Debbie Ann Goff Roth

Deborah "Debbie" Ann Goff Roth, 77, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Monday, June 22, 2026. She was born on January 30, 1949, in Plaquemine, Louisiana, to Ernest Goff and Theresa Altazin Goff.

Debbie graduated from Glen Oaks High School in Baton Rouge in 1969, where she distinguished herself as an athlete. Though she stood only 4 feet 11 inches tall, she was a force on the basketball court, earning recognition as an All-Star State Champion basketball player. Her love of sports remained with her throughout her life, especially LSU sports.

On March 4, 1972, Debbie married the love of her life, James Noel Roth. Their love story began long before adulthood. James was the neighborhood boy who walked her to her first day of school, and years later, he watched her walk down the aisle to become his wife. They shared 42 wonderful years of marriage before his passing. On the day Debbie left this world, June 22, 2026, we find comfort in imagining James once again taking her hand and walking her home—this time to Heaven.

Together, Debbie and James welcomed two children, Kimberly Ann Roth and James "Jamie" Noel Roth Jr. Debbie's life was marked by both great love and profound loss. One of her greatest challenges came when Jamie was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of five. Though doctors gave him only six months to live, Jamie courageously fought for seven more years. Debbie remained faithfully by his side throughout every battle, loving him fiercely until his passing at age twelve. While she continued to live a life filled with love and laughter, she never stopped missing her son.

Later, Debbie faced the heartbreaking loss of her husband to cancer as well. Through every hardship, she carried herself with remarkable strength, often hiding her pain behind her greatest gifts—her humor, quick wit, and infectious laughter. Her resilience became one of the many legacies she passed on to her daughter, Kim.

After losing James, Debbie moved into the mother-in-law suite that Kim and Marc built for her. She filled their home with love, spoiling them with her cooking and cleaning. Marc especially looked forward to her spaghetti. Kim and Debbie shared a bond that went far beyond that of mother and daughter—they were truly best friends.

That bond remained unshaken even after Debbie was diagnosed with early-onset dementia and Kim became her full-time caregiver, another testament to the strength and resilience that defined the women in their family.

Debbie was truly one of a kind. Her life revolved around family, friends, and making lasting memories. She loved being outdoors and could often be found riding her tractor, mowing with her beloved zero-turn mower, or enjoying her favorite pastime—fishing with her faithful companion, Daisy.

Known for being a little accident-prone, Debbie was often teased that she should be wrapped in bubble wrap—a trait she proudly passed on to Kim. She had a remarkable gift for making people laugh, a stubborn streak that helped her overcome life's challenges, and a heart that never stopped caring for those she loved.

Debbie was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, James Noel Roth; her son, James "Jamie" Noel Roth Jr.; her parents, Earnest Goff and Theresa Altazin Goff; and her brother, Paul Goff (Teena).

She is survived by her daughter, Kim Roth Crane and her loving son-in-law Marco; her second daughter, Missy Taylor; her bonus son, Eric Thibodaux (Jenny); and her beloved grandchildren, Blake, Levi, and Liddy Thibodaux, all of whom she was immensely proud of and loved dearly. She is also survived by her faithful dog-daughter, Daisy; her brothers, Mike Goff and Eddie Goff (Wendy); her sister by choice, Allyn “Lyn” Goff; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whom she loved as family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life for Debbie, Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Visitation starts at 1:00pm. Services will start at 3:00pm. We will open the floor and invite anyone who would like to share a story or memory to help celebrate who Debbie was and the impact she had on our lives.

To honor Debbie's life and the comfort she always brought to others, the family invites attendees to wear their comfiest clothes or pajamas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pinnacle Hospice.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Pinnacle Hospice, and especially Rachael Goff for their compassion, care, and support during Debbie's final days.

Though Debbie's earthly journey has ended, the laughter she shared, the strength she embodied, and the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com