Billie Lou Leach

Billie Lou Leach, a lifelong resident of Austin, was called home on October 14, 2011. Billie Lou was born on January 20th, 1927, the only child of Sue Katherine and Alfred Bertil Berkman. She graduated from Austin High School in 1944, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and The Red Jackets.

Billie Lou was a member of First Southern Presbyterian Church, where she met and later married the love of her life Robert "Bobby" Leach on January 29, 1945. Just three weeks later, Bobby left to begin his volunteer service for the Army in World War II. Billie Lou went with her husband to Baltimore, MD in 1945. From there, Bobby went to the European Theatre in World War II. Billie Lou returned to Austin until the war in Europe was over, and then traveled with her loving husband until he was discharged from the service. During her travels, she worked for the American Red Cross at Fort McClelland in Alabama and at Duke Hospital near Camp Butner.

Upon returning to Texas, she took a job at the Texas Railroad Commission in the oil and gas division. She made the decision to leave the workforce when her first child Charlotte was born. Daughters Carol and Laurie followed. She was an extremely devoted wife and mother, and with Bobby, created a loving, Christian home for their children. She later showed the same devotion to eight grandchildren, who were very blessed by Grandma's love.

After her youngest daughter Laurie entered elementary school, she returned to work for the Railroad Commission, and later for Judge Zollie Steakley of the Texas Supreme Court, and finally for the Texas State Senate, where she was the Director of Purchasing and Supply from 1973 to 1987.

Later in life, she became a devoted member of St. David's Episcopal Church and volunteered at the Next to New shop for 18 years, which was operated by the Women of St. David's. She was also a member of the Betty Gilmer Guild and a member of the Order of St. Luke's.

Billie Lou was preceded in death by her husband of nearly sixty years Bobby, her parents, and her granddaughter Courtney Griffin. She is survived by daughter Charlotte Safi (Tony), daughters Carol O'Brien and Laurie Griffin; grandchildren Robert Safi (Heather), Bryan Safi, and Caroline Safi Brownlow (Victor), Jay and Preston O'Brien, and Chandler and Cramer Griffin; sister-in-law Marjorie "Tiny" Leach; cousin Wayne Peschka; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers: Tony Safi, Robert Safi, Bryan Safi, Jay O'Brien, Preston O'Brien, Cramer Griffin, Charles Leach and Pablo Ruiz.

Special thanks to niece Cynthia Leach, her husband Pablo Ruiz and sister-in-law Tiny Leach for their loving attention; and to Hospice Austin and the wonderful staff at Barton Hills Assisted Living for their exceptional care and kindness.

Visitation will be held at St. David's Episcopal Church, 301 E. 8th Street, on Monday, October 17th from 2–2:30 pm. Service immediately following. Interment will be at Austin Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. David's Church Foundation, 301 E. 8th Street, Austin, TX 78701; and to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759.