Mary Back

Back, Mary Elizabeth Underwood, age 81, of Middletown, was received in the loving arms of our Lord on Thursday, September 6, 2012. Mary was born in Covington, Kentucky, and was raised in Cincinnati by her parents, Rudolf Rudy and Violet Underwood. She was the eldest daughter of their six children. Her father was a retiree from the Cincinnati Zoo and her mother was active in the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary. Mary was married to her husband of 45 years, John W. Back, and attended First Church of God in Poasttown. She was a devoted wife, proud mother, and grandmother. She loved to travel and attend family gatherings. Mary's potato salad was always eagerly awaited during the holidays and will surely be missed; as well as her delicious cookies and cakes. Mary's heart was always full of compassion towards those who were in need. She made everyone who visited her home feel welcomed and always invited them over for a meal. Mary is survived by her daughter, Sandra Sandy Barnett and her husband Ray of Hamilton; her son Dennis Back and his wife Billie of Oxford; her son Ronald Bishop of Fairfield; Charles and Mary Back of Middletown; June and Michael Nohitsch of Illinois; Larry and Pat Back of Hamilton; Ann and Charlie Turner of Arkansas; and Marcella and Gene Brown of Piqua; her sister, Helen Underwood Bishop of Cincinnati; her brother, Donald Underwood of Oregon; and her devoted canine, Annie. She is the loving grandmother of many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary also had many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. She cherished the conversations she shared with her brother-in-law, Vernon Back of Gratis and her sister-in-law, Mary Edna Back White of Camden. Mary was welcomed into heaven by her husband, John; her daughters, Deborah Bishop Vice, Susan Back Howell, and Teresa Back Collier; sister, Christine Underwood Cravens; brothers, Rudolph Junior Underwood, Walter Underwood; her brother-in-law, Edward Bishop; and her parents along with many other dearly loved relatives. Our family wishes to thank all the caregivers at Garden Manor and Vitas who provided a loving and caring environment for our mother. We wish to thank those who cared for her at Atrium Medical Center and her physicians for helping to give her the quality of life which allowed her to enjoy her time with us. For this we are deeply appreciative. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, officiated by Reverend Kenny Brewer. Visitation will be one hour prior to services Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairmound Cemetery, West Elkton. A guestbook is available at www.breitenbachfuneralhome.com.