Esther (Cotton) Carlson, age 92, of Volga, died Saturday, June 7, 2008, at Brookview Manor in Brookings, South Dakota. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 11, at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Volga with Pastor Steve Richerts and Clarence Grebner officiating, with interment in Trinity Cemetery. Visitations will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Volga, with a prayer and memory time at 7 p.m. Esther Cotton Carlson was born June 11, 1915, in Volga, the daughter of George and Winifred (Ackerman) Cotton. She grew up and received her teaching degree from State College and Eastern Normal College. She taught several years around Volga and Estelline. On June 28, 1939, she married Helmer C. Carlson at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Volga. The couple moved to a farm north of Volga. Helmer died in 1967. Through life Esther participated in many organizations, including extension club and the Fortnightly Club, and greatly enjoyed the friendships she made. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, playing table games, traveling, and cooking. Most of all she enjoyed being involved in family affairs--anything that involved her children, grand children, and great grandchildren. Esthers favorite saying was passed down to her from her mother: Never give up. Her favorite scriptures were Psalms 23 and Proverbs 3:5-6 Esther is survived by her children David Carlson of Watertown, and former daughter-in-law Julie Carlson of Brookings; Marilyn (Stan) Hesby of Volga; and Margaret (Jack) Schuyler of Winner, SD. Nine grandchildren: Stephanie (Paul) Bengford of Sioux Falls; Jennifer (Jack) Petersen of Brookings; Ryan Carlson of Brookings; Shari Gab of Hawaii; Keith (Sue) Hesby of Bruce; Kristin Hovey of Brookings; Justin (Stephanie) Schuyler of Winner; Jayd (Taryn) Schuyler of Ocala, FL; Jaime (Kevin) Keiser of Winner. 16 great-grandchildren Elyce and Grace Bengford of Sioux Falls; Brad Hesby of Estelline; Wes Hesby of Brookings; Nicholas Hersrud of Brookings; Kristina Nelson of Brookings; Quinton and Cody Hesby of Bruce; Chantelle Hovey of Brookings; Chase Thomas of Gregory; Mason and Marlie Schuyler of Winner; Coleton and Sidda Schuyler of Ocala, FL; and Kaden and Karson Keiser of Winner; and two sisters: Eleanor (Lloyd) Kallevig, of Wadena, MN, and Elaine Tucker, of Volga. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a brother, Eugene Cotton; a sister, Edythe Pakala; and a granddaughter, Julie Schuyler.