Obituary: Virginia May Underwood, 95, of Ludington

Virginia May Underwood, 95, of Ludington passed away on Sunday. Aug. 16, 2026, at Royal View Retirement Community in Mecosta.

Virginia May O’Connell was born on July 26, 1931, in Galesburg to John R. O’Connell and May (Keith) O’Connell.  She was a 1949 graduate of Ludington High School.  She married Richard Underwood on June 23, 1951.  Richard preceded her in death.

After graduation she was employed by the Foliage Company of America in Ludington as a bookkeeper. When she married Richard, she became the secretary, bookkeeper, and accountant for his contracting business, all the while raising two daughters and maintaining the family home.  After retirement in 1983, she and Richard studied to become licensed charter boat captains and started a charter boat service.  They spent many years fishing with clients on Lake Michigan. For several years she and Richard were active members of the Ludington Boat Club where she served as treasurer for six years.

Virginia actively and very patiently supported her husband in his many conservation interests. Virginia was a member of Community Church of Ludington and sang in the choir for several years. Most important to her were spending time with her family, but she also enjoyed birdwatching, gardening, hunting, fishing, reading, crossword puzzles, and playing cards. Virginia was a woman full of love, true graciousness, and kindness to all.

Surviving are her daughter Diane (John) of Canadian Lakes; sister-in-love Nancy (Jerry) Kiel; numerous nieces and nephews.  Preceding her in death were her parents, daughter Kimberly Ann (Ray) Gustafson, 4 sisters, 2 brothers, nephews, and niece.

At her request, cremation has taken place.  There will be a celebration of life Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Grace Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be held at South Victory Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a local women’s shelter or food bank.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com.