Yvonne E. Roth

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Yvonne Ellene Roth, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, who left us on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Born on August 8, 1944, in Phoenix, Arizona, Yvonne was a beacon of grace, beauty, and unyielding spirit.

Yvonne entered this world at Good Samaritan Hospital, in Phoenix, AZ, the cherished daughter of Bertha Imogene Nichols Hammett of Arkansas, who passed in 1996, and Martin Robert Hammett of Missouri, who preceded her in 1954. Her early life was marked by resilience and the love of a close-knit family.

She married young, first for two years and later to Richard Eyrich, with whom she had her first son, Richard Lee Eyrich. She found enduring love in her third marriage to James Roth, which lasted for 39 years and brought their son, John Joseph (JJ) Roth, into the world.

She is survived by her sons, Richard Eyrich and J.J. Roth; Rich’s wife, Lori, two grandchildren, Jessica and Christopher, and J.J.’s wife Angela.

Yvonne's family was central to her life. She shared a close bond with her late brother, Martin Robert Hammett, known as Marty, a Vietnam War veteran who tragically passed in 1969.

Her sister, Cheryl (Sherry) Hammett Duffy, and her late husband, Patrick Duffy, of the Bay Area in Northern California, remain a source of strength and cherished memories. Yvonne was a proud aunt to Cheryl’s four children.

A 1962 graduate of Washington High School, Yvonne’s striking beauty and auburn hair led to modeling opportunities during her teenage years. Her professional life included a tenure at Continental Bank. However, it was her culinary talents and passion for entertaining that truly defined her. A gourmet cook, Yvonne delighted friends and business associates of Roth and Associates with her innovative dishes and joyous gatherings. She was an active member of cooking clubs, always seeking new recipes and techniques.

Yvonne's zest for life extended beyond the kitchen. She was an avid tennis player, competing semi-professionally and remaining engaged with the sport throughout her life. Never one to shy away from adventure, Yvonne embraced skydiving in her youth and competed in Phoenix. James, her devoted husband, encouraged her daring spirit with gifts such as race car lessons at a Northern California raceway and a piano with accompanying lessons, both of which she enjoyed immensely. She was an avid Arizona Diamondbacks fan, loved traveling, playing Bunco with friends, and had a wonderful group of friends with the Wednesday Club in Anthem. When she bought a summer house in Michigan, she quickly grew to have a new group of friends who also loved her like family. She also enjoyed dancing, seeing plays, and helping make the community a better place for everyone. Particularly close to her heart was the Florence Crittendon Auxiliary, where she donated her time for several years. In addition to serving as Vice President and then President, she helped immensely with the consignment shoppe for the Auxiliary. Yvonne was very excited to be part of the creation of a set of houses to help young pregnant mothers on a path to success in life through Florence Crittendon. This program continues still, making a difference in women’s lives.

A celebration of Yvonne’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m., where family and friends are invited to share their memories and pay their respects in The Chapel at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 719 N 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009

Yvonne’s legacy is one of love, adventure, strength, grace, and an unwavering spirit. Her family and friends will forever cherish her memory, her laughter, and the vibrant energy she brought to every room. She will be deeply missed. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.