Valeria "Val" (Campbell) Roth

Valeria (Val) Campbell Roth, 74, passed peacefully, with her family by her side and her husband holding her hand, on October 17, 2023. Per her wishes, Val’s final days were spent in the loving and compassionate care of the Fairhope Hospice’s Pickering House in Lancaster, Ohio.

Val was born March 27, 1949, in Lancaster, Ohio, to Harry and Treva Campbell. She was the proud granddaughter of Henry and Julia Engle, who were instrumental in her childhood and upbringing. She was a 1967 graduate of Berne Union High School in Sugar Grove, Ohio. After graduating high school, Val dedicated her life to taking care of others. She pursued post-high school education to become a licensed vocational nurse, where she worked in the emergency department at the then-named Lancaster Community Hospital (now Fairfield Medical Center). She took a break from her professional career to raise her family, returning to the workforce as a school nurse for Lancaster City Schools. Val continued her career in the Lancaster area working in different capacities until she met her loving husband, Bob. Val and Bob were married in September of 1995. They relocated to Athens, where Val worked for many years as the Deputy Director of the Hocking Valley Community Residential Center, a center for the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, in Nelsonville, Ohio.

Val and Bob returned to Lancaster in 2011, and she retired in 2015. Val loved to sew and quilt. She was known to make travel pillows and blankets for children for no other reason than to extend comfort and care. She was an animal lover. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in their passions. Val was a proud Berne Union alum and avid supporter of the Berne Union Golden Rockets Marching Band. She loved to sing and was very good! She spent several years performing with the Athens, Ohio early era rock and roll band “Rember Then” and even made an appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! She had life long-friendships with the ladies of her “Church Circle.” A circle of strong and faithful women who gathered for decades in love, fellowship, and support of one another. In Val’s last days her “circle” gathered around her, lifting her up in prayer. After retirement, and up to her passing, Val was a dedicated and loving volunteer of Fairhope Hospice and Palliative Care. In addition to her weekly volunteer assignment, Val participated in the No One Dies Alone program. She found great fulfillment in providing comfort and companionship to anyone in need. Val lived her entire life this way. She built relationships and deep, long-lasting friendships wherever she worked, and wherever she went. She was tenacious and spunky. She loved fiercely and unapologetically.

Val is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Robert “Bob” Roth. Bob’ gentleness, kindness, sense of humor and support encouraged Val’s outgoing ways. He was the light in her life. Val is also survived by her children, Stacey ‘Caroline’, Matthew, and Neil (Amanda); stepchildren, Jeff, Michelle (Justin), Brian and Leslie; grandchildren, which were her greatest pride and joy, Coen, Izabella, Alex, Elinor, Ian, and Owen.

She was preceded in death by parents, and father figure, George E. Miller.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Val requested that contributions be made to Fairhope Hospice and Palliative Care, 282 Sells Road, Lancaster, Ohio 43130, or giving@fairhopehospice.org.