Audrey Kathryn Orr's Obituary
Audrey Kathryn Orr, our big-hearted and loving mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away on July 8, 2017, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, at the age of 75. A memorial ceremony will be held in her honor on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at the Sylvester Community Church in Mecosta at 12:00 PM. Family will be at the church to greet relatives and friends Saturday morning from 10:00 AM to the time of service at 12:00 PM. Pastor Richard Taylor will officiate with a luncheon to follow at the church. Audrey was born on May 23, 1942, in Lakeview, MI, the daughter of Lawrence and Gladys (Wilkinson) Orr. She grew up in the Blanchard/Remus area and was locally educated through Remus Schools. She married George Derby only a few years after graduating and the two spent 23 years together managing a dairy farm in Big Rapids. Her love for agriculture never died throughout her life; even when she no longer worked on a farm, she was still a supporter of the local 4-H program. After leaving the agriculture industry, Audrey was a manager and owner for the Stewart Systems Subway franchise for 30 years, earning numerous service and work ethic awards. She thoroughly enjoyed her time managing the restaurants as well as the friends she made along the way. Her hobbies included genealogy research, camping, and cheering on MSU teams and NBA superstar Stephen Curry. She never met a person she didn’t get along with and befriended many individuals throughout her life. She enjoyed laughing and teasing, cheerfully giving those she loved a hard time. A devoted mother and loyal friend, Audrey will be greatly missed by her daughter, Kay Derby of Garden City, MI; sons, Ed (Jennifer) Derby of Rockford, MI and Dennis Derby (Heather Foster) of Big Rapids, MI; brother, John (Glenda) Orr of Blanchard; grandchildren, Caitlin Derby, Hailey Ladner, Lauren Ladner, Josh Derby, and Megan Derby; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, Rainbow Lake friends and her Subway family. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Russell (Marge) Orr. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the Mecosta County 4-H Program. Envelopes will be available at the church.
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