Esther L. Carter

Esther Florence Ludtke Carter was a pioneer for women in business in Iowa. She and her husband George founded the Carter Press in Ames, Iowa on April 1, 1930. While George provided the creative and operational management force, Esther attended to the finances until retirement in 1967. She was a source of love, strength, and wisdom to her entire family.

Esther was born on September 3, 1901 in Waterloo, Iowa. She was born to Julia and Charles Ludtke. Esther had two sisters and one brother. Clara, born in 1900, died later that year from spinal meningitis. Anna Elizabeth was born on March 13, 1890 and died in 1931 of heart failure. Henry George was born on November 23, 1891 and died in 1970.

Esther was married on July 29, 1922 in Waterloo, Iowa to George William Carter. Esther was happily married to George until her passing at age 82 on December 4, 1984. Esther has two children: a daughter, Virginia Moll, and a son, George L. Carter. She has six grandchildren: David C. Moll, Steven T. Carter, Daniel C. Moll, Lori Stafford, Kathyrn Carter, and Todd Carter.

Esther was president of the Ames Chapter of the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1944-45; an active member of the United Church of Christ Congregational; a founding member of the Ames Altrusa Club; a 50-year member of Laura Chapter of Order of Eastern Star #115 and a Rotary Ann. After retirement to Sun City in 1968, she was a member of Chapter K National T.T.T. Society; Rotary Anns the Saguaro Chapter of the National Questers Club; the United Church of Christ; Palmbrook Country Club; Sun City Roadrunners Club; and Golden Circle Club, an organization for couples married over 50 years.

3/12/95

Paver Inscription:

"Love & Wisdom

Esther L. Carter
Virginia C. Moll
Megahn E. Moll"