Theoda Carolyn Underwood, 88, passed away on February 2, 2023, at Brookdale Care Facility in Overland Park, Kan. She was born on March 19, 1934, to Chester and Beatrice (Johnson) Martin. On March 29, 1951, she married Walter Underwood in Raton, N.M. He passed on November 23, 2021.
Coming to Great Bend in 1974 from Dodge City, Theoda worked as a record keeper for the Great Bend Police Department, retiring in 1992. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and enjoyed reading, refinishing furniture, and listening to music. Theoda was an amazing homemaker who excelled in cooking and making sandhill plum jelly.
Survivors include two sons, Mark (Sherri) Underwood of Sharon, Kan., and Pat (Kerry) Underwood of Blanchard, Okla.; two daughters, Debbie (Michael) Chapman of Lee's Summit, Mo., and Denise (Bryan) Scott of Great Bend, Kan.; sixteen grandchildren, thirty-six great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents, Chester and Beatrice Martin; and siblings, Moses Martin, Winifred Martin, Allene Martin, Virigina James, Vanetta Flemmings, Willa Bea “Billie” Bright, Annabelle Washington, and Alta “Sally” Dennis.
Visitation will take place from Noon to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2023, with family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home with Reverend LeRoy Keith presiding. Interment will take place at Forest Park Cemetery in Anthony, Kan. at 1:00 p.m., and a meal will be served at Second Baptist Church in Pratt, Kan., at 3:00 p.m.
Memorials have been designated to the First Baptist Church or Alzheimer’s Association Central and Western Kansas, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS, 67530.