Ada OraLee “ORTA” Klump, 81, of Rockford joined her beloved husband, Terry, her parents and her 12 siblings in glory on Sunday, May 17, 2020. Born February 16, 1939 at the family home in Slayden, TN. The daughter of Wade and Ada (Green) Waynick. OraLee was the youngest of thirteen children. Her mother died during childbirth and her oldest sister, Maybelle (Oscar Smith) took her to raise along with their three children in Detroit, MI.
She married at the young age of 17 and gave birth to son, Bobby (Grace) Klump and daughters Anna (Bradley) Polnow and Star (George) Bertone – all of Rockford, Il. She was the proud Grammy of Katie Star Polnow, Stephanie (Adam) Palmquist and Austin (Stephanie Lied) Polnow. Bonus great-grandmother to Andi Riddle and Adri Palmquist. Her last outing was to a “drive-in” gender reveal where she learned she would be great-grandma to a new baby boy.
In 1978 she and Terry came to know Christ as their Savior and attended Maywood Evangelical. Free Church. OraLee was a stay-at-home mom until the time of Terry’s death in 1980. At that time, she went to work at Fairhaven Christian Home, Sparkle Donut Shop and later at Minit Mart Grocery in New Milford. In 2007 she moved from southeast Rockford to Christian Life Retirement Center where she lived until the time of her death. Although she wasn’t thrilled to leave her home, within two weeks of moving she told many people, “it was the best decision I ever made!” She made many friends who will miss her dearly – along with her beans, cornbread and fried green tomatoes.
Family – not just immediate family – was important to both OraLee and Terry. Many vacations were spent traveling to visit family in Wisconsin, Michigan and Tennessee. Because she and Terry were both from large families, there were always reasons to gather. Times with extended family are some of the best memories. Her last major trip was to Nashville, TN and the “country”. She was escorted by her dear nephew to Dickson, Vanleer and Slayden, to family cemeteries and a stop for “real” pit bar-b-que. Later that evening she enjoyed 4th row center seating at the Grand Ole Opry and was surprised when security came to escort her backstage for a private meeting with her favorite country music star, Whispering Bill Anderson.
Although she will be deeply missed, she leaves us with many memories and stories that will be shared over and over for years to come. Her southern accent just made everyone smile.
The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to Kim Kline, her friend and homemaker for many years.
A private graveside service will be held on Friday, May 22nd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements by Sunset Funeral Home, Loves Park.
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