Walter, Esther 1931-2011

WALTER, CHIVERS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 9/28/2017 at 15:32:18

Esther Walter
Des Moines
1931-2011

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. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register Thurs 05 May 2011.