Obituary of Margaret Elizabeth Korby

Margaret “Betty” (Mullin) Korby Obituary

Margaret “Betty” Korby lived a long and fruitful life before passing at the age of 90 into the company of God, her husband, and the family and many lifelong friends who preceded her. She was a woman of generosity, kindness and grace.

Betty grew up on the Eastside of Indianapolis in humble circumstances, and went to work at Lane Bryant as a teenager to contribute to her family’s well-being. This produced a work ethic and appreciation for others that would serve her well throughout her life.

Betty was adventuresome as a young woman without being careless. She frequently told the story of how she and a girlfriend drove her convertible to California. She enjoyed dancing at church events and the Indiana Roof Ballroom. It was at such an event that she would have a life-changing encounter.

Betty met the love of her life Donald Korby in 1955 at a youth dance, and married him in June of 1956 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Indianapolis. The first child came a mere 13 months later. They then raised their family of three children on the West side of the city, near Speedway. She and Don were part of a group of families that were founding members of the then new parish of St. Gabriel Catholic Church on West 34^th Street.

Her time was filled with the things that bring joy and meaning to our lives. She was very active in her children’s lives including church, school and other activities that would help them grow to be wonderful adults. She continued to bless her children in their adult lives, including “girl’s weekends” with daughters Denise, Donna, and Diane.  And she was always a ready grandma to her grandchildren.

Betty and Don built their community based on faith, and friendships that lasted a lifetime. It was just as common to find them gathered in prayer as around the table playing cards, and traveling together on a regular basis. They celebrated together births, baptisms, childhood achievements, graduations, marriages, grandbabies, of course the Indianapolis 500, and all that makes up a joy filled life.  They also ministered to one another in heartache, illnesses and eventual deaths.

After retiring from Sears where she worked for 20 years she looked forward to retirement with her beloved husband. They were blessed with travel to the Vatican, Rome, and Germany as well as Alaska and other parts of the U.S. In 1994 she found the need to hold to her vow to love in sickness and in health, and began to take care of Don as he began to succumb to Alzheimers.  With the help of family and friends, Betty faithfully ministered to Don with incredible grace and courage in the only home they had ever known together until he went to be with the Lord in 2004. Shortly after that her own health began to decline which restricted her mobility but not her spirit. 

At her home at Homewood Health Campus for the last 6 years she was a constant presence at Mass, the card table, the activity center and the frequent outings. Even recently she enjoyed taking a ride in a convertible.

She died peacefully in the company of her family at her residence in Lebanon Indiana on December 18, 2017.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband Donald to whom she was married for 48 years;

mother Nora Mullin (nee Courtney) and father Michael; brothers Leo, John and Tom.

She is succeeded in life by her brother, Bernard (Jenny) Mullin of Lawrence, IN;

her children, Denise (Brian) Nevins, Erlanger KY, David (Diane) Korby, Indianapolis, IN

Donna (Tony) Petro, Advance, IN, 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090