Ruth Rose Korte, age 93 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Stillwater Senior Living in Edwardsville, IL.
She was born on Sunday, July 31, 1932, in St. Rose, IL, the daughter of Anton and Frances (nee Middeke) Schrage.
On Saturday, January 24, 1959, she married Clarence A. Korte at St. Rose Catholic Church, who passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2021.
She was a member of St. Gertrude Catholic Church and a member of Knights of Columbus Women’s Auxiliary – Highland, IL.
Following her high school graduation, Ruth balanced her career and home life with grace, working at Highland Box Board, Koch Cleaner’s, and finally as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Brown in Highland, as well as dedicating herself as a homemaker.
A uniquely kind soul, Ruth lived her life sharing love with everyone she met and always looking for the good in everything. She found immense joy in life’s simpler pleasures, from the quiet patience of gardening and crocheting to the vibrant beauty of flowers and blackberries. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she spent countless hours baking and crafting delicious homemade jellies and jam preserves. Above all else, Ruth’s greatest treasure was her family; she absolutely loved spending time with her grandkids, who will forever carry her gentle spirit with them.
Ruth is survived by her children, Kathleen F. Korte-Long of Edwardsville, IL, Philip A. (Anita) Korte of Morris, IL, Christopher A. (Gina) Korte of Highland, IL, Curtis F. (Mykelann) Korte of Edwardsville, IL, Douglas G. (Francine) Korte of Pacific, MO, Cinthia R. (Scott) Pratt of League City, TX, Sheila M. Korte of Saint Louis, MO, Emily (Clayton) Korte-Stroff of St. Louis, MO and Chad P. Korte of Highland, IL;
grandchildren – Katrina Knebel, Angela Flicker, Jene (Charlie) Lintz, Kendall (Craig) Claire, Kaylin Korte, Nathan Korte, Chase Korte, Reece Korte, Evan Korte, Jessica Korte, Samantha Korte, Lillian Pratt, Amelia Pratt, Zenga Stroff, Francis Korte and Anton Korte; great grandchildren – Sylvia Knolhoff, Althea Knolhoff, Monet Flicker, Jude Flicker, Addison Lintz, Gavin Lintz, Hudson Claire, Caden Claire and Adeline Claire; sister – Florence (David) Luechtefeld; sisters-in-law, Florence Schrage, Joann Schrage-Rehkemper, Peggy Schrage, Olivia Ficker and Irene (Bernard) Huelsmann.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence A. Korte (died 5/29/2021); parents, Anton & Frances (nee Middeke) Schrage; siblings, Vincent Schrage, Marie (J. Francis) Isert, Andrew (Florence) Schrage, Edmund (Rita) Schrage, Clarence Schrage, Anthony “Tony” (Cecilia) Schrage, David Schrage, Bertha (Maurice) Kampwerth and Casean Schrage (infancy); brother-in-law & sister-in-law – Norbert & Helen Korte; parents-in-law – Frank & Emma (nee Kalmer) Korte and sister-in-law & brother-in-law – Eleanor & Virgil Henrichs.
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pierron, IL, with Father Callistus Osiaga, officiating.
Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Pierron, IL.
The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Stillwater Senior Living for their help and care.
Memorial contributions may be made to Adonai International Ministries, Parkinson’s Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association or Masses to St. Gertrude Church.
