It Happened in Crawford County: Rhonda Rowland shares her time and faith in the community

Rhonda Rowland and brothers, Earl and Rob, are the children of Ronald and Doris Musick. Their parents migrated here from Virginia, and Rhonda is proud of her southern heritage. The best compliment she can receive is when someone says she reminds them of "her daddy."

Rhonda was born and raised in Bucyrus and attended Lincoln. When she was 13, she began working at Bob’s Sandwich Shoppe for Bob and Charlie Hoelzel, who will forever have a special place in her heart. Rhonda loved waitressing and was taught how to make change by Mayor Paul Outhwaite.

Serving customers at the food counter and getting to know people by name was special. Bob’s Sandwich Shoppe featured a bratwurst stand that served locals and people heading for the lake. Gary Auck purchased the business. Rhonda continued working for Auck and recently enjoyed celebrating his retirement.

Rhonda was very socially involved in school, displaying her trademark love for people early. She played sports, served on student council, twirled as a flag girl, and was crowned homecoming queen. Rhonda graduated in 1984 and loved her time at Bucyrus High School.

Career begins as a teller at Farmer's Citizen's

Before she graduated, Colette Hudson, Rhonda’s business teacher, encouraged her to contact Jim Stemen at Farmer’s Citizen’s Bank, where she was hired as a teller. Rhonda went on to study business administration at Marion Technical College. While there, Jim Gillenwater (see his 2015 story) offered her a position at State Farm Insurance where she was able to receive a foundational knowledge of the insurance industry.

Jumping from that springboard, Rhonda applied to Ohio Mutual Insurance Group in1987. She still has her interview slip from her very first conversation with Marylyn Strang and was ecstatic to receive a call from Dona Mohr letting her know that she had been hired. Dona, who has become one of Rhonda’s dearest friends, remembers the outfit Rhonda wore − a white suit with a peach shirt and matching shoes. They both smile at the memory.

Rhonda had her first child in 1989 and moved to part time when their second daughter was born. Ohio Mutual allowed her to work from home − an indication of how forward-thinking the company was in 1991. Rhonda returned to full time in 1998 as a personal lines underwriter, later becoming the personal lines manager. She serves in that role today and is proud to work alongside her associates, agents and customers. Rhonda considers Ohio Mutual one of her life’s biggest blessings.

Starting a family, settling in Wynford School District

Rhonda met her husband when, Roger and Kindar Miller (see his 2020 story) introduced her to Keith Rowland on May 26, 1984. It was a big moment because not only was she graduating the next day, she also immediately knew they would be together forever. Rhonda and Keith just celebrated 37 years of marriage. Keith is the son of Kermit and Virginia Rowland and was a Wynford guy. He was set to graduate the upcoming Friday from OSU, where he studied archaeology. His career happily took him to Lake Erie Electric, where he is vice president.

The Rowlands settled in the Wynford School District and they all became Royals. Rhonda was involved in PTO, serving as president for two years, and was co-chair of the elementary school building project. Eventually, she was elected to the Wynford Board of Education, serving for 17 years, eight as president.

The Musick family had a foundation which was rich with the Christian faith of Rhonda’s father, Ronald. Rhonda began following Jesus at the age of 8 and is walking that journey to this day. The Rowlands attend LifePoint Community Church in Plymouth.

Rhonda’s involvement did not stop there: she taught Junior Achievement, Sunday school, Caravan, served on the Bucyrus Tourism Board for 10 years, and is a member of the Bicentennial Commission. She is a board member of both the Crawford County Concert Association and EMBOLD and is active with the prayer committee for Young Life and SAWA (Salvation Army). In 2014 she was honored by the Chamber of Commerce as “Boss of the Year.”

Rhonda and Keith love traveling to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which is their "happy place." Their children are Shauna (Michael Hurles/see his 2019 story), Lindsey (John Funtik), and son Trent Rowland (Emily.) They have two grandchildren, Arthur and Lucy.

In closing, Rhonda always wanted to hear "The Price is Right" emcee George Gray say, “come on down” (which actually happened in 2018) and, in the same way, she wants to one day hear God say, “come on in.” The joy of the Lord motivates her work in Bucyrus.

“I was born here, raised here, and have made my home here," Rhonda proudly states. "God lives in my heart and I want to spread that joy to others in Crawford County and beyond.”

Go online for more of Mary Fox’s stories and photos on bucyrustelegraphforum.com. If you are interested in sharing a story, write Mary Fox, 931 Marion Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820 or email littlefoxfactory@columbus.rr.com.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Rhonda Rowland on her job, faith and community service