Roland Lee Augspurger

 Roland Lee Augspurger, “Rolly” was 84 years young of Delaware, Ohio, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on January 17, 2024. While being compassionately cared for by Hospice of Grady Memorial Hospital.

He was a beloved husband, father, PaPa, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and friend. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Edwin and Mary Augspurger and Rolly and Sherry’s one unborn child.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 wonderful years, Sherry Lee Augspurger, Daughter and Son-in-law, Mary Michele (Michael “Tuck”) Blackstone and Son Jeff Augspurger, Brother and Siter-in-law Richard (Rosie) Augspurger, Sister and Brother-in-law Marilyn (Forest) Hale, “Bonus Mom’, Marcia Augspurger, Grandson and wife, Cody Allen (Moria Abigail) Eurez, Grandson, Cody Michael Blackstone, Granddaughter and husband, Kaci Amber (James Andrew) Krupko, Granddaughters, Kyra Alicia Blackstone, Amy Comean, Great-Grandchildren, Noah Allen Rostorfer, Emma Woolworth, Oliver Russell Blackstone, Russell Michael Blackstone, Zoee Catherine Krupko, Lukas James Krupko, Luca Compean and Liani Compean.

“Rolly” as his family and numerous friends called him, had an extremely kind, generous, giving way about him. He always had a huge smile on his face and spoke to everyone offering to help. He was very ornery and loved to play practical jokes on friends, especially on April Fool's day! He loved to play pranks on everyone. He was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who need it, he was truly one of the ‘great ones!’

Rolly was born in Hillsdale, Michigan. He later moved to Ohio with his parents and siblings.

Rolly and Sherry were married on February 26, 1967 at The Radnor Baptist Church. They first met at the Delaware County Fair, where Rolly asked Sherry out on a date which she responded, ‘I already have a date.’ His response, ‘break it”

Despite thinking he was a little cocky, she decided to cancel her other date. They took the cows home from the fair together and the rest is history! They were very blessed to have shared tons of laughs, memories and lots of hard work during their long, wonderful marriage. (A marriage Sherry insists even today wasn’t long enough.)

Rolly graduated from Elm Valley High School and later graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Agricultural.

Rolly was known for being a hard worker, always active. He did not know how to say “no” to anyone needing his help. He farmed soybeans, corn, and wheat for over sixty-five years, sometimes tending to over 2500 acres of land. He loved animals as much as he loved people. He always had numerous farm animals, ranging from horses, pigs, cows, chickens, goats, rabbits’ roosters, sheep, peacocks, dogs and cats. On the side, Rolly and Sherry remodeled homes, pouring the profits into land to add to the farm.

In 1977, Rolly and Sherry took a family vote to see if they should purchase a 100- acre property: what would later become “Rolling Acres.” Sherry was voting without knowing the deck was stacked. Rolly had promised Michele a pony if she cast a “yes” with him! That one simple family vote turned into their long legacy of “Rolling Acres.” Rolly and Sherry worked countless hours at Rolling Acres to create, build and add numerous additions to the one hundred acres show complex. They created and built a show complex that generations of Delaware County families enjoyed coming to. Family traditions and memories recounted over dinner tables and campfires are a testament to their devotion to Rolling Acres. For over forty years Rolly and Sherry created and hosted some of the largest Quarter Horse shows in the United States—here ‘Rolly’ was known for having the best arena footing in the country. Recognized by his poodle ‘Missy’ riding on the fender of his tractor, Rolly was the life and soul of another Rolly and Sherry enterprise: The Rolling Acres County Craft Show which offered over 300 craft booths to be enjoyed by area residents. Over time, they turned their entire farm into individual craft booths enjoying the days neighbors became customers at the beloved Farm.

If you are reading this you may have attended one of the many events created and hosted by this dynamic duo: Quarter Pony, POA, Pasio Fino, Paint, Palomino, Dog Shows, BMX races, the Buckeye Valley Senior Hawaiian Themed After Prom in the Rolling Acres Arena, Ohio Wesleyan Horse program, school farm tours, Fall Family events and flea markets.

Rolly loved The Ohio State Buckeyes all his life! He met a man while on a train trip who oversaw the ushers for the OSU football games. He was offered the position of becoming an usher, a post he enjoyed for over 20 years. He ushered in the section where the recruits and parents of the players were seated. He always said, “I am right behind the players.”

Rolly drove school bus for Delaware City Schools for over twenty years. He loved seeing all of the kids, the kids loved him. Rolly was an active member and President of The Delaware Antique Tractor Club particularly enjoying ‘tractor square dancing.’

When they weren’t working Rolly and Sherry loved to travel together, especially the 20 cruises they took. Their favorite cruise was to New Zealand and Australia and Rolly’s favorite place he ever saw was ‘Piccadilly Square.’ The traveling created great memories and advice to his kids: ‘Go see the world while you can!’

Rolly was truly one in a million. Even in the last few days of his life here on earth, Rolly shared stories and memories with all of his family. He will be greatly missed by so many people—he changed lives—he left a wonderful legacy!

A ‘CELEBRATION’ of his life will be held at Geona Baptist Church, 7562 Lewis Center Road, Westerville, Ohio 43082 on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Visitation from 2:00-3:00pm and the Celebration of Life service will be at 3:00pm. Everyone welcome.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation marked in Roland Augspurger’s memory to either of the following

*Family Life Church, PO Box 456, Marion, Ohio 43301 (Rolly’s grandson, Noah goes to school here).

*Geona Baptist Church, 7562 Lewis Center Road, Westerville, Ohio 43082