Esther De La Rosa, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother went home to her Heavenly Father on March 13, 2024. Born to Ralph and Teresa Gonzales, she was the firstborn child and a beacon of light in her community of Palacios, TX.

Esther's life was marked by her unwavering faith and dedication to prayer. She grew up in Palacios, TX, where she cherished her childhood and formed lifelong friendships. As a child, Esther enjoyed walking to the bay, playing imaginative games with her sisters, and dancing to music at home. Her teenage years brought new adventures, like attending dances at the Pan American with her friend Elma. Every Sunday, her father would treat her and her siblings to a ride around town and an ice cream, a tradition she held dear. As an adult, she lived in Bay City, TX, where she worked in the local schools and devoted her time to various volunteer activities. After retiring from Bay City Independent School District, she continued to serve her community with the same passion and dedication. Esther volunteered at Matagorda Regional Medical with the Auxiliary group, provided support at The Women's Pregnancy Center, and was involved with the BCISD Grandparents Program, touching lives with her generosity and spirit of service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Teresa Gonzales; her brother, Ernest Gonzales; her niece, Iris Gonzales; and her granddaughter, Amanda R Charles. Her legacy continues through her husband, Ramon De La Rosa of 34 years; siblings, Elizabeth Sanchez (Andy) and Emily Garcia (Jasper); her children, Deborah Longoria, Ruth Garcia (Rick), Adrian Longoria (Kathryn) and Anezma Trevino (Tracy). Her memory will also be cherished by her 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren: Jose Zuniga III (Joey), Amanda R Charles, Richard Aaron Garcia, Natalie Joy Garcia, Madison P Powell, Emily D Longoria, Matthew A Longoria, Brayden A Paniagua and Liam W Martinez. Great grandchildren; Aleya, Liliana, Kane, Jazlynn, Major, Starr, Avery and Aubrey.

Esther was a woman of deep conviction. Her open heart and home provided sanctuary, love, and prayer to all in need. Her candid nature, truthfulness, and sense of humor brought joy and laughter to those around her. Her smile was a symbol of the love and care she extended to everyone she met. In the spirit of Esther's enduring strength and faith, we are comforted by the words of Isaiah 40:31:   "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."   And we find solace in the promise of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:   "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Visitation will begin at 10:30 am Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Living Word Church, 1405 Cr 317 12th St., Palacios, TX 77465. The Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Sonny Salas officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Esther.