Beulah Pearl “Boots” (Johnson) Hogate
Born August 18, 1924 ~ Charleston, West Virginia
Died December 8, 2020 ~ Papillion, Nebraska
Preceded in death by husband, Earle Hogate; son, Jeffrey Hogate; daughter in law, Blanche Hogate; children: Jack Hogate (Maryann) of Oak Lawn, IL Deborah Hornbacher (William) Papillion, NE, William Hogate (Ann) St. Charles, IL; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; niece, Hildy Hogate.
Boots was loved by all. She was a spark in everyone’s life. She grew up poor in Charleston, West Virginia but it didn’t take her long to find a new path in her life. After working for Senator Claude Pepper in Washington, she set her sights for the sky. She became an American Airlines Stewardess and traveled from Coast to Coast, bringing her spark to the lucky travelers on board DC3’s and DC4’s. . When she interviewed for the job she was told that she was too short and too light and that didn’t have a nursing degree, which was generally required. That didn’t stop her. She met her future husband Earle on a flight, and the rest is history.
She raised her family in Illinois and was very active in the local community including the PTA. She joined The Kiwi Club, a group of retired Stewardess from American Airlines. Back in the day, once a stewardess got married, their wings were “clipped” and they could no longer fly. Through her leadership and efforts, the Kiwis charitable efforts raised over $1 million to benefit families dealing with developmental disabilities. This was her second family and very dear to her heart.
She stayed active well into her eighties, and served as National President as well as receiving the Presidents Cup for her years of service and contributions. She traveled the world extensively and went on to become a Real Estate Broker, Maritime Hostess, along with many others roles that made great use for her spark and spunk. She led by example on how to live a full live, how to help others and the joy of family and friends.
During her last couple years, she was lovingly aided by her caring companion Jean Norton who was there to help her whenever needed.
She will be laid to rest next spring, along with her husband Earle, at Omaha National Cemetery. Life Celebrations will follow in Omaha and Chicago in the spring.
8 Comments
God Bless you Ma’am.
Dear Hogate family, I’m so sorry for your grief at this time. Your mom (and dad) were certainly wonderful friends with my folks through the years, and our lives were enriched because of that friendship. ( Harnew PTA was a great socializing force bringing so many folks together to form life-long friendships!) Every thought of your mother has always warmed my heart for she was bigger than life in the most engaging and welcoming ways – as was you dad! Boots was not only full of life but had a storied life; her wings are clipped no more! I have so many fond memories of her, but yours are exponentially more. I hope peace, these good memories, and even laughter will be yours in in abundance at this time of loss and grief in the days to come.
With love and fond Hogate rememberances of many years,
Donna Boyce Crader
Dear, Jack, Debbie & Bill & family
Just noticed on my mail , sorry to learn of your dear moms
Passing . She surely had a wonderful full life with all of her endeavors . I thought of her often and kept her in my prayers .
Blessings to all of you .
Much love ,
JoAnne
So sorry to hear of the passing of Boots. God knows we had some good times together, in WV growing up, in Chicago while in the service, and Omaha when I had the opportunity to visit 2 years ago. Yes, Boots was always the life of the party and usually, the organizer. To hear Boots tell it, My mom and dad thought of her as a daughter before I was born. Aunt Bell and Boots attended our wedding in New York in 1968, Two of the four on my side attending. There are tons of great experiences to share. Sorry for your lose but you had a great life with her. So good to have lived 96 years.
A shining light has gone out, but the after-glow remains with all who knew her.
Dear Deb, Bill, & family.
We were so saddened to hear of your Moms Passing.Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family and all those who knew her. What a wonderful life she lived! She is one of those people, as can be seen by all the people whose life she touched, that made a difference in this world.
Dear Hogate Family,
My condolances for your loss. I was sad to hear of Boots’ passing and thankful that I had the pleasure of knowing her. Shes was a wonderful woman who always made me laugh. She was a great neighbor and friend to my mom, Barb, at Hillcrest. She will definitely be missed. May her memory be eternal.
Chris Bakke and family
Bill, just received word of your mother’s passing. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting your mom, flying with your Dad on the Convair 990 several times was a pleasure! I hope I can find out the dates the memorial is held in the spring. I will be there.
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