Doretta Jane (Roth) Schweitzer was born April 5, 1932, the second of six children born to Ezra and Mattie (Eicher) Roth. She was surrounded by her family when she went to meet Jesus on Feb. 2, 2026, at the age of 93 years, 9 months and 28 days.
She was born on the family farm southwest of Milford and attended country school Rosedale District #18 near Milford, then went on to graduate with the class of 1949 from Milford Public High School. In her youth, she attended East Fairview Mennonite Church and later was baptized and became a member of Grace Missionary Church. Doretta was united in marriage to Ralph R. Schweitzer on Oct. 4, 1951, and to this union, three children were born: Pennie, Bruce, and Mark.
Before her marriage, she worked at Russell Stover Candy Factory in Lincoln. Together, she and Ralph made their home in Milford where she was a busy housewife and mother. She was active in her church, where she taught Sunday School, Bible School, Children’s Club, led Women’s group and was treasurer for the district women’s group. She served the district kid’s camp for 30 years in various areas, including counselor, cook, registrar, and treasurer.
In her spare time, she enjoyed embroidery, sewing, quilting, and reading. She worked part time at the City Meat Market in Milford for five years. After taking some college classes, she worked for 30 years in the business office at SCC Milford Campus, retiring in June of 2009. After retiring, she continued to work in the Women’s Ministry and the Awana Club at Grace Missionary Church. She enjoyed helping at the Food Net on Friday afternoons and going to the Milford Senior Center when she could.
She liked doing things for anyone who needed help. She was always mindful of her family. No matter what the need, she held them in prayer.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Pennie and Richard Rardin, Milfordl sons, Bruce and Mark Schweitzer, Lincoln; four grandchildren, Jill (Robert) Hain, Raymond, Jeff Rardin and Chris Schweitzer, Lincoln, Nic Schweitzer (Julia Benes, Christina and fiancé Mason, Ava), all of Lincoln; two great-grandchildren, Haley (Austin) Brooks, Malcolm, and Greg Hain, Raymond; one sister, Imagene Burkey of Lincoln; and one brother, Clifford Roth of Fremont. She is loved by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Doretta was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph in 2005; parents, Ezra and Mattie Roth; step-mother, Susan Roth; father and mother-in-law Ralph and Vera Schweitzer; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Barbara Roth; sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Kenneth Hafer; brother, Lonnie Roth; sister-in-law, Sandra Roth; brother-in-law, Darold Burkey; and brother and sister-law, George and Marjorie Pence.
Visitation is Friday, Feb. 6, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Grace Missionary Church in Milford. The funeral service will be Saturday, Feb. 7, at 1:30 p.m. at the Grace Missionary Church in Milford with interment at the Blue Mound Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for a future designation.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services.
