Helen Ruth Underwood

God delivered a gift….Helen Ruth Underwood born on March 9th, 1930. God received a gift… Helen Ruth Underwood passed on October 20th, 2014. Helen Ruth Underwood was born to Bessie Texanna Rutledge - Anderson and Tom Rutledge in Fairfield, Alabama. She is preceded in death by; her parents, siblings; Bertha Fairer, Dorothy McDavid, Tom Rutledge, Ernestine Finch, husband Alfonso Underwood and daughter Phyllis Underwood. Helen is survived by her loving children Gwen (Melvin) Jackson of Rialto, Ca. Bonita Underwood of Tucson, Az. Alfreda (Allan) Darden of Fort Hood, Tx. Teresa Underwood of Tucson, Az and Tina (Pete) Cordell of Tucson, AZ. Along with 17 grandchildren and a host of great and great great grandchildren and many other family and friends who adored Helen.

Helen Underwood had a passion for education. She obtained her Bachelors of Science in Home Economics. She later graduated with a Masters of Science from the University of Arizona. While her husband served in Guam, in the US Air Force. Helen used her education to teach in Guam. Back in the states she taught Home economics at the U of A. Helen’s love of helping those in need was never ending. Later in life she was an in- home day care provider and home health provider for the elderly.

Helen loved people and would strike up conversations with strangers anywhere and everywhere. She enjoyed dancing, serving her community and going to church. She donated much of her time to Local groups such as; My Kid and Our Family and donated money to Alumni fundraising. Helen’s unfaltering faith was admired by family and friends. She always had a sincere “God Bless You” for anyone she met. Those whom had the pleasure of meeting Helen could not help but be affected by her smile, her kindness and her loving heart. She brought joy to the lives of those around her by simply being herself… Helen Ruth Underwood