Kathy Vogt, a teacher in Delano for 32 years, passed away in her home in Laguna Woods on June 28, 2016. She had been fighting cancer for four years.
Kathy taught first and second grades at Valley Vista, Albany Park, and Del Vista. She loved the children of Delano and their supportive parents. At the market or watching a softball game, she always enjoyed seeing former students and catching up on their adult lives. During her time teaching, she was inspired by two outstanding educators, Norman Hefner and Tommie Touchstone. She was also involved in a number of positions in the Delano Elementary School District Teacher’s Association, serving as president one year.
Born July 29, 1944 in Hanford, California, Kathy’s parents were Oscar and Merle Hardcastle of Corcoran. She grew up on J. G. Boswell Company land in the country south of Corcoran. After high school, she attended College of Sequoias where she met her future husband, Fred Vogt. Together, they transferred to Fresno State to finish the B.A. and complete the additional year for a teaching credential. She and Fred were married in April 1968 just before beginning their teaching careers in Delano. Kathy took a two year leave to have and raise her son, Andy, in 1970 and then returned to the district to finish out her 32 years.
In the late 1960’s and early 70’s, when the United Farm Workers were based in the Delano city limits, Kathy volunteered in the evenings to tutor English and math skills as well as to help farmworkers children with their homework. She also helped transport UFW children to summer camp at Lake Woollomes and a trip to Kings Canyon National Park.
Kathy is survived by her husband Fred of Laguna Woods, California, son Andy of Ladera Ranch, California, sisters Margaret Emmel of Yuma, Arizona and Jean Youker of Lawton, Oklahoma, and brother David Hardcastle of New York City.
Classroom supply donations in her name may be made to any Delano teacher who has inspired your children.
