Mrs. Esther Louise (Martin) Peters, age 83, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Friday, August 30, 2024, from complications arising from vascular dementia. She was the oldest of four siblings born to Mary and Arthur Martin on September 27, 1940. Esther grew up in Southern Indiana, near Moores Hill. The Martin family were farmers by trade, primarily cultivating soybeans, corn, and tobacco. Esther’s childhood was challenging, and she spent much of it under the care of her grandparents, whom she affectionately called Granny and Pop. When she was 8, 9 and 10, her parents welcomed her three younger brothers into the family. Esther devoted much of her youth to raising her brothers and helping on the family farm. Raising children was a central and fulfilling part of Esther’s life. Her brief marriage to Clifford Jackson at age 18 brought her oldest son, Clifford Jackson, in 1958. On December 30, 1961, she marriage Gerald “Bill” Peters. Together, they had three children: Arthur, Deborah and Barbara. Esther and Bill enjoyed 57 years of marriage until Bill’s passing in 2019. Esther was a proud grandmother, actively involved in raising her grandson, Justin Peters. She is survived by six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Before dementia affected her abilities, Esther enjoyed reading, needlepoint, latch hook, sewing, and watching soap operas. She also had a passion for growing both indoor and outdoor flowers.
She will be deeply missed by her family. Esther is survived by her children: Clifford (Karen) Jackson of Aurora, IN, Arthur Peters of Madison, IN, Deborah (Randy) Jackson of Dillsboro, IN, and Barbara (Eric) Dinwiddie of Indianapolis, IN; her grandchildren include, Cody Jackson, Will (Becca) Jackson, Justin (Angela) Peters, Michael )Madison) Howe, Matthew (Emily) Howe, and Trevor Jackson; her great-grandchildren include, Adalyn and Miles Howe, and Charlie, Henry, and Lewis Jackson; her sister-in-laws and brothers-in-law, Sharon Martin of Versailles, IN, Betty and Dale Drew of Hanover, IN, Terry and Pam Peters of West Chester, OH and Pam Peters of Vevay, IN; Esther is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald William “Bill” Peters; her parents, Arthur Dean and Mary Adelia (Smith) Martin; her infant grandson, Travis Jackson and her brothers, Leslie “Buddy” Martin, James “David” Martin and Arthur “Jack” Martin.
In honor of Esther’s love for the color pink, the family invites those attending the services to wear pink.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., by Pastor Jerry Wheeler at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street Vevay, Indiana 47043.
Interment will follow in the Vevay Cemetery, Vevay, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Switzerland County Animal Shelter. Cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.haskellandmorrison.com