Otto Sharitz Scholarship

For the benefit of  United Methodist Temple through its  high school graduates who are active members.

Otto and Louise Sharitz moved to Lakeland, Florida in the early 70's, and they were winter visitors for several years before becoming residents of Florida. The Sharitz joined United Methodist Temple in 1981. Mr. Sharitz died in March 1981.

When Mrs. Sharitz decided it was time for her to stop driving, she expressed her desire to continue attending Sunday school and church each week.   A car pool was organized and several families agreed to share the reponsibility of bringing her to Sunday school and church and taking her home.   Mrs. Sharitz was always excited about attending United Methodist Temple. The families providing transportation for Mrs. Sharitz soon found her to be a caring woman with a smile on her face. She showed interest in their families and their children's future educational plans. These families' children were especially fond of the Sundays when it was their turn to take Mrs. Sharitz to church. In part it was because Mrs. Sharitz, upon returning home after church, would quickly go into her house and bring out a plate of homemade cookies and brownies.

Some years later, Mrs. Sharitz wanted to show her appreciation to United Methodist Temple and these families by establishing a scholarship in her husband's name to help fulfill their dreams of going to college. When the terms of the Otto Sharitz Scholarship fund were developed, Mrs. Sharitz opened her heart more to United Methodist Temple and included all the children.

The Otto Shartiz Scholarship Fund was created on April 12, 1983 by Louise Stradley Sharitz as a memorial to her husband as a student loan and scholarship fund for the higher education of young people who are high school graduates and active members of United Methodist Temple for the purpose of enhancing their lives and thereby making United Methodist Temple a much stronger church for the future.

Her concern for United Methodist Temple and its children will be remembered with great appreciation.