Leah Bogart Trahin

Our grandmother, Leah Bogart Trahin, died November 27th, surrounded by love and adoration. Known as "Grandmommy," "Gran Gran," and "Me Mommy" to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she was a tenacious matriarch with a laugh that would raise the roof and a sneeze that could pierce an eardrum. Leah Thompson Bogart was born on February 6, 1922, during a time when women of intellect and talent were often taken for granted. This was especially true for women of Society. Being the granddaughter of E.G. Thompson – head of the most prominent family in Little Rock at the turn of the 20th century, and the daughter of Robert Dickson Bogart II and Helen May Thompson – well-known and respected in Northwest Arkansas, our grandmother was expected to conduct herself as an absolute lady. Thus, at the age of 17, she was expected to follow tradition and attend a finishing school in New York. When she refused, choosing to attend the University of Arkansas instead, her favorite aunt, Leah Thompson Rose, threatened to disinherit her – and she did! Up to the end of her life, our grandmother spoke of the disinheritance with humor and dismay: "Can you believe she disinherited me… her namesake and favorite niece? Well, she said she would, and she did…!" Though our grandmother had strong city roots, she was raised in Walnut Grove – a small country community near Prairie Grove. It was the juxtaposition of those influences that made her especially resourceful and self-sufficient: she was a shrewd entrepreneur who could host an impressive dinner party (with an impeccably set table) while wearing a hand-sewn gown, and serving a meal of fish, which she personally caught, gutted, and cooked, and vegetables from her garden. Our grandmother was a captivating woman of intelligence, strength, and independence. It was at the UofA our grandparents met: She a Tri Delta and he, Lieutenant Jean Henry Trahin, a Kappa Sigma. They wed on September 5th, 1946 at the Bogart home in Walnut Grove. In January of 1951, their family was complete with the adoption of their only child, Charlotte Bogart Trahin. After many years in the Army, our grandfather was commissioned Major General. Though married to a Major General, no one was to command our strong willed grandmother. Granddaddy ruled his troops; she ruled all else. When she proficiently pointed, all were expected to jump. Forever curious, our grandmother traveled the world seeking new experiences and understanding of cultural differences. She claimed proficiency in both Spanish and French, though none of us could understand what she was attempting to say when she spoke either language. Our lives have been indescribably rich due to the incredible lady we were fortunate to know as our grandmother. Forever more we will be filled with gratitude for the knowledge of this woman. She conquered the world for 96 years and taught us many of the skills she learned along the way. Our grandmother was preceded in death by her kind-hearted husband, Jean Trahin; fiery daughter, Charlotte Trahin; her daring brother, Robert Dickson Bogart III, and his children: Eizabeth Reed, Ann Terry, Helen Cecilia, and John Michael. Left to morn her passing are us – her fiercely loyal grandchildren: Rebecca Robnett Sandoval and husband, Jeff, Leah Bogart Devaux Harper (her namesake), and Helen Emily Trahin Dunkerson and husband, Robert; as well as her extremely fortunate great grandchildren: Enzo and Ociee Sandoval, Brooke and Ian Harper, and Katelynn, Heidi, and Halle Dunkerson; and her nephews: Robert Dickson Bogart IV, Patrick Bogart, Joseph William Bogart, and James Edward Bogart. Grandmommy believed all her friends were dead, but she continued to have lovely people in her life that adored her and are devastated by her loss. Grandmommy will be laid to rest with our granddaddy on December 12th, near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. As our grandmother so often told us (in her version of French), we shout to her into the heavens: Je t'aime. Je vous adore. Casca vous le. Je vous encore? (Her intended translation: I love you. I adore you. What more could you ask for?) - Rebecca, Leah, and Helen. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com