Yolanda Barone Korth, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, friend, neighbor, traveler, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, at the age of 91.

Yolanda was born on February 16, 1935, in Rosedale, New York, to Nicholas Barone and Josephine Pernice. She was the youngest of three children, joining her older brother, David, and sister, Joan. As a child, she loved reading and ice skating. She graduated from high school in 1953, where she was actively involved in theater, the French Club, the yearbook, the school newspaper, and the church choir. She continued her education at SUNY New Paltz participating in theater, the Music Society, Glee Club, and the Theta Pi sorority. She later earned a master's degree in Elementary Education from Hofstra and began her teaching career in Garden City, New York.

While teaching, a summer trip to Hawaii unexpectedly changed the course of her life. There she met a woman from New York who remarked, "I have a nephew you should meet." That nephew was Herbert Korth. They met at a New Year's Eve party, and as their relationship blossomed, Yolanda traveled to Libya to visit him, intending to stay briefly but remaining for several memorable weeks. They were married in 1962, beginning a remarkable life together filled with love, family, and adventure.

Herbert's career took the newlyweds to Benghazi, Libya, where Yolanda taught at the American School. Their international journey continued in Tripoli before eventually bringing them back to the United States. Over the years, they made homes in New Canaan, Connecticut, where their son David was born in nearby Greenwich; Greensboro, North Carolina, where their son Douglas was born; then on to Manila, the Philippines where they lived for two years and finally Houston, Texas, where they settled in 1974.

While living in North Carolina, Yolanda and Herbert built a cherished mountain home in Roaring Gap, a place where family gathered for countless vacations and holidays, creating treasured memories that would span generations. Together they traveled extensively, visiting Brazil, Australia, Budapest, the Far East, much of Europe, and enjoying many memorable cruises along the way.

At home, Yolanda found joy in quieter pursuits. She enjoyed decorating miniature dollhouses, playing piano, playing golf with the Pine Forest Country Club women's league, baking cookies, and creating cross-stitch and needlework handcrafted keepsakes. Later in life, she looked forward to Saturday mornings spent garage-sale shopping, always hoping to uncover the perfect bargain. She was an avid lifelong reader who always had several books within reach and faithfully read the Houston Chronicle from cover to cover each day. Her sharp mind and endless curiosity remained with her throughout her life.

Above all, Yolanda was devoted to her family, her friends, and her beloved dog, Missy. She loved her neighborhood community and was blessed with so many dear friends. She welcomed others with warmth, kindness, and genuine interest, making everyone around her feel valued and loved.

Yolanda is survived by her sons, David Korth and his wife, Debbie, and their children, Natalie, Michael, and Heather; and Douglas Korth and his wife, Juliana, and their son, Fernando. She is also survived by many dear friends who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Herbert Korth; her parents, Nicholas and Josephine; her sister, Joan; and her brother, David.

Yolanda will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched. A Celebration of Life honoring Yolanda will be held on Tuesday, August 11, at 10am at Klein Funeral Homes & Memorial Parks Champions, 16131 Champions Forest, Klein, Texas 77379.

Please join us for a luncheon immediately following the service at: Campioni Restaurant, 13850 Cutten Rd, Houston, TX 77069.