William "Bill" Charles Routh

Bill was born and raised in Twin Falls, Idaho to Lucille and Vern Routh, who settled in Twin Falls during the depression after their Model T broke down on route from Nebraska to Tacoma, WA. Vern began loading potato trucks earning 25 cents-a-day and eventually became a founder of the modern potato processing industry. Bill graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1956, excelled in academics and the Boy Scouts of America, quickly becoming an Eagle scout thus inspiring many future Eagle Scouts within the family. Bill was a hard worker as youngster and at one point was mowing 37 lawns a week while also training as a competitive pianist. Bill and his family were dedicated and active members of the First Baptist Church in Twin Falls.

Bill initially hoped to become a dentist and started his secondary education at Redlands College, but having grown up in the food industry, quickly shifted course and enrolled at Oregon State University, graduating with honors in Food Technology in 1960. As a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, he met Evie and they were married also in 1960. Bill’s first job was in Hillsborough Oregon, where Deborah was born and during which he completed his service to the US Air Force Reserves. He then joined his father Vern back in Twin Falls, Idaho at Idaho Frozen Foods. With his Dad, Bill would help start and build the potato processing industry with many industry first in French fries, hashbrowns, tots, etc. The potato processing plant started and grown by Vern and Bill remains one of the biggest plants in the world. After his father retired, Bill consulted on new potato processing projects in Japan and Minnesota and eventually would relocate his family to help build a new processing plant in Winnemucca, Nevada.

Bill enjoyed snow skiing, golf, and water skiing. He loved taking the boat out to the many lakes and rivers near Twin Falls, ID and Winnemucca, NV. Bill and his parents built a log cabin near Sun Valley, Idaho which would remain a special place for friends and family to gather over many weekends, hosting picnics, playing horseshoes, snowmobiling, and playing his favorite card game, gin rummy.

Bill retired with Evie to Dayton, Nevada, building one of the original homes on the Dayton Valley golf course with a beautiful lake view. Bill enjoyed playing golf working in his yard, spoiling his dogs, and remaining active in the First United Methodist Church in Carson City, NV. Although Bill was talented and had interest in many areas, his focus and devotion over 88 years was his family who loved him and will miss him greatly.

He is survived by beloved wife; Evelyn Marie Routh, children; Deborah (Steve) Poole, W. David (Nancy) Routh, Cindy Routh, six grandchildren; Alyssa Ramirez, Brandon Poole, W. Nicholas Routh, Bailey Routh, Autumn Blattman, Grant Blattman, and six great grandchildren; Emma, Joshua, Hunter, Fox, Everlee and Penelope, sister-in-law; Cheryl Routh, nephew; Tim Routh and family, niece; Kristen Routh Ureke and family, niece; Audrey Sheriden, niece; Kelly Conley and family, niece; Holly Hall and family. Bill is preceded in death by parents Lucille and LaVern Routh, sister Marilyn Cox, brother Jerry Routh, and sons Dwight and Daniel.

A private graveside service will be held at the Sunset Memorial Cemetery on May 9th,10am 2296 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, ID. 83301. A public memorial service will be held on May 16th,11am at First United Methodist Church, 200 N. Division St., Carson City, NV. 89703. In leu of flowers Donations may be made to First United Methodist Church attention Methodist Men.