Cleo D. Underwood, 101 of Stockton, IL went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, IL, surrounded by family and friends. She was born on January 16, 1911 in Sanborn, MN to William and Sophrona (Miller) Leopold, the third of seven children. Cleo was a graduate of Sanborn High School. She and George Underwood were united in marriage on October 17, 1940 in Manchester, IA. They spent most of their married life in Custer Park, IL, and George preceded her in death on July 18, 1984. Cleo moved to Stockton, IL in 1995.
Cleo was an inspiration and testimony to many, and willingly shared her unfailing faith in Christ with others. She was a devoted wife and mother and also worked for several years as a kindergarten teacher at Custer Park Elementary School. As a long time member of the Custer Park Baptist Church she served as a Sunday School teacher and was involved in many various church activities. Cleo attended Grace Bible Church of Woodbine, IL for the past several years. She always loved and enjoyed her family, especially preparing meals for family gatherings.
She is survived by her two children; Gary (Sharon) Underwood of Stockton, IL and Vivian (Thomas) Lay of Peru, IL; four grandchildren; Gregory (Michelle) Underwood of Elizabeth, IL; Grant (Aimee) Underwood of Jewell, IA; Garth (Sarah) Underwood of Williams Bay, WI; Michelle (Kiley) Magana of Hennepin, IL; and ten great-grandchildren; Jacob, Katie, Emily, and Jared Underwood of Elizabeth, IL; Garrett and Gillian Underwood of Jewell, IA; Nathan and Brayden Underwood of Williams Bay, WI; and Matthew and Maxwell Magana of Hennepin, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, and sisters.
Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Grace Bible Church of Woodbine, IL with a luncheon to follow. A graveside service and burial will take place at 4:00 PM at Essex Cemetery in Essex, IL. Pastor Jeremy Yowell will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton, IL and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. A memorial fund has been established for Grace Bible Church of Woodbine. Those seeking overnight lodging may contact Country Inn & Suites of Stockton, IL at 815-947-6060.