Milton Roche

Our hero, Milton Leon Roche, 84, left us Thursday morning, June 12, 2014, after a four-year battle with stomach cancer. Dad slipped away peacefully at home with his family by his side.

Dad was born to A.E. Roche and Alice Erma Anderson on August 1, 1929 in his Thatcher home. He was born into a large family of 11 sisters and 3 brothers. He went to school at the Thatcher school house until 8th grade. As a young boy he started farming, and continued to farm his entire life.

Dad married Carolyn Mae Evans on December 6, 1957, in Malad, Idaho and solemnized their temple marriage in the Ogden LDS Temple on June 23, 1977. Milton and Carolyn started building their large family in 1957. Bryon (Bea), Johnny (Tammy), Julie Stokes (Val), Bob (Becky), Mary Leavitt (Sheldon), Dianna Cervantez (Arthur), Shirley Soifua (Al), Tresa Miller (Shawn), and Heidi Hess (Chad). On February 25, 2005 his sweetheart passed away. In 2009, he married Maxine Carlisle and enjoyed each other’s company until her passing in 2011.

Dad, affectionately known as “Milt” to many, loved babies, animals, music, boating, tractors, Dr. Pepper, “B.S.”ing in town with his friends, irrigating and farming. When there wasn’t work to be done, you could usually find him at the car dealership or the farm stores in town. He enjoyed his 32 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, his family, and friends all over the country. Our favorite things about Dad were his infectious laugh and animated personality. He loved telling jokes and was a great whistler. He was a self-made man with a knack for making things happen. He was a man of his word who possessed great integrity; a handshake was as good as a contract. He had a great work ethic and instilled the importance of hard work in those around him.

Many people have crossed his path through a lifetime of farming. The Tello family played a large part during the sugar beet years on the farm from 1962 through 1972. Lots of great memories and friendships that have lasted a lifetime were formed.

There is a huge hole left with our “Puppa’s” passing but he is back home with Momma--a happy day for them. We feel so blessed to be part of the legacy our parents have left.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carolyn, Jessica Stokes (Granddaughter), Arthur Cervantez (Son-in-law), his parents and 10 siblings.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 12:00 Noon in the Thatcher-Penrose LDS Chapel (11475 W 10400 N). Viewings will be held on Monday, June 16, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at Rogers & Taylor Funeral Home (111 N. 100 E.) and at the church prior to the funeral from 10-11:30 a.m. Interment will take place in the Valley View Cemetery in Bothwell, Utah.

Special thanks to all family and friends who have loved and cared for dad the past several months. We appreciate everyone for their efforts, big and small. Also, a big thanks to IHC Hospice who helped keep Dad comfortable the last few weeks of his precious life.