Orbie May Karling

Orbie May Karling

Visitation will take place Friday, March 16, 2018

3:00PM - 8:00PM

Fred Wood Funeral Home- Rice Chapel

36100 Five Mile Road

Livonia, Michigan 48154

The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 17, 2018

Visiting 10:30AM~ Service 11:00AM

Fred Wood Funeral Home- Rice Chapel

36100 Five Mile Road

Livonia, Michigan 48154

Interment will follow at Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Cemetery, Livonia, Michigan.

Orbie grew up in Buchannan County, Virginia, the daughter of Arthur and Deliah Compton. Orbie was the 8th born of 11 children (6 brothers and 4 sisters). The Compton family attended the local Baptist church. Orbie was raised on a farm high atop a large mountain range. Orbie would always say, ‘Why did Pa pick such a high mountain for us to live on.’ Orbie grew up without running water or electricity. Orbie had to fetch water daily to complete all her household chores. Orbie worked in the corn fields, tended the vegetable gardens and did domestic work inside the home helping her Mother feed, clothe and care for a large family. Orbie longed for a easier life and came to Detroit Michigan as a young adult and worked for her cousin doing home domestic and childcare work. Orbie met her husband Al at work and lived in Redford Township MI. Orbies’s husband Al grew up in the upper peninsula of Michigan to a family of Finish heritage. Orbie worked at Kelvinator and other small factories in the area. After a work lay off Orbie decided to become a homemaker and devoted her time to her husband, home and hobbies. Orbie and Al traveled each summer to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and to Appalachia VA visiting their families. Orbie and Al enjoyed traveling with the senior citizen’s of Redford, MI. Orbie’s husband Al passed away suddenly in the early 1990’s. Orbie enjoyed growing a small vegetable garden in her yard and sharing her harvest with everyone. Orbie loved a variety of apples and was known  to eat 5 or 6 apples a day. Orbie devoted herself to family and friends and always had nice things to say about everyone. Orbie’s health began to decline after a winter fall, which led to hip replacements and other sub sequential falls. Orbie lived in her Redford MI home until the age of 96. The last 2 years of Orbie’s life she lived in Shelby Township Nursing Center, so she could be near her nephew and his wife.  Orbie was always referred to as  ‘One of the Golden Girls’ by the nursing home staff. Orbie was a beautiful person and will truly be missed by all.

Written by Barbara and Harold Eugene Compton

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Orbie May Karling, please visit our floral store.