Shirley Vogt

Shirley Marie Smith Vogt, age 84, formerly of West Alexander, PA passed away on Wednesday February 6, 2013, in Erie, PA, residing there following her husband's death in 2008.

She was born on April 16, 1928 in Phoenixville, PA, the daughter of the late Leslie E. and Ethel Corbett Smith. She was the last of her immediate family. Shirley was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was of the Lutheran faith.

Shirley graduated from Phoenixville High School in 1945. She was a bookkeeper her entire adult life, retiring from Benedem-Tree Oil Company of Pittsburgh, PA. Shirley learned to knit in high school.

Throughout her life she enjoyed both teaching the craft of knitting and counted cross stitch and making items for herself, family, and friends.

She was a member and past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, Chapter 496, Phoenixville, PA. She loved all animals, but especially dogs. Her constant companion and much-loved Pug, Olivia, will miss her.

In the 1980's Shirley bred and showed AKC Belgian Sheepdogs and was a member of the Belgian Sheepdog Rescue Trust providing shelter for many Belgian Sheepdogs until permanent homes could be found. Shirley and her family enjoyed their summer home at Holiday Camplands for 25 years. She especially enjoyed the times her grandsons came "to the lake" and fished. In her retirement, Shirley enjoyed feeding the birds; working in her flower gardens and watching her Golden Retrievers run on her property in West Alexander.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Howard Paul Vogt. Shirley and Howard were devoted to each other throughout their 52 years of marriage until his death in July of 2008. She is also preceded in death by a sister, Jane Smith Peirson, her brother-in-laws John "Jack" Peirson, Gilbert Vogt, Noland Vogt and sister-in-laws, Erna "Blondie" Nobbe Vogt and Barbara Long Vogt.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Wendy V. Szallay and husband Frank, of Erie, PA; her son, Paul L. Vogt of Albuquerque, NM; her son James B. Vogt of Cranberry Twp, PA. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren, Christopher P. Rusmisel of Claysville, PA; Senior Airman Adam C. Rusmisel of Cheyenne, WY and Matthew and Carolyn Vogt of Cranberry Twp, PA. MeMe Shirley, as she was called by her grandchildren, always attended her grandchildren's events. Shirley is also survived by five nieces and nephews including William L. Peirson and his family of Bel Air, MD.

Friends and family are invited to visitation on Monday, February 11th from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Chester Springs, PA. Interment will follow in St. Peter's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Chester Springs, PA. Shirley will be buried next to her husband, mother and father, sister and brother-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Therapy Dogs United, 1940 W. 8th St. Erie, PA 16505 or Regional Home Health and Hospice, 3526 Peach St. Erie, PA 16508.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th St., Erie, PA 16506.