Mary “Susie” Underwood

Mary Susan “Susie” Underwood, of Urbana, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the age of 68, after a brief illness. A lifelong Urbana resident, Susie’s roots ran deep in the community she loved, with family ties extending back through several generations. Born on April 19, 1957, she was the beloved daughter of Vernon Green Stegall Sr. and Rita Louise (Ropp) Stegall.

Susie graduated from Urbana High School in 1975. Known for her warm spirit and endless energy for conversation, she had no problem initiating a chat with literally anyone she met. She was one of the most selfless people you would ever meet, remembered for her devotion to others even at the sacrifice of her own wants and needs.

She loved animals deeply and always dreamed of becoming a veterinary technician or running a petting zoo—because nothing brought more joy to her face than physically touching animals. One of the highlights of her life was meeting Jack Hanna at the Columbus Zoo. Despite her fear of flying, she loved to travel and be out and about as much as she could. In her quiet moments, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, putting together jigsaw puzzles, shopping, and watching her shows.

She is survived by her husband, Keith Underwood of Urbana; her sons, Jesse Elliott of Springfield and Morgan Underwood of Urbana; her daughters, Amber Underwood of Bellefontaine and Kelli (Steve) Smith of Marysville; and her furbabies, Violet and Lucy, and her fur-grandbabies Lavender, Scarlett, and Nick. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Jillian Mouton-Kirkham of Wooster, Jocelyn Elliott and Joeyanna Elliott of Springfield, Brandi (Steven) Heston of Dublin, and David Smith of Marysville; as well as her great-granddaughter, Lydia Heston of Dublin.

She is also survived by her sisters Patty Stegall of Columbus and Phyllis Wise of Bradenton, Florida; brothers London Stegall of Urbana and William “Billy” (Pam) Stegall of Jeffersonville, Kentucky; brothers-in-law Clayton (Julie Jean “JJ”) Underwood and Kenneth “Kenny” (Audrey) Underwood; sisters-in-law Joyce Andrews and Tina Underwood of Urbana, and Linda Stegall of Springfield; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon Sr. and Rita Stegall; her brother, Vernon Stegall Jr.; and her brothers-in-law Phillip Underwood, Lex Andrews, and Chris Wise.

Flowers are welcome, but the family also suggests donations in her memory to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Walter & Lewis Funeral Home in Urbana. Funeral services will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Union Chapel Cemetery in Cable, Ohio, the cemetery where her parents are laid to rest.