Obituary of Barbara Lee Vogt

Barbara Ross Vogt, a resident of the Manor at York Town, Jamison, PA, died November 10, 2023. She was born in Philadelphia, the daughter of George I. and Evelyn L. Zellers, and was graduated from Cheltenham High School. She had a rewarding career as a fashion model for 55 years that began while she was still in high school where she was often excused from classes for photo assignments. In 1950, she joined the Models' Guild of Philadelphia. She was awarded a scholarship to the Spring Garden Institute to study fashion design, drafting, draping and millinery and in 1954, received first prize for best design held by the fashion department of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Barbara was a show-room model for Murray Hamberger in New York City, specializing in bridal and cocktail gowns. Although her home base was Philadelphia, she was in demand for photo assignments in Boston, New York, Atlantic City, Florida, San Francisco and Acapulco, Mexico. As Barbara approached the age of 40, her hair was turning prematurely gray and her agent advised her to establish herself with this as her unique feature. Immediately successful, this helped to break the age barrier for mature women and led to an extensive article about her entitled "The Silver Fox" in the Inquirer in 1992, by the fashion writer, Roy H. Campbell. Fashion shows were a very enjoyable part of her schedule, with her favorite employer being Saks Fifth Avenue. Jane Carton, fashion director for Saks expressed concern for an upcoming show because Ross would be overseas. Ross gained a loyal following, Carton said, because of her stage persona. With a grateful heart for her many blessings, Barbara was a volunteer with the American Red Cross, delivering the blood donations to the headquarters in Philadelphia. She was also a volunteer at Doylestown Hospital. Music was her avocation, singing in numerous choirs, often as soloist. She helped to establish the Manor Singers at the Manor at York Town under the direction of the renowned Helen Kemp. Barbara is survived by her sons, William Ross and James Ross: sister, Nanci Sorin; brother, Richard Zellers; sister-in-law Dottie Zellers; grandchildren, Ian and Jaclyn Ross and by many nieces and nephews. She will be interred with her husband of 33 years, Martin Vogt. Those who wish to make memorial contributions may address them to the American Red Cross, 2221 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. A graveside service will be held for family and close friends at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 15, 2023, Sunset Memorial Park, Feasterville. A celebration of Barbara's beautiful life is being planned for June 2024 at her beloved Manor. The celebration will coincide with what would have been her 90th birthday. The date will be announced later.