Dr. Timothy P. Rot

Dr. Timothy P. Rot, of Topeka, Kansas, passed peacefully on September 27, 2026, in Topeka, with family and friends around him after struggling with Lewy body dementia. He was born on November 3, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois.

Timothy lived a life marked by kindness, intelligence, humor, and deep devotion to the people he loved. He was known for his dry sense of humor, his creative spirit, his love of music, and the value he placed on education. Above all, he loved his family. He was especially proud of being a dad to his two daughters, adored his loving wife of 43 years, and took great meaning from his career and from all those he was able to help. He remained humbled when people would approach him or his family to thank him for the care and guidance he had given.

His path of learning reflected both his curiosity and his commitment to serving others. He graduated from Fenger High School, earned his Bachelor of Divinity from Trinity Christian College, and went on to receive his Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. He later earned his Master of Social Work from the University of Denver, followed by both a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1989. Education was not simply an achievement for Timothy; it was one of the values by which he shaped his life.

That dedication found lasting expression in his professional work. He worked at Topeka State Hospital from 1989 to 1990, then served at Colmery-O’Neil Topeka VAMC from 1991 until 2020. From 1991 to 2014, he was director of the PTSD outpatient clinic, where he helped veterans and their wives, including forming the first wives' group. From 2014 to 2020, he conducted Compensation and Pension Evaluations for Active-Duty soldiers being discharged for mental health issues. His work was meaningful not only because of his skills, but because of the compassion he brought to it. Even in retirement, he continued giving back to the community, by volunteering at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library in the Booktique.

Timothy also found joy in the everyday pleasures that made life rich. He was a faithful trampoline spotter at his girls’ gymnastics meets, a role that captured both his steady presence and his loving support. He loved golf, bowling, crosswords, and guitar, and he enjoyed cooking. He was very proud of his Dutch heritage and loved sports, especially the Chicago Bears, college hockey and college basketball. One of the stories he and his wife loved to tell was how they met while working as staff members on a psych ward, a beginning that spoke to both shared purpose and enduring love.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Maureen Ruh; his daughters, Kelsey Rot and her fiancée, Evan Hummer, and Devin Rot; his bonus daughter, Vicki Morgan; his bonus grandson, Ryder Morgan; his first cousin, Celeste Basom and extended family in the Chicago area. Along with many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews from Maureen's side of the family. The love he gave to his family was constant, generous, and deeply felt, and that love remains part of the legacy he leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by his father, Peter Rot; his mother, M. Jane Rot; his brother, Stephen Rot; his sisters, Gretchen Rot and Rachel Rot; and his in-laws, Richard Ruh and Patricia Ruh.

Dr. Timothy P. Rot will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, compassionate clinician, and a man whose kindness reached far beyond himself. His family, friends, colleagues, and the many people whose lives were touched by his care will carry his memory forward with gratitude and love.

Services will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Puppies Behind Bars, who train service dogs for veterans, Astra Mental Health, or the Mayo Clinic.