By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
13 Comments
  • Visitation

    Memorial Visitation:

    Sunday, October 3, 2021

    1:00 to 4:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

    • Full Obituary

      Elizabeth “Betty” Korte, 88, of Lebanon, IL, died Sunday, September 26, 2021, at her home.

      She was born October 20, 1932, to Frank and Majorie “Jorie” (nee Garwood) Budd, in Storm Lake, IA.  She married Alan Korte in Indianola, IA on June 15, 1963.

      Elizabeth was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and involved with local chapter activities.  She still read medical journals keeping up her professional credentials, as well as, corresponding with long-time patients from her years in practice.  She loved going to the “Playhouse” theatre in Lebanon, playing piano, tending to a large array of house and garden plants, and sewing.  Spending time with her grandchildren meant the world to her.

      She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Jorie Budd; husband, Alan Korte; son, Bruce Korte; brother, Frank Budd.

      Betty is survived by her children Jennifer (Brandt) Gormley, St. Louis, MO and Jeff (Joni) Korte, Manchester, MO; grandchildren, Amber Smith, Ava (Richie Beck) Sarfaty, Seth Gormley, Maura Korte and Lana Korte; sister, Karen (Jim) Duncan; nieces and nephews, Frank Budd, John Budd, Deanna Hommer, Kristi Dierking, Wesley Duncan; numerous beloved great nieces and nephews, cherished friends and loving neighbors.

      Memorials may be made to a charity of the Donor’s choice.

      Memorial Visitation:  Sunday, October 3, 2021, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

      A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Carthage, IL.

      Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    13 Condolences
     
    1. Nicole Holland-Hong / September 28, 2021 at 2:21 pm

      Elizabeth was so special to so many people. She had a wealth of wisdom and I adored spending time with her. I know she will be an angel among all of you.

    2. Sheila Gillham / September 28, 2021 at 4:01 pm

      Dr. Korte as I know her. She was a great Dr. Prayers for the family.

    3. Wes and Doris Walton / September 28, 2021 at 9:00 pm

      Dr. Korte was my FAVORITE DR. EVER. She always had time to listen and was a friend as well. She was sure missed here in Carthage by ALL who knew her. One special Dr. And Lady. RIP

    4. Tina K Ellefritz / September 29, 2021 at 1:41 am

      Dr Korte delivered my Mom’s last child. He had 6 toes on one foot and no one caught. Mom found it after she got home from hosp. They all couldn’t believe they missed it. Her son Bruce was in my brothers class. She was definately an asset to the hospital and so many patients. Prayers go out to the family!

    5. Jennifer Olson / September 29, 2021 at 4:58 am

      Dr. Korte was a wonderful doctor. She delivered me into this world 50 years ago. I will never forget her.

    6. Alice & Jim Schnelle / September 29, 2021 at 9:45 am

      Dr Korte delivered all 3 of our children. I moved to La Grange, MO in 1991 & I traveled back & forth to her office in Carthage so she could deliver our 3rd child, Dalton. Our middle daughter, Brooke Elizabeth, was named in Dr Korte’s honor. I am certain there are many Elizabeth ‘s in Hancock County. She was a very clever Dr & a great advisor. There hasn’t been anyone like her then & now. Our condolences & prayers to Jennifer & Jeff & families on the loss of this wonderful lady. With love ❤

    7. Frank & Lillian Neally Family / September 30, 2021 at 10:04 am

      Knowing Betty Korte was like adding a beautiful flowering branch to the top of our family tree. Her embracing arms were always canopied over all of the lower branches making us feel like we were the most important person in her world! Though she’s been added to thousands of other family trees, she has the capacity to continue to guide us all who knew and loved her! God bless Jennifer and Jeff for sharing her!

    8. Lynnette (Logan) Meredith / October 2, 2021 at 7:22 pm

      Jennifer and Jeff and family,
      So sorry for your loss. Loved your Mom as a doctor – best one ever and compare all to your Mom!!!!

      Loved coming over to swim in the pool and going down the spiral staircase!! Your Mom was always wonderful.

      Prayers for you and the newest angel.

    9. Chuck & Sue DeLorme / October 6, 2021 at 9:18 am

      Dear family, we met Betty and Allan after they moved to Lebanon, Sue and Allan sang in a community choir together and our my friendship with Betty began because we would sit together at their concerts. She was still practicing when they first moved here so she was back and forth usually on weekends and Allan was teaching part time at mckendree. We enjoyed our dinners together after the concerts sharing stories about our families and other things in our lives. After Allan passed away we didn’t see Betty that much but I remember run into her somewhere last year and she still had that wonderful smile. They were two Fine people who we enjoyed very much and it appears they enjoyed their lives professionally and were good friends with many. May God Bless y’all and treasure the memories of Betty and Allan as you knew them. Chuck & Sue DeLorme

    10. John Neally / October 22, 2021 at 10:48 am

      Dr.Betty was without the best medical Doctor I have known.There will never be anotherone like her.Dr. Betty was very kind and caring,very compassionet.I love and miss her so much.Dr. Betty seamed to always knowhow to handel each situation.Thank You Dr. Betty for all you done in the medicial proffesion.

    11. Jayme Larson Bubb / July 20, 2022 at 12:55 pm

      Dr Korte was a Legend. I loved and trusted her with all my heart. She was a fabulous MD. She was progressive and Oh so smart and ahead of her time. I tried to fashion myself after her. I am so sorry Jeff and Jennifer. She was unforgettable.

    12. Jace Galloway / December 4, 2022 at 4:38 pm

      I am so sorry to hear this news – albeit a year late.

      Dr. Korte was my doctor when I was pregnant with my second child. She made such an impression on me, I picked Elizabeth for my daughter’s middle name.

      Dr. Korte was not only a wonderful doctor, but a wonderful human being. Is it any wonder she had so many accolaides from so many including Family Physician of the Year!?

      The world lost a shining star. Rest in power, Dr. Korte. You will be missed!

    13. Jo Manning / March 5, 2024 at 9:02 pm

      My late husband Nick and I knew Betty and Alan when Nick and Alan taught in the English department at Saint Lawrence University in Canton, New York. I’m sorry we lost touch with them. They were two of the finest people we have ever known. Just lovely ❤️

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