Esther Walter
May 03, 2011
Esther Walter died peacefully on May 3, 2011, at her home, with her cat on her lap.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2011, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 3120 E. 24th Street. Friday at 7 p.m. a service of evening prayer followed by sharing of memories will take place at the church.
Esther was born in Manson, Iowa, on January 16, 1931, to Walter Harris and Margaret Chivers. She grew up in Manson and Ames, Iowa, graduated from Iowa State University in 1952, and married Richard Leigh Walter. After living in Newton, Iowa and New Haven, Connecticut, they returned to Iowa where Richard was Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Des Moines. They were married for over 50 years, until his death in 2003.
Esther had an insatiable curiosity and intellect, reading everything from mystery stories, through a variety of nonfiction, to theology and Bible study, all of which she shared lavishly. Esther, with great firmness and directness, always was a fierce and articulate advocate for the marginalized.
Esther was a sexuality educator, working for Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa and the Family Planning Council of Iowa. She worked on projects for sexuality education, AIDS education for the national Episcopal Church, and served on the board of the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition. Community activities included, ten years as a trustee of Broadlawns Polk County Medical Center and the Iowa Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. She was an Associate of the Order of St. Helena and member of Integrity.
She is survived by her sister, Nancy Riddell of Loveland, CO; niece, Jean Sienkowski; nephew, Andrew Riddell; and many close friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Ron Hammerle
08/09/2011
It was my pleasure to work with Esther when we both worked for Planned Parenthood of Iowa. She was our best researcher, discovering grants, contracts and service opportunities that enabled the organization to better serve its constituents.
Two of our enduring legacies are national award-winning films that featured Des Moines teenagers in the leading roles. "A Chance Of Love" and "Two Soon Blues," would not have been made without Esther's keen sense of doing something very unique.
It was also Esther who was chiefly responsible for Planned Parenthood of Iowa becoming a truly statewide provider of medical services in the 1970s, when we operated satellite centers in several Iowa cities and provided care in all 99 counties through contract arrangements with local physicians, clinics and hospitals.
Her commitment to her community, to reproductive health services and to her church will be missed.
Nancy Collister
05/06/2011
I'm so sorry that I am unable to pay my respects in person. Esther was my Aunt Esther. Her husband Dick was my mother's brother. Growing up I didn't see Aunt Esther and Uncle Dick much, but it was always a nice time. My most recent memory was several years ago when my daughter Carrie and I came to visit with Aunt Esther and Uncle Dick on our way to Muscatine. Aunt Esther's love for the creatures around her was deep and genuine. She was feeding the neighborhood raccoons! I'll remember that short visit and the warmth of their home always. Aunt Esther was an amazing woman. I know that she is at peace with her loving family in heaven. I'm sure that Uncle Dick is joyful that she has joined him in life eternal.
Very Sincerely,
Nancy Collister
April Walter Peterson
05/06/2011
Our deepest sympathies Nancy, may God grant you peace in the knowledge that Esther now lives with him. Rest in Peace Aunt Esther, rejoice in your reunion with all your loved ones waiting for you at Heaven's gate.