Korte, Sister Betty Jean (Elizabeth), 1928-2022
Biographical
Sister Betty Jean (Elizabeth) Korte was born in Glasgow, Missouri, on July 1, 1928, as the eldest of six children of Ben and Florence (Brand) Korte. She joined the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood in 1948, adopting the name Sister Mary Richard. She earned a BA in English from Creighton University and a master’s in education and Montessori administration from Xavier University.
Sister Betty Jean taught elementary grades at schools in Missouri: Sacred Heart in Columbia; Holy Innocents and St. John the Baptist in St. Louis; St. Sabina and Sacred Heart in Florissant; Linda Vista Montessori School in Chesterfield; St. Joseph in Cottleville; St. Brendan in Mexico; and St. Anthony of Padua in High Ridge. She also taught at St. Peter’s in Quincy, Illinois.
After retiring, she served in hospice, cared for the elderly, and participated in the Alternative to Prison ministry in Jefferson City. From 1993-2003, she cooked at St. Monica Retirement Center.
Sister Betty Jean was an artist in watercolor, poetry, prose, and culinary arts. Her appreciation of creation and keen observation enriched her work.
Places
- Missouri (state) (Place of Birth)
Found in 16 Collections and/or Records:
Artwork by Sister Betty Korte, CPPS – Birds and Flowers, 1993
Family, Community, and Ministry — Sister Betty Korte, CPPS
Symbolic colored-pencil composition representing family and friends, St. Mary’s Parish, the CPPS community, children and parents, the world, Haiti, artistic activity, St. Mary Catherine, Nazareth, and Eucharistic imagery. Dated May 2, 2014.
Floral Watercolors — Sister Betty Korte, CPPS
Reproduction or scan containing two floral artworks by Sister Betty Korte, CPPS: a watercolor of pink blossoms and a white daisy against a blue background. Both works are signed “Korte, CPPS.”
Hands, Light, and Morning Glories — Sister Betty Korte, CPPS
Symbolic colored-pencil drawing depicting hands shaping or holding an object, a radiant source of light, an oil lamp, morning-glory vines, landscape, and additional domestic and natural imagery.
Hen and Chicks — Memorial Artwork by Sister Betty Korte, CPPS
Colored-pencil drawing of a hen sheltering two chicks amid foliage. Signed “Sr. Betty Korte” and dated February 29, 1996. Inscribed “in memory of Ken,” suggesting the work was created as a memorial piece.
Irises — Sister Betty Korte, CPPS
Watercolor depicting blue and purple irises with yellow accents and green foliage. Signed “Korte, CPPS.”
Korte Family Memorial — Sister Betty Korte, CPPS, 2012–2014
Colored-pencil family memorial centered on two vessels representing Ben G. Korte (1899–1953) and Florence Brand Korte (1905–1990), surrounded by names, birth and death dates, and symbolic imagery representing family members. Includes the inscription “Baby Korte.” The latest visible death date appears to be 2012, providing an earliest possible creation date.
Orange Flowers — Sister Betty Korte, CPPS
Watercolor depicting three orange flowers with green foliage and small blue floral accents. Signed “Korte, CPPS.”
Pink and Purple Flowers — Sister Betty Korte, CPPS
Watercolor floral study featuring a large deep-pink blossom, purple and pink flowers, buds, and green foliage. Signed “Korte CPPS.”
Poppies — Sister Betty Korte, CPPS
Watercolor depicting red, white, and orange poppies against washes of blue, with green foliage. Signed “Korte CPPS.”