Tributes

Lora Ethel Vogt, passed away in Fresno, California, on March 23, 2016 after living a full life of 98 years. Born to Everett and Nona Hammer in Mount Vernon,Missouri on September 19, 1917, Lora moved with her parents to Fresno, California in 1924 to find better weather and greater employment opportunities in Central California. She, her parents and later brother Clyde and sister Eula, first lived in a small farmhouse off of Barstow and West Avenues “out in the country”. Lora graduated from Fresno High School in 1937 and later went to secretarial school. During World War II, she served as a secretary at the Naval Hospital in San Diego. Returning to Fresno after World War II, she met Henry Vogt at one of the weekly dances at the Rainbow Ballroom, who she later married in 1949, and with whom she had their only child, Kirk. Both Henry and Lora were tireless, hard workers, with Lora working in the insurance industry for a number of years, before later working in banking and retiring from what had become Crocker Bank (now Wells Fargo). Along with many others from the “Greatest Generation”, Henry and Lora led their lives guided by the desire to “do the right thing”, and they encouraged their family members to do their very best in all they pursued. Their attention to the details and completion of a job, love for their family members, and belief in God set ideal examples for their family members that followed. Upon their retirement, their pensions allowed Lora and Henry to enjoy their time with family and friends and allowed them the opportunity to travel throughout the United States, Europe and the Caribbean, until Henry’s passing in 1994. She enjoyed membership in the Eastern Star, Masonic Widows and other affiliated organizations. She also enjoyed her hobbies which included reading, crocheting and knitting. She is survived by her son, Kirk Vogt (wife Cathy) of Rocklin; grandchildren Nicole Smith-Wilkins (husband Dave) of Fresno, Sean Vogt of Boston, Massachusetts, and Michael Vogt (wife Amber) of San Luis Obispo, great-grandson Tyler Smith-Heckman, and eight nieces and nephews living throughout California and Washington. Lora’s family would like to express their appreciation for those who assisted Lora during her illness, especially the care providers of Well-Being Senior Solutions, Optimal Hospice Care, and the staff of The Windham. Lora’s family requests any charitable contributions made in remembrance of Lora be made to the Community Food Bank of Fresno, Evangel Home of Fresno, or the Loveall Foundation for Children. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Lora’s life will be announced and held on a date to be announced later.

Tributes

Lora Ethel Vogt

September 19, 1917 - March 23, 2016