Grace Lucille Underwood, age 90 of Marion, passed away peacefully on Sunday June 12, 2016 at Heartland of Marion.
Grace was born at her family home in Marion, Ohio on October 20th, 1925 to Herald and Mildred Fremont. In 1973, she married Donald Underwood in Valdosta Georgia. They were married for nearly 40 years before his passing in July of 2012.
She is survived by her son, Scott (Keira) Kelly of Marion and two grandchildren Reagan & Trace Kelly. She is also survived by a step-daughter Karen (Andy) Thiess and their children, Lisa (Jeff) Curry, Tammy Conley, and Andrew Thiess. Great grandchildren, Jacob Curry and Josie Conley. Great great grandson Ashton and great great granddaughter Skylyn, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The youngest girl in their family of six children, Grace enjoyed attending the now refurbished one room Linn Schoolhouse, and later graduated from Harding High School. Growing up across from Crystal Lake, she along with her brother Max and sister Ruth, worked at the skating rink for many years. Grace enjoyed roller skating and became so accomplished that at one time she considered becoming a professional. As a young lady she also enjoyed dance and took tap lessons from the former Miss America, Marilyn Meseke. Her granddaughter Reagan inherited this passion for dance, and she is now in possession of her Grandma Grace’s tap outfit from that time. A country girl, Grace enjoyed and appreciated the simple things in this life. Sunday dinners, a ripe tomato, fishing on a river bank, roasting ears, baseball, picnics, crossword puzzles, birthday parties, holidays with family, good conversation, and mowing her grass.
A lifelong resident of Marion, she especially enjoyed her family, her friends, and her music. She loved to entertain. Whether it was hosting a family get together, an evening of cards with friends, or leading folks in song from behind a Hammond organ. Grace enjoyed working at Harden’s Music Store and also at Marion Piano, where she would showcase their keyboards, along with her gift of playing by ear. She would go on to play at local fairs, organ club recitals, Marion Baseball for Boys, area venues, and various clubs. She knew countless songs by heart, and could engage a crowd like few others. She especially loved playing songs with the Marion Senior Band, and also at her neighborhoods annual Christmas Sing Along, which she did for over 20 years.
Grace had a generous spirit, was a believer in the Lord and a great lover of life, but she loved her family and many friends even more. She was never more happy than when she was surrounded by folks she loved. While it is certain that she didn’t wish to say goodbye to those whom she has temporarily left behind here, it is just as certain that her entry into heaven was an ecstatic and glorious reunion. A sentimental journey home.
Visitation will be Thursday June 16, 2016 at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 East Center St., Marion from 5PM to 7PM; Funeral services will be Friday at the funeral home at 10AM with Sam Wolfe officiating; Burial will be in Grand Prairie Cemetery.
If so desired, donations may be made to Ohio Health Hospice, formerly Marion General Hospital Hospice.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Underwood family and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
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