The Roloff Family’s Heartfelt Tributes
The Roloff family, known for their reality show Small People, Big World, has faced several profound losses, yet these tragedies have brought them closer together.
A Tribute to Ronald James Roloff
Matt Roloff, 60, recently honored his father, Ronald James Roloff, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 84. On Instagram, Matt shared an emotional tribute:
“It’s been a tough week for the Roloffs. This evening, my father, affectionately called ‘papa’ by his ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, went home to be with his Lord and Savior. Ron was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was an inspiration to many, and his love for Jesus was evident throughout his life, especially in his later years.”
Matt had previously shared about his father’s battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Remembering Josh Roloff
Matt also experienced the loss of his brother, Josh Roloff, who passed away in 1999 at the age of 34 due to severe heart and lung problems. Josh’s legacy endures through the Roloff family.
They honored him with their book titled Little Family, Big Values, expressing their ongoing love and remembrance: “A wonderful son, brother, uncle, and friend who was with us for much too short a time. We miss you every day and hope to reunite with you in the presence of our Lord.”
Matt’s ex-wife, Amy, faced the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Patricia Knight, while celebrating her engagement to Chris Marek. Amy described the emotional turmoil in 2019: “The last two weeks have been an emotional roller coaster. I was overjoyed by Chris’s proposal, but a few days later, I learned that my mother was in the hospital. She passed away on the 24th. My heart was broken, and I was overwhelmed with sorrow.”
Isabel Roloff’s Family Loss
Isabel Roloff, Jacob’s wife, also faced significant loss with the tragic death of her brother, Tomás Garrenton, in a train accident. Isabel has promised her child that he will know everything about his uncle: “You used to make me laugh even when I cried. You composed beautiful music before you died. My son will know everything about you, Uncle Tomás.”
Isabel also recently mourned the loss of her mother, Toni Garreton, who passed away two years after Tomás. She reflected on her grief on social media: “Grief is an interesting beast. The pain can be so intense that it feels like you’re stopping in your tracks on a familiar road. I remember her scent and laughter. These memories remind me of how deeply I cared for her. This path I traveled with her is one I will always remember, missing her each time.”
Through their personal losses, the Roloff family continues to honor and remember their loved ones, finding strength and unity in their shared grief.
