Roy E. Sauder

Roy Ezra Sauder, 92, of Mount Joy, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Landis Homes in Lititz. He was born on February 13, 1933, in Union Grove, Pennsylvania, to the late Paul L. and Leah (Martin) Sauder. His family moved to Manheim when Roy was six years old. He was the devoted husband of Frances A. (Buckwalter) Sauder, with whom he celebrated 71 years of marriage on March 11, 2025. Roy graduated from Manheim Central High School in 1951, where he excelled in Future Farmers of America (FFA). His passion for agriculture led him to pursue farmhand work in lieu of 1-W service. He married Fran in March 1954 and began farming in Fredericksburg. After six years, he purchased his own farm in Mount Joy. Roy was involved in the Mennonite Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, superintendent, trustee, and youth group leader. Alongside farming for over two decades, he contributed to farm-related communities, led 4-H programs, and enjoyed playing baseball. A true entrepreneur, Roy transitioned from farming to fulfill his dream of building the Country Table Restaurant in Mount Joy. Later, in collaboration with others, he helped design and construct Par Line Golf in Elizabethtown. His hobbies included golfing, hunting, and traveling—highlighted by a memorable hunting trip to New Zealand where he bagged a gold trophy elk. He cherished his time snowbirding in Sarasota, where he enjoyed cooking, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. Roy supported missions and the Naaman Center. In his later years, his thoughts often reflected on his life as a farmer. He was preceded in death by his son, Roy Jr. (2012, 13 years ago), and his younger brother, Merv (just 11 days prior). Roy is survived by his wife, Frances, and their children—Nancy Louise Sauder of Seattle, Washington; James Lester Sauder of Duncannon, Pennsylvania; and Glenn Quentin Sauder of Clearwater, Florida. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Roy Michael, Nathan, Rachelle, Alesaha, Chad, and Cari Sue; seventeen great-grandchildren: Eshton, Conlin, Traeton, Brogan, Brett, Autumn, Dalton, Angelica, Wyatt, Scottlyn, Coulton, Gage, Charlotte, Weston, Tyler, Julia, and Elizabeth; and one great-great-grandson: Camilo. Roy is also survived by five sisters: Elva (late Robert Bare), Lorraine (Bob Rohrer), Marjorie (late Daniel Stoltzfus), Carolyn (late Dale Leaman), and Linda (Marvin Nissley) and his sister in law Mary Lou (late Mervin Sauder). The Sauder family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Manheim House at Landis Homes for their exceptional and loving care over the past year. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Roy’s viewing on Sunday, October 12th, between 6-8 PM, and Roy’s memorial service on Monday, 4:00 PM with a meal to follow. Both events at Mount Joy Mennonite Church, 320 Musser Road, Mount Joy, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Roy’s memory may be made to Camp Hebron at www.camphebron.org/donate or Blessings of Hope at www.blessingsofhope.com/donate.

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Roy E. Sauder

February 13, 1933 - October 5, 2025