Harriet Jane Vogt

Burlington, NC- Harriet Jane Vogt, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on September 24, 1935, in Ellwood City, PA, Harriet enjoyed a childhood surrounded by loving parents, David and Ethel Van Gorder, two older sisters, 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 2 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 with other Home Room Mothers. It was started to make cookies for soldiers in Vietnam. It 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 the First Baptist Church in Warren, Ohio, 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”; grandchildren that 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 on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, leading into the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at Lane Roberts-Clark Chapel, 180 Garfield Drive NE, Warren, OH. The family would like to invite family and friends for lunch and fellowship from 12:00pm to 1:30pm Wednesday at Lane Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home, before leaving for the burial. The interment will be held at 2:30pm at Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Ellwood City, PA. Meet at the Mausoleum.