Herbert and Mary Dete Simmons Scholarship created with the HCEF
The Herbert and Mary Dete Simmons Scholarship was established recently by daughters, Julia Brewer and Carol Overman, and grandchildren, Mike Taylor and Teresa Wengerd.
The Herbert and Mary Dete Simmons Scholarship was established recently by daughters, Julia Brewer and Carol Overman, and grandchildren, Mike Taylor and Teresa Wengerd.
The scholarship is in memory of Herbert and Mary Dete because of their strong interest and passion for helping others in their community. It is being administered by the Holmes County Education Foundation.
The Herbert and Mary Dete Simmons Scholarship will be awarded to graduating seniors of West Holmes High School that are active in community service and pursuing a field of study in agriculture, education, nursing or skilled trades.
The award will be presented annually and is limited to tuition, fees and course-related expenses such as fees, books, supplies and equipment that are required of all students in the course of instruction. This scholarship is renewable.
Herbert Dete was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army’s Infantry, Company C, Regiment 363. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Herbert and Mary Dete served their community by volunteering endless hours to Holmes County organizations including Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Pomerene Hospital, Glenmont Fire Department, and American Legion Post 192.
Herbert Dete was instrumental in starting the Glenmont Fire Department in 1954 and worked tirelessly on efforts to fund the building that houses the Millersburg American Legion Post 192, where he was a lifelong member. He held various offices in the church, Glenmont Fire Department and the American Legion. He worked at Briar Hill Stone Company for 36 years and farmed with his father-in-law, Albert A. Dete. The farm has been in the Dete family since 1854.
Mary Dete was secretary for the Holmes County Extension Office and a homemaker. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Glenmont, the Altar and Rosary Society, the Seven Hills Garden Club, Millersburg American Legion Post 192, and the Glenmont Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary.
Mary Dete was an accomplished knitter; she tatted and crocheted. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and playing cards. She loved the farm life and was well known for her homemade soap, butter, dinner rolls and caramels. She never wasted anything. She strongly believed one should help out any way one could.
“My Mom and Dad quietly and without need of recognition went about doing what needed to be done,” Brewer said. “They epitomized the concept of our greatest generation. My mother would perhaps be embarrassed by this attention, but they were a special couple, and I’m glad we can give a memory of them to others through the scholarship.”
Foundation executive director Darla Stitzlein said, “It’s apparent that Herbert and Mary had a strong work ethic, valued their community and loved their country. Establishing this scholarship allows their values to be carried on for future generations by assisting students with those same attributes in their pursuit of a college education. We are extremely grateful to the family for this generous gift.”
The HCEF currently administers 63 named endowed scholarships and has been encouraging further education for Holmes County residents by awarding well over $9 million in scholarships and grants since 1991.
Students interested in applying for scholarships administered by the HCEF may visit the foundation’s website at www.hcef.net. The next scholarship application period will begin Jan. 6.
Current foundation scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply for this new scholarship. Additional contributions are welcome to this scholarship fund and all other funds held by the foundation.
To learn more about establishing a scholarship with the HCEF, stop in at the foundation office in Millersburg at the Cary House, 114 N. Clay St., or call Stitzlein at 330-674-7303.