ELIZABETHTOWN
Hazel Frances Underwood, 94 of Columbus, passed from this life at 6:16 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2023, peacefully at her daughter’s home in Elizabethtown, Indiana.
Mrs. Underwood was born April 29, 1929, at 9:00 pm in Garrard County, Lancaster, Kentucky, the daughter of Claude and Lettie (Ray) Bolton. Lettie died while pregnant with twins with a stroke when Frances was 3 years old. She married Frank Underwood in 1945 in Columbus, Indiana. He preceded her in death in October 1972, as well as 15 other brothers, sisters, and stepbrothers, who preceded her in death.
Mrs. Underwood worked as a waitress for several restaurants during the 50s and 60s in Columbus, and also CP Electronics, sometimes working three jobs to care for her three children. Later, she began working at the Columbus Regional Hospital in February 1972 and worked there for the next 48 years with her daughter Pamela Richards, retiring at the age of 91; and then only because of Covid concerns.
Her dedication as a loving mother and her work ethic made a lasting impression on her family and friends, providing them with comfort and guidance during challenging times, always making time for them. To her family, Frances was not just a mother, grandma, aunt, and mother-in-law; but a source of strength, humility, unconditional love, happiness, and friendship. Her presence in their lives is immeasurable.
As our mom Frances enters Heaven, she was baptized from Becks Grove Christian Church as a 9-year-old child in a small creek from her soon-to-be home in Becks Grove, Indiana (Brown County). She takes with her the peace and joy she gathered while here on earth from those who knew her well. SHE WAS LOVED!
Her life will be cherished by her daughters and son, Pamela Richards of Elizabethtown, Indiana; Leta Johnson of Laurel, Indiana; and Revis Underwood of Litchfield Park, Arizona; 8 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren. (5 generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and cousins)
Unselfishly, Frances wanted to share her life upon death so that others may live and years ago donated her body to Science at the Indiana University Anatomical Education Program, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology.
Family and friends may gather for a memorial service at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, December 21, 2023. Calling will be from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home in Columbus. She will be missed.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
You are invited to view her video, light a virtual candle, and send a message to the family. www.jewellrittman.com
