Vonnie Underwood
April 17, 1931 — October 16, 2012
Yvonne "Vonnie" Underwood, age 81, passed away Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.
Vonnie was born on April 17, 1931 in Atwood, Kansas to parents RE and Nadia Orell (Koskie) Purvis. She was one of three children. Vonnie graduated from high school in Bird City, Kansas with the class of 1949. She then went on to attend Ft. Hays State University in Fort Hays, Kansas.
Vonnie married husband James A. Underwood on August 6, 1950 in Bird City. To this union three children were born; Diana, Steven and Janet. The family made their home in both Bird City and McCook where Vonnie was involved in a number of activities and organizations.
Vonnie was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, sponsored the youth group and helped with the Red Willow County Fair Booth. She was a past President of Meals on Wheels and also delivered meals to area residents for many years. Vonnie enjoyed babysitting, embroidery, and gardening. She was employed by Vogue Men's Store. Vonnie was especially fond of her grandchildren, and loved to play cards with her family.
Vonnie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim Underwood; two grand daughters, Stacey Sue and Jaycie Lynn; brother Darrel Purvis; and sister Raoma Johnson.
She is survived by her three children Diana Underwood of Lexington, NE, Steven Underwood of McCook and Janet (Charles) Fritsche also of McCook; grandchildren Kyle Underwood, Chas Fritsche, Julie Fritsche and Kori Underwood; brothers-in-law Jay Underwood and Melvin "Mux" Johnson; sisters-in-law Shirley Purvis, Twila Kramer and Elaine Jensen.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 19, 2012 from 6 to 8 PM at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home. The family will also be present to greet friends during that time.
For those who wish to attend, burial will take place on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 9AM in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook. A Celebration of Life Service will take place following the burial at 10:30 AM at Memorial United Methodist Church, also in McCook, with Pastor Lance Clay officiating. Lunch will be served following the service.