Wanda Underwood: 1940-2021

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Wanda Margarette Underwood went peacefully with the Lord on July 8, 2021, as she was surrounded by her children at home.
Wanda was born Feb. 15, 1940, in Poe, Missouri, to Elmer and Thelma Horton. The family moved to Essex, Missouri, where she was raised with two brothers and four sisters. She attended school in Essex.
Wanda met Charles Billy Underwood while working in a cotton field. They married on Feb. 21, 1956, and were married 48 years. Wanda referred to Bill as her one and only love.
After marriage, they remained living in Missouri for 10 years where four of their children were born before moving to California. They had one more child born in Oregon. From there, they made their final home in Washington.
Wanda enjoyed teaching Sunday school and church remained a very important part of her life. She loved vacations to Missouri and Texas to visit family. She loved preparing for camping trips and all holidays and birthdays where she made everything extra special for her children.
Wanda was known for her great sense of humor, always with a smile on her face. She had a special love for children and she was always there for anyone in need.
Her special saying to all her many grandchildren was “I love you a bushel and a peck and a great big hug around the neck.”
Wanda is survived by her children, Diane (Ken) Stoker, Brenda (Alex) Lane, Babby Underwood, Chuck (Jeannette) Underwood and Anita (Rick) Rowland; 17 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; her sister Jean (Johnnie) Cobb; numerous nieces; nephews; Verna Miller and many other friends.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband Bill Underwood; parents Elmer and Thelma Horton; brothers Everett and John; and sisters Dorothy, Faye and Yvonne; and grandchildren Teresa Stoker, Ricky Rowland and Amber Lane.
Graveside service will be held at Claquato Cemetery Aug. 29, 2021, at 2 p.m. with a celebration of life to follow at Alexander Park.