DeEsta Mae Roth-Munz , age 87 of Freeport, IL, passed away Monday, October 2, 2017 at Manor Court in Freeport. She was born April 12, 1930 at St. Francis Hospital in Freeport; the daughter of the late Elva and Joseph (Joe) Roth.

She attended South Side Grade School and graduated June of 1948 from Freeport High School. She and Gerald (Jerry) Munz were married in July of 1948. They were later divorced in August 1955. DeEsta never remarried.

She worked for Crum & Foster and Northwestern Telephone Co. until 1959 when she left Freeport and moved to Rockford, IL. She worked for Factory Supplies as a secretary until 1970 them moved to California for the next 30 years. She was employed by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Headstart/Preschool Divn. as a secretary. She retired May of 1998, at which time she returned to Freeport to become a caregiver for her 94 year old father, Joe Roth. He passed away May 2, 2000.

DeEsta loved all animals, especially cats because of apartment living. She had two of her own, but fed many strays over the years and found homes for several. She loved dancing and danced ball-room before it was popular. She enjoyed flower gardening, reading non-fiction stories of court trials, and also the life and times of famous people. She wrote several articles to the Journal Standard Opinion Page and wrote poetry. She also enjoyed singing karaoke and listening to good music with her many friends.

DeEsta had been very active with Pretzel City USA, and was the catalyst of the Pretzel Festival. She also got the Pretzel logo painted on the water tower located off Carroll St. She attended several City Council Meetings requesting Freeport be known as Pretzel City. Mayor George Gaulrapp granted Freeport that title. DeEsta had also been a member of the Red Hatters, the Freeport Garden Club, and had in the past met with former workers of the Northwestern Telephone Co. for lunch. She was still and active member of the Elks Club, the Eagles Club, an Eastern Star member, a Scottish Rite Women's Club member and attended the Hi-12 luncheons every Thursday. She was a member of St. John's UCC. DeEsta is a lifetime member of the Supreme Emblem Club, Order of Elks Lodge in California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe (2000) and Elva Roth (1939) and step-mother, Jean Roth (1986). She is survived by her son, Michael (Kathy) Munz of Friendship, WI; sister, Carolyn (Clair deceased 2009) Barnum of Wilmore, KY; nieces, Laura Barnum of Lexington, KY and Nancy Barnum of Lexington, KY; grandson, Chad Munz of Seattle, WA;  great granddaughters, Laura of Texas, LeAnne (Al) Halburnt of Louisiana, and Tatum of Ohio. DeEsta also leaves dear friends in Freeport and California, and the friend who was always there with a helping hand, her closest friends always, Mr. Wayne Crowell.

She always had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to joke (mostly at herself) and laugh with friends. DeEsta was a friend to the end!

Cremation rites have been accorded and no services will be held at this time.