Ellen Steck Carter

Lucy Ellen Steck Carter died peacefully at home on July 22, 2009. She was the consummate Southern lady – elegant, gracious, witty and possessor of strong faith and character. She was a woman of impeccable values, which we trust will continue through the lives of those who love her. The middle daughter of Edgar Louis Steck and Lena Riddle Steck, she was born November 27, 1916, when Austin's traffic was punctuated by trolley cars. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School and the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. In the 1970's she took a serious interest in bookbinding, an avocation in which she developed considerable skill. While on a sojourn to London in 1975, she took examples of her work to the renowned Camberwell College of Arts, an institution with a 5-year waiting list, which granted her immediate acceptance upon viewing her leather-bound books. Her inquisitive nature and adventurous spirit took her on extensive travels, including the 1936 Munich Olympics, a season in Madrid, and salmon fishing trips with Rex in Alaska. She loved the outdoors, art museums, and beautiful music; she was an avid reader and faithful participant in Bible study and book club. Ellen enjoyed all aspects of the culinary arts – both the creation and the consumption. Her gracious hospitality and wry wit delighted both family and friends. Her life was marked by the richness of her friendships. Ellen enjoyed participation in numerous Austin organizations: the Settlement Club, the Junior League of Austin (serving as President), the Women's Symphony League, and the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. She loved her bridge club, Jocalia and Open Forum. The Houston Astros, the Texas Longhorns, Jeffrey's, Houston's, Maudie's and Tarry House have lost an avid fan. She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters, Harriett Steck and Mary Frances Steck Greenlee, and her beloved husband, Dr. Rexford Gillespie Carter. She is survived by her daughter Lucy R. Ross, her son Raleigh R. Ross and wife Linda, granddaughters Robyn and husband Chris, Rebekah and husband Chris, stepdaughter Elizabeth Carter Whitman and son Carter Whitman, niece Paula Greenlee Barber and nephew Joe M. Greenlee, Jr. and families. There are not enough words to convey our profound appreciation to Tony LaCivita for his faithful love and dedication to this family for 12 years. We do not know anyone else like him. We express our gratitude to Ellen's caregivers Barbara Goff, Jane Taylor and Delfina Casarez. Her life was made infinitely more joyful and comfortable as a result of their companionship. Thanks also to Shelley Baker, RN of Hospice Austin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Settlement Home for Children, 1600 Peyton Gin Road, Austin, TX 78758. A memorial service will be held Monday, July 27, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Road, Austin, Texas.