Hester E. Carter, the daughter of the late Herman Dortha and Cordelia May Harvey Asher, was born in Bernie on Nov. 18, 1921, and died at the Missouri Southern Healthcare Facility in Dexter on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003, at the age of 81.

Mrs. Carter had been a resident of Dexter for many years. When her health permitted it, she was active in the Dexter Nutrition Center, the Hospital Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary.

On Nov. 27, 1941, she was married to James L. Carter in Flint, Mich. He preceded her in death on Sept. 12, 1977.

Mrs. Carter is survived by one son, Thomas O'Dell Morrish of Grand Blanc, Mich.; four brothers, Darryl, Gary and Terry Asher, all of Fredricktown, and Larry Asher of St. Louis; two sisters, Barbara Myers of Fredricktown and Sandra Copeland of Park Hills.

She is preceded in death by one brother, Leroy Asher and one sister, Ruthie May Wengler.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday, Oct. 30, 2003, at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2003, at the Hagy Cemetery with the Rev. Dennis Ward of Essex officiating.

Interment will follow in the Hagy Cemetery with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of all arrangements.