Orville N. Roth - Bethany Pioneer Cemetery - Marion County, Oregon - Occupational/Hobby Grave Stones on Waymarking.com

This headstone marks the grave of Orville N. Roth. Mr. Roth was locally well-known as the founder and owner of the Roth's grocery store chain. The headstone features Mr. Roth's trademark bow tie, which he wore in combination with a grocery apron. Newspaper stories following his death noted:

"Orville Roth, who was the co-founder of the Roth’s Fresh Markets local grocery-store chain, started in the grocery business at age 16. The dress code at his first job at Erickson’s was a white shirt and green bow tie. After he used the title to his 1956 Chevy as collateral to buy his first store in Silverton in 1962 with co-founder Herman C. Jochimsen , he kept the green bow tie and white shirt as a uniform of sorts for his employees. It has become an iconic symbol of his brand of customer service in the valley."

Additionally, the headstone notes Mr. Roth as "Chief Courtesy Clerk," alluding to the grocery store business courtesy clerk positions which assist customers in bagging groceries, assisting with "carry out" duties, etc. According newspaper accounts:

"Orville Norman Roth liked to call himself chairman and CCC — Chief Courtesy Clerk — of the local chain. He co-founded the company in 1962 with Herman C. Jochimsen, and bought out the company after Jochimsen’s death in 1973."

Source of newspaper excerpts: StatesmanJournal online, October 14, 2013. Photo of Mr. Roth also courtesy of StatesmanJournal online.

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Is Gravestone Showing Occupation or Hobby?: Occupation What is depicted occupation or hobby?: Grocery Business Date of birth: 07/02/1934 Date of death: 10/13/2013 Access hours and days: Dawn to Dusk

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