Harriet J. Vogt 1935-2025

Born Sept. 24, 1935, in Ellwood City, Pa., Harriet enjoyed a childhood surrounded by loving parents, David and Ethel Van Gorder, two older sisters, and aunts and uncles who enriched her early years on “Wiley Hill.”

Harriet earned a teaching degree from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa. She embarked on a teaching career in Lawrence County for two years, followed by substitute and nursery school teaching for decades.

In 1959, she married James David Vogt; they were married 63 years until Jim’s passing in 2022. They were actively involved in their children’s lives, leading activities such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and band boosters. They tirelessly attended and cheered on their kids’ activities and sporting events.

Harriet cherished deep friendships formed through the “Cookie Club,” a social group that began in 1969 when she and other homeroom mothers started to make cookies for soldiers in Vietnam. The club blossomed into friendships that thrived for over 55 years, marked by Christmas cookie exchanges and the joy of “secret sisters.” Some of these same ladies were in Harriet’s book clubs, Red Hat Club, bowling and other social circles.

A faithful member of First Baptist Church in Warren, Harriet allowed her faith to guide her throughout her life. Her spirit of adventure led her to international travel and to visit all 50 states!

Harriet leaves behind a daughter, Nancy Hesters and her husband, Allan; a son, Richard Vogt and his wife, Daphne “DeeDee”; and grandchildren whom she adored, Sarah Vogt, David Vogt, Theodore Belek and Richard Belek; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins who will carry her memory in their hearts.

She has now been reunited with her beloved husband, Jim Vogt; a loving daughter, Betsy Belek; and her sisters, Vivian Porter and Janice Nelle.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Harriet’s remarkable life during visitation 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, at Lane Funeral Home, Roberts-Clark Chapel, 180 Garfield Drive NE, Warren. A service will follow at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family would like to invite family and friends for lunch and fellowship noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Lane Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home, before leaving for the burial.

Interment will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Ellwood City, Pa., where family and friends are asked to meet at the mausoleum.

(special notice)