Esther Anne Fuller, 82, of Whitestown, Indiana, has died.
She was a past president of Women In the Arts, a former National Women's Music Festival president, and she was the Fuller to Baskin of the landmark Indiana marriage case Baskin v Bogan. Rae Baskin and Esther Fuller were together more than 28 years.
In Baskin v. Bogan, the case challenging Indiana's denial of marriage rights to same-sex couples, filed in federal district court on March 12, 2014, Chief Judge Richard L. Young found for the plaintiffs and a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit unanimously upheld the district court. The U.S. Supreme Court denied an appeal of this case ( which had been merged with others ), letting the lower court ruling stand.
Fuller's obituary reads in part: "She had a plan … but none of us knew what that plan was, not even her wife, Rae Baskin. Only Esther knew on some level that her 82 years was coming to its end. Although she was in some pain she was completely at peace and ready to take her final journey. Whether you believe in God, a Higher Power, Mother Nature, nothing or everything, have comfort in knowing Esther Anne Fuller had a plan that was fully executed around 9:30 p.m., Thursday, August 2, 2018.
"Esther was humble and self-effacing. She never really comprehended the impact she had on everyone she met or knew. She was a deeply spiritual woman who's solid grounding touched many people. She was an esteemed leader, entrepreneur, role model, mentor, friend, sister, aunt and wife.
"Esther loved to read, loved her family and friends, children and cats; she loved to travel, but most especially loved her dear Rae. And she was deeply loved in return.
"She was a pharmacist, a business consultant, sold insurance and a benefactor to causes dear to her heart. She was a staunch supporter of women and women's rights, but also of each of our individual dreams.
"Esther was part of a large, wonderfully loving family leaving behind her older sisters Zoe Snyder and Jean Ballew, brother-in-law Von Ballew and younger brother Bob Fuller along with many nieces and nephews and their children."
A celebration of life service is scheduled on Friday, Aug. 24, 3 p.m. at The Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana. Her friends stated, "We invite you to wear bright colors to celebrate the light that was and is Esther ( or what makes you comfortable )."
In lieu of flowers, people are urged to donate to Women in the Arts, a Democrat woman's Senate campaign, an environmental or social-justice organization or a progressive political cause; individuals may also plant a tree in Fuller's honor.