Beth Roten

Beth Blay Roten, formerly of Ashe County, died Monday, March 9, 2009 from cancer at her home in Sterling, Alaska.  She was 40.  She was buried at Spruce Grove Memorial Park in Kasilof, Alaska on Saturday, March 14, 2009 with a memorial service following at Legacy Christian Center in Soldotna, Alaska.  There will be a memorial service locally at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel on Friday, July 10th for those who were unable to attend services in Alaska.  The family will begin receiving friends at 6 PM with a celebration of Beth's life following at 7 PM.  Officiating will be Beth's brother-in-law, Rev. Rick Parker of DePere, Wisconsin. Mrs. Roten was born Oct. 6, 1968, in Joliet, Ill. She received her bachelor of science degree in psychology from Liberty University. She took graduate courses from the Institute of Children's Literature. She was a self-employed songwriter and novelist. She moved to Alaska with her family in October 2001 and lived in Sterling.  She was a member of Legacy Christian Center, where she was the church pianist and worship team leader. She enjoyed playing the flute, violin, keyboard and piano. She also enjoyed crocheting blankets for friends and family.  "Beth and Gary were married in Ashe County, N.C., on Aug. 6, 1988. Beth was a devoted wife and loving mother of two. She was very proud of the accomplishments of her children, Bryan and Courtney," her family said. "She gave her heart to the Lord at an early age and was very passionate in serving Him. Beth was an inspiration to many, especially during her courageous battle against cancer. She will be sorely missed by all the lives she touched."  Mrs. Roten was preceded in death by her brother, Fredrick Joseph "Joe" Blay III,; grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.  She is survived by her husband of 20 years of Sterling, Alaska; children, of Sterling; parents, Fred and Dorothy Blay of Jefferson, N.C.; sisters, Lynne Barker and her husband, Joe, of West Jefferson, N.C., Cheryl Parker and her husband, Rick, of DePere, Wis., and LeAnn Wright and her husband, Steve, and Marcy Little and her husband, Shane, all of Crumpler, N.C.; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.  Memorial donations may be sent to Gary Roten, 36855 Marriot Drive, Sterling, AK 99672.