Ester Leigh Rogal

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that together we announce the passing of our family matriarch, Ester Lee Rogal Waller. After many years of bravely fighting Alzheimer's disease, Mom did it her way and passed peacefully in her sleep on October 9, 2026 at the age of 82. Leigh is survived by her husband and the love of her life, Billy G. Waller, four of her five children and their spouses (Michael Rogal, Patrick Davis and wife, Susan Davis, Alicen Cosgrove and husband, Richard Tate, and BethAnne Bruce and husband, Colby Bruce). In addition, she leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Leigh was preceded in death by 2 husbands (Gary E. Davis and Matthew John Rogal), her parents, (Hugh Washington Leslie and Alice Muriel Mills), her sister, Georgia Leslie, and her youngest son, Matthew John Rogal II, AKA John-John. In our hearts, we are confident that all were present to assist our dear mother in passing over.

Leigh was born on May 19, 1944 in Chicago IL. Her father fought bravely in World War II and upon his return, the Leslie family settled in a small town south of Chicago called Northbrook. Their suburban home at 2525 Illinois Rd was a hub of family values, hard work, stick-to-itiveness, lovely holidays, wonderful memories, and some sad ones too.

We will always remember Mom excelling as she climbed the career ladder. Her first big break came with the Nielsen Ratings Corporation where she perfected her skills in data analysis and number crunching. She would frequently tell us kids that if we didn't get good grades, she would cancel our favorite TV shows and we believed her. Leigh eventually moved into sales and marketing, working coveted sales/marketing positions with computer giants in the 1980s and 1990s. A mentor she was, helping all her children do well in their studies, professions, and career paths.

Leigh always had an eye for decorating and design. She merged her skills in sales and marketing with Bill's experience in real estate and they relocated to Fredericksburg , TX in the Hill Country where she remained the rest of her life. They bought several houses, renovating them into modern and sophisticated bed and breakfasts. They successfully owned and operated 4 separate accommodations (Rose Cottage, Primrose Cottage, The Memory Box, and Palo Alto Creek Farm).

Yes, our Mom grew an abundant life with many branches. One branch starting and never stopped growing. It started early in her life and continues to grow through her, that is her love of animals, both great and small. One thing her children knew that they could do and not get in trouble for was bringing a stray animal home. Cat, kitten, dog, or bird, we all knew if we couldn't keep it, it would be nourished back to life in a forever home. Leigh and Bill were highly involved in animal rescue. together they helped established the Hill Country SPCA, both on the Board of Directors, Leigh serving as President. Leigh later helped establish PAWS (Pedernales Animal Welfare Society, a provider of low cost spay-neuter services) thru her grant righting skills, and the establishment of a thrift store.

Rest in peace sweet Mother dear. Please watch over us all until we see you again.