Roxana Augustine

Roxana Grace Augustine, 83, passed away March 4, 2026. It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we celebrate the life of a remarkable woman—a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, proud great-grandmother, and a best friend to so many. She was truly the heart of her family, and nothing in this world meant more to her than the people she loved.

She was born November 26, 1942 in Des Moines Iowa to her parents, Roxie and Lena (Hawkins) Shepherd. She lived her life with joy, laughter, and a spirit that could light up any room. Her laugh was unforgettable, loud, genuine, and completely contagious. If she was nearby, you knew it, because happiness seemed to follow wherever she went.
Family was always at the center of her world. She loved fiercely, listened with patience, and gave endlessly of herself to those around her. Whether someone needed advice, comfort, or simply a listening ear, she was always there. She had a rare gift for making people feel understood and valued, and her kindness touched more lives than she likely ever realized.

She had a love for life’s simple pleasures and never turned down a good adventure. Country music was always close to her heart, especially her favorite, Blake Shelton. If a song was playing, chances are she was singing along with a smile.

She also had a deep appreciation for good food and never hesitated to say so. If she tried something she loved, you could count on hearing her joyful declaration: “That was the best thing I’ve ever ate!” Even if it was something she had already enjoyed a hundred times before. Moments like that captured her perfectly: enthusiastic, genuine, and full of life.

The ocean held a special place in her soul, and Florida felt like home to her heart. Deerfield Beach, in particular, was her happy place. The sun, the sound of the waves, and the salty air brought her peace and joy like nowhere else. If she could have spent every day there with a margarita in hand, she absolutely would have.

She also loved a good shopping trip. Von Maur was HER happy place. She had a natural sense of style and carried herself with grace and class. Though she had a well-known habit of being fashionably late wherever she went, she always arrived looking elegant, put together, and smelling of her favorite obsession perfume.

More than anything, she will be remembered for the love she gave so freely. She was generous, understanding, and endlessly supportive. A woman whose presence made life brighter for everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Her legacy lives on in the family she adored, the memories she created, and the laughter she shared with the world. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.

And somewhere, we like to imagine her by the ocean in Deerfield Beach, country music playing, margarita in hand, laughing that unforgettable laugh.

She is survived by her daughters, Rhonda (Robert) Toncar and Tammy Cumings; grandchildren, Tyler (Samantha) Cumings; Ashley (Sergio) Palacios, and Brett (Cari) Toncar, and great grandchildren, Caleb Cumings, Jacie Cumings, Liam Palacios, Beckett Palacios, Brooks Toncar, Warren Toncar, and Frankie Toncar; and many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

Roxana was preceded in death by her husband, Donald “Sonny” Augustine; parents, Roxie and Lena Shepherd; granddaughter, Kacie Forschler; and brothers, Gary (Leone) Shepherd and Michael Shepherd.

Services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Family will greet guests from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. with memorial service to follow at 12:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Avon Cemetery, 3995 E Hart Avenue in Des Moines.

Memorial contributions can be made to the family to go towards a memorial bench at the Iowa State Fair in loving memory of Roxie.

Condolences can be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

And as she would say every time she left someone she loved—
“Glad you got to see me!”

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