Mary Jo Riedman Underwood, 91, a long-time resident of Connersville, passed away Wednesday, March 13 at her current residence in Columbus, IN. She was born August 5, 1927 in Connersville, Indiana, one of eight children of Joseph and Mary Ratz Riedman and was a graduate of Connersville High School. Mary Jo (aka Joey, Joy, Merjie) was married to Ralph Underwood, a former state representative for the 55th district of Indiana.
She was a long-time member of St. Gabriel Church and served on numerous committees including St. Vincent DePaul, Bereavement, Daughters of Isabella and Homebound Meal Deliveries. She enjoyed spending time with her family, solving word games and crossword puzzles, playing games with her grandchildren and tackling home improvement projects. Mary Jo amused her family with a wry sense of humor and unassuming wit.
Survivors include two brothers, Monsignor J.J. Riedman of Connersville and James Riedman and wife, Annette also of Connersville; seven children; Lynne Eckerle (Wayne) of Indianapolis, Tom Underwood of Wenatchee, WA, Jim Underwood of San Diego, CA, Jayne Skaff (Andy) of Seabrook, NH, Beth Blessing (Ralph) of Downers Grove, IL, John Underwood (Gina) of Fukuoka, Japan and Mark Underwood of Islamorada, FL; sixteen grandchildren; Matt Eckerle (Lori) of Boston, MA, Kate Eckerle of Indianapolis, Mike Eckerle (Maggie) of Indianapolis, Megan Eckerle of Indianapolis, Ralph Underwood of Wenatchee, WA, Lorraine Underwood of San Diego, CA, Sydney Skaff of Indianapolis, Joel Skaff of Baltimore, MD, Paul Blessing of Chicago, IL, Scott Blessing of Mountain View, CA, Mark Blessing of Bloomington, IN, Jacob (Gabby) of Fort Worth, TX, Grace Underwood of Seattle, WA, Olivia Underwood (Abe) of College Station, TX, Jonah Underwood of New York, NY, Ella Underwood of Fukuoka Japan and six great grandchildren, Valentina, Charlie and Hank Eckerle of Boston, Julienne Mbonda of Indianapolis, Jedidiah Underwood of Fort Worth, TX and Meredith Eckerle of Indianapolis. Mary Jo was lovingly cared for in Columbus by her dedicated caregivers Sharon McDonald and her staff including Mable Walsh, Michelle Kelsay and others. Her family is grateful for the care provided at Keepsake Village in Columbus, IN where she resided the past fifteen years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ralph; two sisters, Elaine F. Riedman and Anna C Riedman; three brothers, John E. Riedman and wife, Bertha; Robert J. Riedman, and Jerry Riedman and wife Jackie, and granddaughter Sarah Underwood. Family and Friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Gabriel Church at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. Burial will be in Dale Cemetery in Connersville.
Friends may call at the church from 10:000 AM until the time of the Mass on Tuesday. The Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 17th Street, Columbus, IN 47201, The Fayette County Foundation for the Ralph Underwood Memorial Scholarship Fund or St. Gabriel School.
Condolences may also be left at millermosterrobbins.com.
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