Joyce M. Vogt

Joyce M. Vogt, 94, formerly of Ferguson Valley, Lewistown, Pa., passed away at 2 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at Valley View Haven. Born September 23, 1924, in Lewistown, she was the daughter of the late William Graham Markley and Esther (Sear) Markley Dippery. She is survived by a son, Louis Owen Vogt, Jr., and wife, Ethel, of Vinton, Va., and a daughter, Jane (Vogt) Vere-Bennett and husband, Rick, of Las Vegas, Nv.; grandsons, Col. Dr. Tobias O. Vogt and wife, Dr. Annelie, of Huntsville Al., Col. Zachary R. Vogt and wife, Dr. Kimberly A., stationed in Honolulu, Hi., Lance M. Lobinger and wife, Nicole, Kyle T. Kratzer, of Lewistown, Pa.; granddaughters, Kirsten E. (Kratzer) Vogt and husband, Michael Vogt, of California, and Kalah V. Kratzer, of Yeagertown, Pa.; and two great-grandchildren, George Ryan Vogt and Caroline Elizabeth Vogt. Mrs. Vogt’s American lineage extends back to Revolutionary War veteran Captain Merkle (original surname spelling). Joyce grew up in a loving environment surrounded by extended family members. She graduated from Lewistown High School, Class of 1942, and watched as many of her classmates departed to fight in World War II. During this period, she worked as a Bell Telephone operator, a job that led to meeting and eventually marrying her late husband Louis on July 8, 1944. Louis and Joyce were happily married for 70 years, but just after their wedding Louis was drafted and immediately deployed as a U.S. Army infantryman to the war in Germany. This period of Joyce’s life was very stressful, but with the help of her faith and family she was reunited with her husband in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, by her 21st birthday on September 23, 1945. The young couple started out on the next chapter of their lives with Louis and his brother Carl taking over the family rendering works and Joyce working as a homemaker and part-time bookkeeper with her sister-in-law Nancy at the rendering works. She took great pride in being a homemaker, Louis may have been the boss in the family business, but to anyone that knew Joyce, it was clear who was in charge in their loving home. The couple worked very hard, but still found time to socialize. Dancing was one of Joyce’s passions, first it was the jitterbug and later square dancing with her husband. It wasn’t long before Joyce and Louis had two children, an expanding house, in this case adding a second story, and purchased a farm and large property dedicated to gas wells. They were active in Ellen Chapel Church where Joyce taught children’s Sunday School. She joined the Fort Granville Grange 1902 and Lewistown Chapter No. 283 Order of the Eastern Star. The Vogt’s loved to entertain and participate in a wide-range of activities. One of their favorite pastimes was pinochle, a card game where the husband-and-wife team was quite formidable. Joyce and Louis enjoyed traveling alone and with friends. They took quite a few vacations and extended vacations in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. Their house displayed numerous photos of their grandchildren in lederhosen and traditional German dress, the couple riding camels in Egypt, or scooters in Bermuda. When the Berlin Wall came down in November 1989, Joyce and Louis went to witness this historic event the following spring. For a couple that survived World War II, the reunification of Germany was a monumental occasion. They proudly displayed a little piece of the wall with Joyce’s bells, figurines, and Louis’ wooden 8mm bullet, the type he was wounded by in April 1945. Joyce was a devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother. She always set a good example, provided sound advice and encouragement, and took the time to listen. The genuine nature of her personality shone through when she would stop whatever she was doing, day or night, to spend time with or help family and friends. Joyce was a very special person and matriarch that will be sadly missed by all. She loved her life and had no regrets. Upon moving to Valley View Haven and then to skilled nursing, she continued to receive excellent care during her stay in the 400 Hall. The family sends their gratitude to everyone who treated her with such love and compassion when she became the one in need. She met challenges with courage and dignity and now enjoys the comfort and peace of her eternal home. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at the Ellen Chapel Church, with Pastor Mark S. Hill officiating. Interment will be in Juniata Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019, from at the Barr Funeral Home Inc. and Crematory, 120 Logan St., Lewistown. Friends may call Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorial contributions in Joyce’s memory are respectfully encouraged to Ellen Chapel Church, 11764 Ferguson Valley Road, Lewistown Pa. 17044. Online condolences can be offered to the family at www.barrfh.com.