Laura Kay Underwood, age 91, of Tecumseh, MI, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Atria Park of Ann Arbor, under the care of Arbor Hospice. She was born on June 6, 1934, in Monroe, MI, the eighth of ten children to her parents, the late Felix and Thelma (Parmenter) Manor. She was a 1952 graduate of Monroe High School. On December 20, 1956, Laura was joined in marriage with George Underwood Jr. in Angola, IN, and together they welcomed nine children. He preceded her in death on April 6, 1978. Laura had a companion for many years, William Keinath who passed away in 1995.
Laura lived a rich and full life. Her home was a popular gathering spot for her children, grandchildren and their friends. Laura’s Christmas margarita parties were legendary, complete with a visit from Santa. She loved being a slightly outrageous mom, grandma, mimi and great-grandmother. Dogs were always welcome. She had a generous heart and was a beacon of compassion to everyone she met.
Laura is survived by her children, Kris (Guy) Cox of Tecumseh, MI, Rhonda Underwood of Tecumseh, MI, George V. (Chip) Underwood III of Saline, MI, and Sheila (Craig Calvin) Underwood of Ann Arbor, MI; grandchildren, Vincent (Teresa) Cox, Adam (Gwen) Cox, Laura (Brandon) Etlinger, Jonathan (Marilyn) Platt, David Platt, Nicholas Jacob Underwood, Christopher Underwood, Brooke Underwood, and Charlie and Cooper Calvin; great-grandchildren, Madelyn Cox, Colton Cox, Chloe Cox, Stella Cox, Easton Etlinger, Eli Etlinger, Conrad Etlinger and Jonathan Jax (JJ) Platt; her sister Gayle Manor of Fort Myers, Fl; many nieces and nephews; and her companion dog, Gracie.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Laura was preceded in death by her children, Kim Underwood Platt, Kathleen “Kathy” Underwood, and her triplets, Mary, Joseph, and Kellie Marie, who all passed away shortly after birth; and her siblings, Phyllis Larkins, Marvin Manor, Saline “Sally” Snyder, Eulalia “Eukie” Lauer, Bonnie Daniels, Thelma “Polly” Venier, Melvin “Mickey” Manor, and Susan “Prudy” Hall.
A private graveside service will be held at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh, MI. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers for Laura may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Arbor Hospice.