Ella Marie Roth of Bayfield died Aug. 20, 2014, at Cottonwood Inn and Nursing Facility from complications of diabetes. She was 86. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Durango. Burial of cremains followed at St. Mark's Columbarium.

Born Nov. 29, 1927 in Denver to Milton and Marie Fick, she grew up in Denver and attended public schools, graduating from North High School in 1946. She spent some time in California working for Walt Disney Studios as an artist. She married Rollin A. Roth on Feb. 3, 1947 in Denver. They lived and farmed in Hotchkiss until they moved to Durango in 1958.

She was a commercial dressmaker after learning to sew at the age of four from her grandmother, and she later spent much of her time making clothes for many children living on Florida Mesa. She taught piano for many years and was a bookkeeper for Southwest Beverage Company. She volunteered as an auxiliary for Mercy Hospital for many years, as well as other volunteer works throughout her life. She made beautiful quilts and always donated handmade items to the Bayfield Early Education Program for their fundraisers. She also kept a wide variety of pets and livestock, including dogs, miniature donkeys and fainting goats.

She is survived by her husband, Rollin Roth, of Bayfield; son Gregory and daughter-in-law Sharon Roth also of Bayfield; three grandchildren, Christopher, Tanya and Gentry; and two great-grandchildren Rollin and Ulani. Memorial donations can be made in her name to a charity of your choice.