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I gave this eulogy at a memorial for long time Jesup business teacher Pat Roths in April 2008. Cancer stold a wonderful woman.

I can hear Ms. Roths now;

“Standup straight Gillespie”

“Awe Gillespie don’t be a weenie and stop fidgeting”

“Get rid of your gum.”

“Make eye contact with your audience.”

“Speak slowly and annunciate so people can understand you.”

Well my dear friend Roths, do not worry, I will sing your praises.


Mr. Chamberlin and I talked to Ms. Roths shortly after she came back to New Hampton from Rochester and she told us she wanted to come back to Jesup one more time. Welcome home Pat.


Eulogy For Pat Roths
By Jim Gillespie
April 17, 2008

Our Dear Pat, It is almost impossible to speak of you in the past tense. I cannot accept that all of us – Family, friends, students, and faculty are standing here mourning you. I cannot accept the fact that an abominable plague called cancer put an end to your life’s work, and cut short your energy and your strength. You were a woman in whom the vision and values of education radiated from. I have known Pat for twenty-four years, in those years I have come to know her kindness and compassion. As I have been checking the caring bridge that was set up by her niece often the last few weeks, I have come to realize the tremendous impact Pat has had on 1000’s of peoples life’s as an educator and I know she would take great pride in knowing that.

One of Pat’s strengths and loves was the organization of school events and having a hand to help organize Prom or homecoming, making sure that all details were covered by her students. She did not want one thing to go unnoticed or unrecognized making sure that all in attendance were happy and taken care of equally. It is Ironic that Prom is this Saturday night. When a faculty member would retire or go to the hospital Pat would always organize a gift or flowers to see that all were remembered and good thoughts were conveyed to them. Most all of us on the faculty and in the student body were in someway touched by Pats thoughtfulness and love.

I spoke to many students Miss Roths had in class, and asked them about their thoughts about Ms. Roths; Erica Kite said “I will not forget Ms. Roths advice to enjoy every moment you have.” “Nick Kite said Ms. Roths found the good in the things that were bad,” Dontae Taylor said “Ms. Roths was always willing to give a helping hand.” Kelli Oliver said “Ms. Roths put the lives of others before her own.” Veronica Reece lamented “the upper hallway of the high school will never be the same.” Taylor Kraii wrote “today we celebrate your life, not saying goodbye, for we all know we will see you again.” Perhaps student Amber Haack said it best on the Caring Bridge. “Miss Roths was truly a blessing to the students of Jesup High School.” To continue quoting Amber she said “I can honestly say Miss Roths was one of my favorite teachers. She always had a smile on her face and loved to tease each and every one of her students. No matter how bad of a day I was having, Miss Roths could always help me see the bright side of everything. She cared for all her students and was always there when they needed her.” Another student, Caitlyn Borwig said “helping students succeed in life was her career and passion.” People those thoughts are hard to top.

Pat believed in the students of Jesup, she believed the majority wanted success and a bright future and she realized as one person she could influence many. The number of past and present students here today is a monument to that belief. I truly believe Pat most of all was proud to be a teacher. She had this apple on her desk for many years as a quiet monument to remind herself that first and foremost she was an educator. Dennis Hart retired teacher and dear friend to Pat called me Saturday and said “Gillespie he took our friend from us.” Dennis, I have had almost a week to think about it, and think perhaps God needs a close friend right now as well. Pat will be missed. Pat was a loving daughter, aunt, and sister. I will always remember her infectious laugh as she would meet students and faculty in the halls with a wit and humor that we all valued and loved. On more then one day she found a minute to needle Dave Steuben about his beloved Cyclones with that big grin on her face.

Pat was always willing to lend a hand, give some advice, listen, help someone in need, go the extra mile, give without expecting something in return, and maybe her most endearing quality was to standup for what she believed was right. She taught me how to understand the meaning of love, friendship, fun, devotion, commitment, success, and generosity. There is pain and sorrow to bear, but, in time, we will be comforted by the warmth of our memories of our dear friend Pat. Pat was a jewel on this earth, now that jewel brightens heaven. I wish the angels peace as Pat brings her great laugh and her great personality to their midst.