Etta R. Hogan

Etta Ruth King Hogan lived a life of dedication, hard work, perseverance and benevolence. She loved being a wife and mother and she was much loved by her husband and children. She was an excellent teacher. Etta was very involved in her church and community. She loved music, laughing, singing, dancing, and playing practical jokes. Etta loved to entertain friends and family in her home. She was feisty and resourceful (making ice cream from snow!) and she loved wearing bright red nail polish.

Etta was born to Malissa Watts King and Leonard P. King, Sr., on April 10, 1927, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was raised in Rome, Georgia and as a young girl, she and her three older sisters sang in their church. They were known as the King Sisters.

Etta graduated from Main High School in Rome, Georgia. She attended Paine College in Augusta, Georgia where she was a majorette. While she was still in Georgia she began her teaching career at the Georgia School for the Deaf.

Etta later returned to Indianapolis where she met and married Ira Lee Hogan, Sr. Together they proudly raised four children. They enjoyed traveling, gardening and playing cards with friends.

Etta Joined the Roman Catholic faith in 1959 and became a parishioner of St. Rita Catholic Church in 1962.

Etta had been an active member of her community's Oak Hill Civic Association. In 1964, Etta became a substitute teacher for the Indianapolis Public Schools. Father Bernard Strange later hired her to teach at St. Rita Catholic Church Child Development Center then at St. Rita Elementary School. During this time, she also attended IUPUI. Etta retired from teaching after 22 years of service at St. Rita School in June 1994.

Etta was a dedicated and active member of St. Rita Church where she served on the Usher Board and Parish Council. She delighted in being a member of the St. Benedict de Moore Bible Study Club. When it was her turn to host, the ladies knew they would have good eats and would stay long after the meeting had ended just to socialize.

But, Etta especially loved the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary. In 1971 she became a member of St. Rita's Christ the King Court #97. She served multiple terms as Grand Lady where she received numerous honors and awards. Etta also served as Indiana Area Deputy for the Northern District of the Knights of Peter Claver. In 1980 she became a charter member of the Meritorious 4th degree Knights of Peter Claver Ladies of Grace Auxiliary, Searcy L. Greenwell Chapter 14, where she served as Faithful Captain and Faithful Navigator.

Etta went home to Glory on June 28, 2019 and stands in the presence of her Savior. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and sisters, Maebell Carmichael, Agnes Milner, Rosa McGowan, Helen Wagers and Joyce Anderson.

Etta is survived by her four children, sons Ira Lee Hogan Jr., Patrick N. Hogan (Eleanor); daughters Libby V. Hogan Ealy (Jessie), and Rita E. Hogan. She is also survived by her brother Leonard P. King Jr. (Lisa), and sisters Eloise Mitchell and Anthea Moreland. Etta leaves behind 12 grandchildren: Derek Ealy, Erin Ealy Poyant (Matt), Bethany Ealy, Rachel Ealy, Christopher Hogan (Kacia), Ashley Hogan, Patrick Twyman, Anthony Jackson (Sherry), Latrina Jackson, Crystal Brown, Laneisha McGraw and Rhonda McGraw. She also leaves behind 21 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, a host of cousins, cousins in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Etta will be sorely missed.