Yvonne 'Vonnie' Underwood

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

April 17, 1931 - Oct. 16, 2012

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Yvonne "Vonnie" Underwood, age 81, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 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 Fort 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 granddaughters, Stacey Sue and Jaycie Lynn; brother, Darrel Purvis; and sister, Raoma Johnson.

She is survived by her three children, Diana Underwood of Lexington, Nebraska, 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, Oct. 19, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. 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, Oct. 20, 2012, at 9 a.m., in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook. A Celebration of Life Service will take place following the burial at 10:30 a.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church, also in McCook, with Pastor Lance Clay officiating. Lunch will be served following the service.

Memorials may be given to Memorial United Methodist Church Music Department.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit our website as www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook and leave your message of condolences for the family.