Roger Lee Diehl

DIEHL Roger Lee Diehl, age 71 of Ashville, Ohio, passed away Monday, September 8, 2025. He was born August 11, 1954, in Ashville to the late Donald Albert and Geneva Mae (Partee) Diehl. A resident of Ashville his entire life, Roger graduated from Teays Valley High School in 1972.

Roger was a dedicated farmer and also operated Roger’s Backhoe Service. He had a deep love for the land, his community, and his faith. Known for his sweet disposition and an infectious laugh that could brighten any room, Roger also had a well-known love for sweets that matched his warm personality.

He was best known in Ashville for his decades of service to the Ashville 4th of July Celebration, where he volunteered tirelessly and was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Ashville Community Club. In recognition of his service, Roger was also honored by both the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives, received the 2021 Caring Citizen Award from the City of Lancaster, and the Volunteer Award from the City of Obetz. His dedication to community spirit made him a respected and beloved figure across central Ohio.

Roger also collected antique cars, tractors, and farm equipment and was a proud member of the Fairfield County Antique Tractor Club and the Miami Valley Steamfitters Association, taking his tractors to shows, parades, and festivals across Ohio. He hosted an annual “Plow Day” at his farm, where farming enthusiasts, along with their children and grandchildren, could experience hands-on plowing with antique equipment in a family-friendly setting. Roger gave freely of his time to many organizations and was on his tractor, heading to mow for a local animal shelter, when his life was tragically cut short in an accident.

He was a devoted member of Zion United Methodist Church in Ashville, where he served as a Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent, and was honored for attending Sunday School without missing a single Sunday for 55 straight years. His faith, generosity, and kindness were the foundation of his life.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 20 years, Jane (Hill) Diehl; brothers Warren (Pamela) Diehl and Larry (Susan) Diehl; children John (Leianne) Scott, Jeff (Michelle) Scott, Stacie (Rod) Davisson, and Joel (Randi) Reid; dozens of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; cousins; his aunt Mary Irene Bumgarner; many friends — and his loyal farm cat, Hoolie Hooligan.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the OLIVER-CHEEK FUNERAL HOME, 420 W. Main St., Ashville, with interment to follow at Reber Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1:00–4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, at the funeral home.

For those who wish, contributions may be made to Zion United Methodist Church, Ashville, Ohio.