12/22/1931 – 5/16/2024
Lawrence
Marlene Ann Underwood, 92, of Lawrence died on May 16, 2024 after a lengthy illness. There will be no visitation.
Private graveside services will be conducted at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1517 E. 15th St, Lawrence, KS at 11a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Marlene’s cousin, David Penny, will officiate.
Marlene was born on December 22, 1931 in Lawrence, the oldest daughter of Emery Hinckley Underwood and Mildred Zweifel Underwood. She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1949 and attended the University of Kansas School of Fine Arts. For many years, Marlene lived in Carmel, CA where she was employed by Quail Lodge in Carmel; Saks Fifth Avenue in Monterey and Carmel; and I Magnin in Carmel. She specialized in sales of fine designer haute couture clothing. Additionally, she served as hostess at the Hyatt Hotel in Monterey. After relocating back to Kansas City, she worked at Saks Fifth Avenue on the Plaza and at Jacobson’s in Leawood, KS. She returned to live in Lawrence after retiring.
Her interests included fashion, antiques, gardening, piano, jazz, and bird watching. She was a devout Christian. She volunteered at local kitchens for the homeless during the holidays as well as at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Marlene is survived by her son, Stephen Michael Heinrich of Lawrence, and his daughter, Shaina Heinrich. She is also survived by her daughter, Ann Raw (Gerald) of Gravois Mills, MO, and Gerald’s children, Jonathan Raw (Kara) Olathe, and Brittany Williams (Collin) Overland Park. Additionally, she had five great-grandchildren: Serenity McAlexander, Raina Gibson, Thad Williams, Keagan Raw and Jameson Raw. Other surviving relatives include her sisters, Nancy Underwood Coombs of Urbana, IL, and Joanie Underwood Whitenight (Peter) of Lawrence, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ms. Underwood was preceded in death by her parents, her brother-in-law Fred Coombs, and her grandson, David Raw.
Memorials may be sent to Meals on Wheels, 2121 Kasold Dr. Suite B, Lawrence, KS 66047. Online condolences may be sent to Warren-McElwain Mortuary at www.warrenmcelwain.com.
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