Obituary for Sharen Kaye Roth

Sharen Kaye Roth, age 79, went to be with the Lord on August 27, 2026, surrounded by her husband and children at Northgate Care Center in Waukon, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Waukon on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11 am with visitation at 10 am.

Sharen was born on January 18, 1947, to Ben and Lydia (Lubben) Gruis in Forest City, Iowa. She attended school and graduated in 1965 from the Buffalo Center School. After high school, she attended cosmetology school in Mason City.

Sharen met her future husband, Russell Roth, while he was working for her father. Their love story had a memorable beginning—Sharen was not impressed with Russell at first and thought he was trouble. Her first impression clearly didn't have the final say, and on April 9, 1966, Sharen and Russell were married, beginning a life together filled with family, love, and many treasured memories. They were blessed with four children Peggy, Jill, Michael and Dawn.

Sharen accepted Jesus as her personal Savior as a young girl, beginning a lifelong faith that remained an important part of her life. Her faith was greatly influenced by her Sunday school teacher, Les Feldick. Sharen was an AWANA leader in Buffalo Center and Waukon. Sharen and Russell spent many years volunteering at Center Baptist Camp, later moving to Waukon when Russell accepted a position at the camp.

Sharen was a housewife and worked in various jobs throughout her life, including operating a bakery with Russell, working as a CNA and in housekeeping at local nursing homes, and working at Green Giant, Lansing Button Factory, and Hardee's.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend; her family was an important part of her life. Sharen & Russell also opened their hearts and home to others throughout the years. They welcomed several foreign exchange students into their family: Jenny, Helena, Hilde, Petra, Stefan, Stephanie, Anders, and Martin. They also opened their home to foster children Tim Milner, John & Jolene Hughes, and Jesse Manning. Each became a special part of the Roth family's story, reflecting Sharen and Russell's willingness to make room in their home and hearts for others.

Sharen will be remembered for the love she shared with her family and for the many ways she touched the lives of those who knew her. Her memory will live on through her children, grandchildren, extended family, and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

Sharen is survived by her husband, Russell; children Peggy (Bill) Harnack of  Montello, WI; Jill (Scott) Manning and Michael (Diane) Roth of Waukon, and Dawn (Chris) Barr of Palo, IA; grandchildren Ryan (Elisha), Zachary, Michael Jr., Jordan (Stephen), Tyler (Bailey), Austin (Marissa), Chase, Grace, Ashlee, and Kennedy; great-grandchildren Gabriella, Gannon, Annabelle, Finley, Maddox, Michael III, Colton, Cory, and Tayla; step grandson Parker; her brother Larry (Becky) Gruis; brothers-in-law Norman (Shirley) Roth and Wayne Roth; sisters-in-law Barb Halstead, Wanda (Bill) Schwartz, and Marlys Mueller; and many nieces and nephews.

Sharen was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Lydia and her in-laws, George and Bertha Roth and sisters-in-law, Lucille Arneson and Jerilyn Davis.