Ellen Higginbotham Rogers

Ellen Higginbotham Rogers, a lifelong Dallas resident, died peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 85. Born February 2, 1941, she was the daughter of Elizabeth and Joseph Higginbotham. She graduated from The Hockaday School in Dallas and later graduated from Mills College in Oakland, California. Her youth sparked many of the interests she would carry throughout her life, including swimming, diving, and dance, as well as an enduring love of trains that began with childhood journeys across the country to visit her grandmother in Pittsburgh.

On June 21, 1963, Ellen married Richard G. Rogers, with whom she shared more than six decades of devoted partnership. Together they raised their family in Dallas and embraced a life filled with love, service, and adventure.

Ellen was a lifelong admirer of the arts, particularly modern dance, and had a special appreciation for the work of Martha Graham. One of her greatest passions was championing education for girls and women, encouraging them to find and strengthen their voices. She devoted much of her life to The Hockaday School, where she served as Alumnae Board President, a longtime Board member, and ultimately as a Life Trustee. Her extraordinary service was recognized with the school’s highest Alumnae honor, the Hockaday Medal. She also dedicated her talents as a trustee at Mills College. In Dallas, she founded Girls Adventure Trails, inspiring young girls through camping, exploration, and learning.

Beyond her many contributions to education, Ellen approached life with a spirit of curiosity and adventure. She adored fishing of all kinds and was especially proud to have taken part in one of the first all-female fly-fishing trips to Alaska. She was also an avid golfer for many years and a proud member of The Northwood Club. With her husband, Dick, she traveled the world, treasuring the experiences, friendships, and discoveries gathered along the way.

Ellen will be remembered for her love of beauty, tradition, and family, as well as the grace and kindness she carried alongside her quiet strength. She found joy in the kitchen, where her chocolate chip cookies became legendary among her children’s friends, and her chocolate soufflé was unmatched. Her warmth, generosity, and spirit will be cherished by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Richard “Dick” Rogers; her children, Michael Rogers (Dave Giddings) and Katherine Roberts (William); and her beloved grandchildren, Henry Roberts (Jessica) and Alice Roberts. She is also survived by her sisters, Jane Bayes (Kyle) and Marian Niles of California, and Harriet Stoneham of Dallas, along with many nieces and nephews across the country.

Ellen’s family is deeply grateful for the loving and devoted care provided by Barbara A. Gilbert, Cassie Livingston, Sandra Culpepper, and Namunji Isimwaa, whose kindness and compassion meant so much to Ellen and her family.

The family will celebrate Ellen’s life with a reception at The Hockaday School on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 4-6pm in Great Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Hockaday School in Dallas, TX, or to The Museum of the American Railroad in Frisco, TX, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.