DELAWARE COUNTY — A Delaware County family’s agricultural legacy will continue through a remarkable transition of farmland from one generation of farmers to another, while also creating a lasting source of charitable support for the community.
The Delaware County Foundation has received a $5.2 million gift from the Charles H. and Betty J. Sheets Trust, marking the largest single gift in the Foundation’s history. The contribution was made possible through the sale of farmland that had been part of the Sheets family.
Rather than seeing the land leave agricultural use, the trust facilitated its purchase by the Skinner family, longtime farmers of the property. The transaction represents a meaningful transition from one farming family to another, preserving the property’s agricultural heritage while transforming the proceeds into a lasting charitable legacy.
“For Charles and Betty Sheets, farming was more than a livelihood. It was a way of life and a responsibility passed from one generation to the next,” said Chris Baker, President and CEO of the Delaware County Foundation.
“What makes this gift particularly meaningful is that their legacy continues in two ways: through the land, which will remain in the hands of local farmers, and through the charitable resources that will benefit our community for generations to come.”
“We’ve been farming this ground for 35 years, so it means a great deal to our family to have the opportunity to purchase it,” said Brian Skinner. “The Sheets family spent many years caring for this land, and we’re proud to continue that tradition. It’s more than just a piece of property to us. It’s part of our family’s history now, too, and something we hope to pass along to the next generation.”
A Legacy Rooted in Delaware County
Charles came from a family with a farming heritage spanning six generations in Delaware County. Together, he and Betty built a life rooted in hard work, family, and service to their community.
“Both of my parents were born and lived in Delaware County all their lives,” said their daughter, Margie Saull. “My dad was a laborer of the land and worked very hard. My mom was a wonderful farmwife and worked along with my dad driving trucks and tractors. She made many meals for the workers.”
Their contributions extended well beyond their farm. Charles served as an Oxford Township trustee and a director of the Delaware Rural Electric Cooperative and was a longtime member of the Delaware Farmers Exchange. Betty served on the Farm Bureau Board of Trustees, supported agricultural education, and was recognized as Farm Bureau Woman of the Year in 2001. In 2017, the couple was inducted into the Delaware County Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Both believed deeply in giving back to the community that had been home to their family for many years. “They were both involved in several organizations of the Delaware community and always wanted to help others,” said Saull. “Their legacy will continue for many years.”
Investing in Future Generations
Under the terms of the gift, the contribution will support two charitable purposes. A portion will fund scholarships for students, while the remainder will support nonprofit organizations and address evolving community needs throughout Delaware County.
The contribution is the second gift to the Delaware County Foundation made possible through the sale of Sheets family farmland. Their history of philanthropy also includes support for the construction of Brown Township Hall in Kilbourne, which was dedicated in Charles and Betty’s honor in 2017.
“This gift is a wonderful example of how a family’s legacy can continue to shape a community long after their lifetimes,” said Baker. “Charles and Betty worked hard, cared for their neighbors, and understood the importance of investing in the future. Through their generosity, the land they loved will continue to be farmed, and the fruits of their labor will support students, nonprofits, and families across Delaware County for years to come.”
The Delaware County Foundation works with individuals and families to transform charitable intentions into lasting community impact. Through endowment funds, scholarships, and other giving opportunities, the Foundation helps preserve the values and priorities of donors while addressing the needs of a growing and changing community.
