy in 1951, serving in the Korean War aboard the USS Delta and the USS Hawkins. Bob received his high school diploma in May 2018 in recognition of his military service.
In his later years, Bob and Liz founded A1 Roofing Company and it became a successful business in the Kansas City area. Bob was a handyman carpenter and built their home in 1963 where the family resides. Bob constructed a large wooden open Bible displayed outside the Susquehanna Assembly of God church in Independence. That sign remained for many years as a witness to the neighborhood and those who drove past.
Bob surrendered his life to Christ in 1964 and reaped the blessing of seeing his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren live and serve Christ. Bob loved working with boys for over 50 years through the Assemblies of God Royal Ranger program. He won the respect of many men throughout the Southern Missouri District, as well as the A/G National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Liz; parents; and four siblings Helen, Lois, Bill, and Joseph. Bob also leaves behind three daughters: Patricia Root Bonilla of Independence, MO, Marjorie (Scott) Garner of Republic, MO, Francis (Ray) Irwin of Harrisonville, MO. Eight grandchildren: Jasmine Bonilla of Independence, MO, Jeff Bonilla of Independence, MO, Sondra (Robert) Peck, Sarah (John) Ivaska, Susan (Charles) Ellsworth, Matthew (Cassandra) Irwin, Christopher Irwin, and Frank Irwin. Nine great-grandchildren Olivia Bonilla, Joshua (Hannah) Peck, Bethany (John) Garcia, Courtney Ivaska, Sarah Elizabeth Ivaska, Jordan Ellsworth, Danielle Ellsworth, Elijah Irwin, and Andrew Irwin; six great-great grandchildren, Bryce Peck, Colton Peck, Remi Peck, Riley Peck, Elliana Garcia, and Emersyn Garcia. Bob also leaves behind a brother, Jim Root of Springfield, MO and a sister Kathleen Montgomery of Texas, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral arrangements are provided by Royer's New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, Mo. Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 2, with We Celebrate You at 2:00 pm. Interment at New Salem Cemetery with military honors recognizing Robert L. Root for his commitment, courage, and sacrifice made during the Korean War.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer's New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600