Mary Laine Underwood

Mary Laine Underwood, 86, of Wapakoneta passed away peacefully at 3:12 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 2026 at Wapakoneta Manor.

Mary Laine was born on September 12, 1939 in Shelby County Ohio, the daughter of Floyd and Vera (Fogt) Finkenbine. Mary was a graduate of Anna High school Class of 1957.

While waitressing in Sidney she met her husband the late Mark L. Underwood of Westville, Ohio. They married on Sept. 9, 1962. Together they had four children, losing son Brad L Underwood at the tender age of 30. She is survived by, Marlaine (Tim) Schneider, Jon (Jody) Underwood of Botkins; Kristian Underwood of Minster; and brother Gregory (Pearl) Finkenbine of Sidney. She leaves behind six grandchildren Olivia Schneider, Lindsey (Kyle) Barta, Kaitlin, Dillon, Jarred and Seth Underwood and two great grandchildren Beau Barta and Nathanial Underwood.

After marriage Mary worked as a nurse's aid at Wilson Memorial Hospital. The love of serving others in the healthcare field led to her caring for the elderly as a home health aide years later. Mary retired from Botkins Local school as a cafeteria worker from which she retired.

Mary was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Botkins. She was a member of the Women's Circle, the choir and eventually the choir director. Mary was an avid singer and had a beautiful soprano voice that she loved to share with others.

Mary remained a lifelong loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds. As her memory waned, the one thing the family could count on was mom’s zeal for her Red's.

She loved to can garden produce that her husband grew and she loved to cook for her family which was the center of her world. Her family will forever remember her sweet gentle spirit and her bright smiling face. Her favorite line was to tell everyone she met “I love you very much”.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Botkins with Pastor David Eidson officiating. Burial will be at Pearl Cemetery in Swanders. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or to Legacy Hospice. Condolences may be expressed to the Underwood family at (www.cromesfh.com).