MRS. NORMA JEAN ROTH (nee Sallenback) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Fred Roth, passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, at the St. Michael's Palliative Care Centre of Monday, November 14, 2011 at the age of 81 years.

Norma was born on October 9, 1930 in Vulcan, Alberta. She grew up in Ensign Alberta where she attended grades one to six, then attended school in Brant, Alberta. After hearing of a job opening at the Galt hospital she moved to Lethbridge. Norma met Fred at the Trianon Ball Room and they married on April 22, 1949. In their early years they travelled together when dad drove truck and later settled in Coalhurst where they raised 8 children. Then with the start up of Fred's Dragline Services mom was employed as his receptionist and book keeper. During her many years of living in Coalhurst she was involved with the Home and School Association, making long lasting friendships within the community. Shortly after dad's passing she moved to Blue Sky Manor where treasured new friendships were made while gathering for evening cards or Bingo games.

Norma enjoyed gardening, taking great pride in her backyard masterpiece. She not only preserved enough vegetables for herself but enjoyed sharing the bountiful harvest with everyone. Mom was not only an avid gardener, she also loved to bake. Her tasty cinnamon buns, spudnuts, cookies and apple squares were favorites and will be forever remembered by one and all. Mom loved her family unconditionally. She loved visits from her grandkids and great-grandkids and always had time for a tea party or give them puppy dog kisses. She will always be missed but forever remembered in our hearts.

Norma is survived by her daughters Jean (Joe) Lumley of Bellevue and Sandra (Marvin) Dalton of Lethbridge; six sons Mel (Rosie) Roth of Coalhurst, Don Roth, Jack Roth, David (Tanya) Roth, Stan Roth all of Lethbridge and Robert (Patty) Roth of Calgary; grandchildren Shane (Christine) Lumley, Tammy (Brad) Robert, Jason (Jana) Roth, Adam (Christina) Roth, Melissa Roth, Nick Roth, Jennifer (Travis) Logan, Misty Roth, Orry Roth, Crystal (Phil) Wolkowycki, Karen (Ron) Dalton, and Elainne (Steve) Dalton; 17 great-grandchildren; three sisters Lavon (Bob) Flexhaug of Lethbridge, Audrey (Richard) Wallace and Marion Cederholm both of Calgary; sister-in-law Edith Sallenback of Medicine Hat; brother Leon (Verna) Sallenback of Lethbridge; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Besides her beloved husband Fred, Norma was predeceased by her parents Robert and Laura Sallenbach; brothers Gordon and Grant; sister Evelyn Sproule; and brothers-in-law Ted Pilling, Ken Cederholm, Lyle Sproule and Fay Wakeford; niece Linda Hooge (Sproule) and nephew Gordon Pilling.

Thanks to the staff at the Palliative Care Unit for caring for Mom with the respect and dignity she deserved. Special thanks to all her friends and relatives who visited and phoned Mom before she passed away. She loved hearing from you.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVIERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge.