Dorothy May Lamb

Dorothy Mae Lamb, 99, of Frederick, died Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Rushville Nursing and Rehab just eight days shy of her 100th birthday. 

She was born May 20, 1926, in Cass County, the daughter of Louis and Amelia Fricke Korsmeyer. She married Lafeyette "Lafe" Lamb, Jr. on December 11, 1948, and he preceded her in death on October 22, 2006. She is survived by two sons, Neal (wife, Minou) Lamb of Canberra, Australia, and Leigh (fiancé, Barbara Farwell) Lamb of Frederick; seven grandchildren, Sarah (husband, James) Toland of Springfield, Emily (husband, Bill) Normand of Lockport, Nathan (wife, Erin) Lamb of Glenview, Jared (wife, Molly) Lamb of Chatham, Antoinette Lamb, Nicolai Lamb, and Dante Lamb of Canberra, Australia; two step-grandchildren, Katie (husband, Jeff) Narramore of Hannibal and Levi (wife, Lindsay) Sorrill of St. Louis ; and ten great-grandchildren, Elise (husband, Riley), Carter, Adeline, Bennett, Calahan, Jemma, Jindy, Jhett, Elle and Lafe; bonus grand-daughter/caregiver, Samantha Blair and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Anita Sorrill; three brothers, Melbourne Korsmeyer in infancy, Willard J. Korsmeyer (surviving wife, Carnell), and Norman (wife, Betty) Korsmeyer; two sisters, Irene Lamkin and Joan Korsmeyer; a daughter-in-law, Vicky Lamb, and a son-in-law, Kevin Sorrill. 

Dorothy graduated with the Beardstown High School Class of 1944. She attended Culver-Stockton College for one year before returning home to help on the family farm while her brothers served during World War II. During that time, she also worked in Washington, D.C., assisting with air traffic control flight scheduling. She married Lafe and devoted her life to farming and family. Dorothy was a hardworking farm wife who milked cows from an early age and continued throughout much of her life. She and her family operated Lamb's Berry Farm, well known throughout the area for its strawberries and "pick-your-own" business. Many customers paid with silver dollars and her sons often spent their days weeding the berry patches. 

Dorothy had a deep love for poetry, reading, and the English language, and once considered studying English professionally. She especially treasured reading her Bible and was devoted to her faith. She was born and confirmed at St. John's Church and became a longtime member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church after her marriage. Over 75 years of membership, she faithfully served in many roles, including teaching Sunday school for many years. Her beloved farm, known as "Paradise," was the center of her life and family. Dorothy also enjoyed quilting, traveling, and spending time with those she loved. Her adventurous spirit carried her all the way to Australia, where she traveled alone in her 80s to visit family. 

Her legacy as an amazing mother, devoted wife, caring grandmother, and loyal friend will be treasured by all who knew her. Her remarkable longevity allowed her to witness nearly a century of life's joys and changes, while also enduring the loss of many loved ones she held dear. Despite life's hardships, her faith, strength, and love for her family remained constant throughout her life. The farm she lovingly called "Paradise" was her earthly haven for many years, and those who knew her find comfort in knowing she is now at peace in her eternal paradise. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, May 15th, 2026, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown. Burial will be in Clark-Newberry Cemetery near Frederick. The family will meet with friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown.

Memorials have been suggested to Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.