Ortha was born in Reading, Pennsylvania to Leslie and Ruth Uecke.  

At the early age of 6 weeks, she and her parents moved to Marinette, Wisconsin.  She attended the local elementary school and Marinette High School.  

In 1949, the family moved to Hilmar, California.  Ortha graduated from Hilmar High School, class of 1950.

She married John Roger Kling and they enjoyed traveling to all 50 states, Canada and Mexico.  There were many family events, including annual Kling family reunions on the farm.

She and Roger attended Berea Lutheran Church and Ortha served as Secretary and Treasurer for many years.  She sang in the choir and served on many committees.  She had leadership roles in The Lutheran Church Women’s Organization at all levels including local, conference and synod areas.  Ortha said that her Church work was her labor of love.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Roger Kling.  She is survived by her son, David (Judy) Kling, daughter, Nancy (Ken) Johnson, granddaughter Julie Kling, grandson, Danny (Sally) Kling, and great grandson, Landon Kling.   Ortha is also survived by one brother, Howard (Marilyn) Uecke.

Ortha also leaves behind a large extended family including many nieces and nephews as well as Judy’s children, their spouses, and 6 great  grandchildren