Dolle Balte Obituary (1937 - 2025) - New Bern, North Carolina

Dolle Utsey Balte, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on August 21, 1937, in Jacksonville, Florida, Dolle was the beloved daughter of Laurent Utsey Jr. and Elizabeth Trout Utsey. She spent much of her childhood in Atlanta, where she graduated from North Fulton High School before earning degrees from Georgia State University and Crawford Long Nursing School. A dedicated nurse, Dolle spent her entire professional career serving patients at Emory/Crawford Long Hospital, where her compassion and commitment touched countless lives. After graduation, Dolle married Richard “Dick” Balte, and the couple lived in Abbeville, South Carolina, for several years before returning to Atlanta, where they raised their three children. Alongside her nursing career, Dolle was an active member of the Junior League and Oak Grove United Methodist Church. She was known for her enthusiastic support at her children’s many sporting events, her spirited cheers could always be heard from the sidelines. Dolle had a generous heart, a green thumb, and an enduring love for animals. She spent countless hours tending to her garden, visiting botanical gardens, and studying plant species. Her home was always filled with the companionship of beloved pets, each cared for with the same tenderness she showed her family and patients. In 2008, Dolle married Dave Olmstead of Washington, Georgia, where the two shared their love of gardening, animals, travel, and time with friends. Following Dave’s passing in 2020, Dolle relocated to New Bern, North Carolina, to be closer to family. Dolle is survived by her loving children Richard Balte, Mark Balte (Robbi), and Elizabeth Flockhart (Billy); her adored grandchildren Grace, Sara, and Julia; step-grandchildren Harrison and Marie; and one great-stepgrandchild, Avery. She is also survived by her stepchildren Don Olmstead (Jill), John Olmstead (Kelly), and Betsy Darden, as well as six beloved nieces and nephews who will remember her with love and fondness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Laurent Utsey Jr. and Elizabeth Trout Utsey; her brother, Ray Utsey; and her husbands, Richard Balte and Dave Olmstead. Dolle will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and devotion to those she loved. Her laughter, generosity, and nurturing spirit will live on through the many lives she touched. Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Dolle Utsey Balte.