Esther grew up and attended school (grades 1 through 8) in California, Missouri. The family then moved to Waynesville, Missouri where she attended Waynesville High School, graduating in May 1944. After high school, Esther enrolled in nursing training from 1944 to 1946, but was forced to quit for a temporary time due to battling a serious illness. She recovered and was able to continue her schooling at the Gradinohl Laboratory School of Technology, from which she graduated as a Registered Medical Technologist in June 1949. Esther's employment in this profession took her to numerous locations across the country. Her last place of employment was at the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital where she was offered an incentive retirement in April 1993, after working 49 years as a Laboratory Technician.
On July 1, 1951, at Waynesville, Missouri, Esther married a soldier stationed at Fort Leonard Wood by the name of Jack Richard Carter. Esther and Jack were blessed with two children, Rick and Randy, and shared over 53 years of marriage together.
At the age of 12, Esther gave her life to the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized in the Christian Church. She and Jack were charter members of Westside Mission, now Westside Baptist Church in Waynesville, Missouri. Esther's faith was a vital part of her every day life and is what allowed her to share so much with others.
Esther was involved in many organizations. She was a board member of the American Red Cross Bloodmobiles; member of the Women's Business and Professional Group and Homebuilders Extension Club; served as Director for the Women's Missionary Union and President of the Baptist Women. She taught the Sunbeams Primary Department Sunday School Class, the Ladies Class and was a member of the church choir. She was also a member of the National Society of Laboratory Technologists, serving as Secretary and Treasurer for the Missouri Chapter. Esther was involved in Hospice Training, the AARP Club, Senior Citizens Club and most importantly, the Prayer and Share Group for over 30 years.
Esther departed this life the morning of October 17, 2004 at St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 77 years, 10 months and 16 days after a lengthy battle with cancer.
She will be very sadly missed by her husband: Jack Carter of the home; her two sons: Rick Carter and his wife, Jeanette of Waynesville and Randy Carter and his wife, Sharon of Lebanon; five grandchildren: Matthew, Miranda, Rachel, Molly and Emma Carter, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Esther joins in heaven her brother, Paul.
Funeral services were held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 20, 2004 in the Westside Baptist Church of Waynesville with Rev. John Shaw and Rev. Lindell Shelden officiating. Matthew Carter, Esther's grandson, Matthew Carter, read a beautiful letter to his grandmother and Rick Carter, Esther's son, spoke words of appreciation to the church for all their support to the family. Pianist Mary Lou Long accompanied Soloist Mike Freeman as he sang "In The Garden". Serving as escorts were part of the Prayer and Share Group which included: Ivan Bowling, Dwight Hensley, Ralph Laughlin, John Cox, Charles Hill, Marvin Long and Steve Tuckness.
Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Westside Baptist Church Home Mission Fund in memory of Esther Carter and may be left at the funeral home.
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