Jonita Margaret Underwood

Jonita Margaret Underwood

Richland

Jonita Margaret Underwood, 84, passed away on August 14, 2023, in her home in Ollie with her family by her side. Jonita was born in Fairfield, IA, on April 4, 1939, to Bernard and Irene Baker. She graduated from Richland High School, Class of 1956. She married Carl Raymond Underwood on June 2, 1957. Jonita was a lifelong farmer’s wife who worked side by side with Carl for 53 years and together they raised their family and retired in 2003.

Jonita was very involved as a member of Prairieview United Methodist Church which her and Carl played a large part in the building of the current church. She was a member of United Methodist Women of which she served as secretary for several years, church treasurer, making weighted blankets, turkey suppers, bazaars and much more. In addition, she was a member of the Red Hat Society, Grandmother’s Club, Neighborhood Club, Packwood Coffee Group, bowling league, Popcorn Readers and Officer of the Richland Alumni Banquet.

Jonita was well known for her quiet faith, being strong and unselfish, her loving, caring and giving personality, a wonderful cook and baker which she shared not only with her family but also to anybody she visited who was ill, grieving, celebrating or any occasion. She would visit new families to welcome them to the community. She loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s school activities and continued to attend games and functions at Pekin as much as possible.

She is survived by, Julia Underwood; son, Zachary, David (Amy) Underwood, sons, Hunter and Blake, and Carla Erwin, daughters, Taylor (Luke) and Kacie. Jonita’s sisters, Bernadine Forinash, Karen Shultz and Linda (Ron) Greeson; several nieces and nephews, other family, and countless friends.

Jonita was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl; son, Dwight; and brother, Raymond Knopp.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday August 21, 2023, at Prairie View Church near Ollie with Rev. Steven Lamb and Chaplin Don Combs officiating. Burial will follow in Ollie Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 P.M. Sunday afternoon at the church. Memorials to Hospice Compassus, the Alzheimer’s Association or Prairie View Church may be left at the church or mailed to the family at 26224 320th St. Ollie, IA 52576. Gould Funeral Home in Richland is in charge of arrangements.