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In celebration of Older Americans Month every May, each of our nine counties honored an Outstanding Senior Citizen whose dedication, volunteerism, and service have enriched their community. Read more about this year’s winners below.
Married in 1960, the Gecowets quickly became actively involved in numerous community initiatives and organizations. Jerry is an accomplished professional, volunteer, and aviation advocate who has devoted countless hours to supporting the Grimes Flying Lab Foundation and preserving the region’s rich aviation heritage. His contributions earned him the National Aviation Heritage Alliance’s 2016 Ivonette Wright Miller Award.
MaryLee has dedicated much of her life to community service through her involvement with numerous local organizations. Her leadership roles have included serving on the YMCA Board, the Champaign Community Foundation, the Urbana City School District Board, the Clark State Community Task Force, and the Route 68 Improvement Committee, among many others. Her outstanding commitment to service has been recognized with several prestigious honors, including the YMCA Leadership Award, the Simon Award for Outstanding Community Service, and the Hall of Fame Award, the highest recognition presented by the United Way of Champaign County for volunteer service.
Tom was born in Springfield and met Mary Jane in Maine when both were enlisted in the U.S. Navy stationed at the Naval Station Great Lakes. The couple is described as the embodiment of what it means to be an outstanding citizen. During and after raising their family of four children, they settled in Springfield where Tom worked as a teacher and Jane worked for the City of Springfield. They volunteer together and individually for multiple organizations now and throughout the years: as soccer coaches and bookkeeper, the Clark County Fair, the Fair at New Boston, the Air Force Marathon, St. Vincent de Paul, Horace Mann School, Salvation Army, Heritage Center of Clark County, Kuss Auditorium, the Pennsylvania House, as poll workers for the Clark County Board of Elections, and sing with the USS Vintage Voices and the Springfield Symphony Chorale.
Last year, Tom and Mary Jane adopted 14 individuals living in nursing facilities to provide them each a better Christmas through the Life Untethered non-profit organization. Mary Jane also crocheted more than 40 baby blankets this year for the pregnancy resource center and another 20 for hospice in Clark County.
No information available at time of publishing.
Sherry has called Greene County home for over 45 years, where she raised her family, worked at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, was a hands-on caregiver for her beloved mother, and is described as “being all about family which for her extends far beyond blood and in-law connections.” She is noted as being quick to offer assistance to friends, church, sorority members, and anyone in need.
Sherry is especially recognized for her role as co-leader of the longstanding Young Widows of SW Ohio Support Group, which she’s been involved in since it began over 35 years ago. Her nomination notes that she is devoted to all of the widows who have been and are a part of this caring community of women. Sherry also served for six years on the Greene County Council on Aging (GCCoA) Board and continues to encourage community members to contact the GCCoA and other senior and caregiver organizations for support.
Forrest began his career in ministry, serving as pastor of West Liberty Presbyterian Church and Christian Education Director at Bellefontaine Presbyterian Church before joining Indian Lake Schools, where he spent his teaching career. Beyond education, he became a familiar figure in the local arts community through his work with the Logan County Players, Bellefontaine Summer Theater, and Windmill Productions. He also served on the board that helped preserve the historic Holland Theatre.
Katie dedicated her teaching career to Bellefontaine City Schools and has been a longtime community volunteer. She supported the Holland Theatre by sewing costumes for productions and served on the founding board of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, helping establish the organization in Logan County.
Together, Forrest and Katie raised three children while remaining actively involved in their church, schools, and community, leaving a lasting impact on Logan County through their service and dedication.
No award yet this year.
Barbara is a lifelong resident of Montgomery County recognized for her many years of dedicated service and meaningful contributions to the community. Her nomination describes her as a devoted volunteer for Wesley Dayton for 13 years, making a lasting impact on the senior community through her compassion, reliability, and commitment to serving others.
In addition to a 28-year career in data processing with the ADAMHS Board in Dayton, Barbara has supported older adults by providing transportation, assisting with meal service, helping to maintain a welcoming environment, and offering comfort to those facing illness or loss. Her nomination highlights the selflessness and willingness to serve wherever needed that embody the true spirit of community care and servant leadership.
Darrell graduated from Monroe High School and earned a degree in education from the University of Dayton. After teaching at several schools throughout his career, he retired from Trotwood-Madison City Schools. A dedicated member of Ware’s Chapel United Methodist Church, he has spent decades serving his congregation and community through leadership, teaching, outreach, and volunteer work. Known affectionately as “The Cookie Man” by local children, he brings kindness, humor, and generosity wherever he goes.
Darrell has taught Adult Sunday School for more than 25 years, serves as Finance Chair and Administrative Board member, volunteers with the Monroe Township Food Bank, and organizes community hymn sings and church fellowship activities. He is also an active participant at the senior center, where he shares original poetry, lends a helping hand, and brightens days with his trademark jokes and warm smile.
Vickie spent most of her career teaching at Sidney High School, while Roger taught at Wright State University and is now at Edison State Community College. Together, they raised three daughters and have dedicated countless hours to serving their community.
Roger serves as a Gideon, volunteers at the hospital, and sits on the Mercy Mission Board, where he and his family have helped prepare meals for residents. He has also participated in “Bad Art by Good People,” served on the Edison Spelling Bee fundraising team, and threw out the first pitch at Edison Night with the Dayton Dragons.
Vickie crochets hats for newborns in hospital nurseries, sings in church choir cantatas, and previously performed with the Senior Center of Sidney-Shelby County Singers. She has also organized field trips, birthday celebrations, and Christmas parties for the senior center’s “Happy Hookers” knitting and crochet group, and created costumes for Sidney High School musicals.
The couple continues to give back through their involvement with the Shelby County Retired Teachers Board. There, Vickie coordinates fundraisers while Roger composes the organization’s newsletter.
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