Esther Marie Ellerman Otten

Esther’s life touched so many. We were privileged to know her. She was a dedicated teacher who cared for every one of her students. We remember her artistic ability in creating her beautiful pressed flower cards. We saved them. She was a professional, a business woman, a farm wife, a mother ,grandmother, nurturer of children, a friend to many and in all these pursuits she excelled. She made a different in the many lives that she uplifted. Esther may light perpetual shine upon you. May your soul and the souls of all the righteous through the mercy of God rest in peace. - Dennis -Mary K. Latta

I am sad to hear our world has lost this sweet lady. She was a wonderful teacher and better person. Only one of my 3 girls was fortunate enough to have her as a teacher, but she always asked about all of them, and was so proud that she had influenced my daughter’s love of math, which set her on the road to graduating from Rose-Hulman with a engineering degree. She invited all 3 out to tour the farm one summer, and we’ve never forgotten it. I treasure the pressed flower cards I bought from her & will always keep in her memory. As a family, you know you were blessed with the best! Prayers for you all. - Debbie Phillips

Randy, you mom always made us feel at home. When we would bring a meal over, she would always send us a hand made card of thanks. We will think of her often, so sorry for your loss - Mike & Doris Moss from Florida

It is difficult to say goodbye to such an icon. We brushed shoulders all through the years through school experiences…one of my Aunts was Registrar at Vincennes U. when it had a very small enrollment, and Mrs Otten was enrolled there. Auntie talked about “her” students there, because everyone knew everyone else. That was my intro to Mrs Otten. Much later, I substitute taught in Vincennes and that was a connection to her. She taught one of our sons at Franklin Elementary, and he was fortunate to have her as his teacher for two years, because she herself moved up a grade at one point. I call her an icon, because she epitomized the qualities needed in order to be an excellent teacher. Probably the most needful of these qualities is love for children. Heart-felt condolences to her family. - Valerie Sweeney

My family and the Otten family were friends from church and farming, with the Ottens farming our land for many years. Mrs. Otten was a wonderful woman, one of the finest people I’ve even know. My brother (Paul Brandenburg) and I visited her at the family homestead last year. Although she was a bit confused at times, she still had that wonderful smile on her face. We are among the many who have been blessed by her life. Paula (Brandenburg) Cardoza-Jones - Paula F Cardoza-Jones

I am sorry to hear of her passing. She was my first-grade teacher and I have thought of her often throughout my lifetime. She was a very good teacher and a wonderful person. I met her again years later at the YMCA and when I told her who I was, I was surprised when she said she remembered me and my family. Prayers for the family and friends! My God wrap His loving arms around you and comfort you! - Sandra (Fields) Hatton

Ester was such a sweet lady. She was an excellent teacher and friend to the students and parents. I had many of her pressed flowers over the years. Sorry for your loss. - Cindy Pagan

I met Esther thru my husband, Randy. She babysat the (Ernie & Dorothy) Nowaskie kids and she told me that Randy was her favorite and she had named her son after him. We always enjoyed running into her & having a short visit. She will be missed by many. We are keeping all of the family in our thoughts and prayers. - Randy & Brenda Nowaskie