Betty Korfhage, 76; Made Garlands for Kentucky Derby Victors

Betty J. Korfhage, 76, who for years made the garland of roses for the Kentucky Derby winner, died Friday of cancer in Louisville, Ky.

Korfhage was a fourth-generation owner of the Kingsley Walker Florist shop that crafted the derby garland for more than 50 years.

Churchill Downs first commissioned Kingsley Walker Florist in 1932 to produce the garland, awarded to Burgoo King that year.

Korfhage took over crafting the roses in 1974 when her mother, Grace Walker, retired.

Korfhage was the great-granddaughter of the Rev. Francis Walker, who founded his floral business in Madison, Ind., in 1869. The company was one of the oldest family operations in Louisville before it was sold in 1984 when Betty Korfhage retired.