Jeanne Bogard

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Eleanor Jeanne Bogard was a woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She and her husband were true companions, and their love was the kind of love that most can only dream of. Jeanne was gentle and sweet, and with her warm and genuine personality she drew others near with ease. She loved being in the warm sunshine, especially with the love of her life by her side. Life will never be the same without Jeanne here, but the lives of so many around her will be forever changed because of her love. It was great to be an American during the decade that we commonly recall as the Roaring Twenties. Innovation and new technology gave way to plentiful jobs and prosperity that was largely felt nationwide. Cars were mass produced on assembly lines, which made them more affordable, and the world of flight soared to new heights with Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh. It was amidst this exciting time that there was great excitement in the lives of Charles and Olive (Babbitt) Beattie as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as summer began to unfold in Freeport, Michigan, in 1924. Their wait was finally over when the baby girl they named Eleanor Jeanne drew her first breath on June 7th. She was one of two in her family as she was raised in the family home in Vicksburg alongside her sister, Irene. To support their family, Jeanne's father worked as an International Harvester expert while her mother was a schoolteacher. She was a typical young girl of her generation, and attended local schools including Vicksburg High School until she graduated in 1942. New and exciting changes were in store for Jeanne when she met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was James "Bogie" Bogard, and they met while on Indian Lake when she was there with her Sunday school class for the day. Jim was there with his buddies, and as Jeanne and some friends were sunbathing on rafts he and his clan came up and hit their boat paddles against the girls' rafts, trying to startle the girls. Jim and Jeanne were friends for a bit, but once he returned from the military their love blossomed. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together the sweethearts were married on August 23, 1946, in Angola, Indiana. They settled into a small summer cottage on Indian Lake in Vicksburg, but as they expanded and updated it over the years, they were able to live there year round. Their home was their haven, and both Jeanne and Jim loved living there. They had a few dogs that were like members of their family including their Springer Spaniel, Sambo, who was loved by many and became a treasured companion. Among their other dogs were Rusty, Binky, and she enjoyed babysitting Ruby. Their dear friends, Bill and Sue Hunt, were also an important part of their lives, especially during their later years. Their song, "Always," held such special meaning for them both. They enjoyed just having fun together and were even playful at times. Because she had a skunk on her dashboard, Jim affectionately called her "Stink." Throughout her life Jeanne was someone who preferred to be busy. She worked for Shakespeare where they made fishing gear, remaining there until she retired once they moved. Jeanne was a fantastic cook, and she most known for her peanut butter pie. Jeanne's neighbors even gave her fish in exchange for a peanut butter pie. She and her husband loved camping in their Airstream, and their travels took them all over including Florida and out West. Jeanne and Jim also enjoyed spending time at their cabin up North on the Muskegon River, although she was just as happy just to be out on the pontoon laying in the sun on their lake. Although she was a great cook, Jeanne did enjoy going out for breakfast with their friends in the Shakespeare's breakfast club. Her longtime best friend was Betty Poland. When relaxing, Jeanne enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk. All who knew Jeanne Bogard would agree that she was one of the kindest people around. She worked hard, but nothing was better than having fun alongside her family and friends. Jeanne had the cutest chuckle, and although she was more private by nature she was always there when others needed her. Known for her bright red lipstick and amazing peanut butter pie, she was unforgettable. Social and outgoing, she drew others near with ease. Dearly loved, Jeanne will be forever missed. Eleanor "Jeanne" Bogard of Vicksburg, MI passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at the age of 94. Jeanne's family includes her niece: Sue Peck; nephews: James (Vicki) Worthington and Richard (Evelyn) Worthington; many great nephews and nieces, and her extended family of precious pups: Rusty, Sambo, Binky, and Ruby. Jeanne is preceded in death by her husband: James Bogard; and sister: Irene Worthington. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 to 4pm at the McCowen & Secord Life Story Family Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The funeral service will be held on Monday at 11am at the funeral home, with the burial at Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit Jeanne's webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can read the life story, sign the guestbook and/or share a memory. Those who wish may make contributions to the Vicksburg VFW Post# 5189.