Julia Ann ""Judi"" Underwood

Julia A. (Judi) Underwood completed her journey through life on Friday, March 3, 2017 at the age of 72. Judi was born April 3, 1944 in California, Missouri, the only daughter of Sam and Wilma Cornine and sister of six brothers. She attended Northeast High School where she met and married her first love, James Paul Barton. From this union came her most treasured gifts, her three children: James (Jay), Joy, and Jana. After the tragic loss of her husband in Vietnam in March of 1967, young Judi lovingly and steadfastly took care of her children as a single parent. On May 19th, 1969, Judi married the true love of her life, Russell Underwood. Some of her fondest memories were of the early years following their marriage when their family enjoyed military life while stationed in Argentia, Newfoundland, and Coos Bay, Oregon. In 1973 after retiring from the military, Russell and Judi moved their family back to Missouri where they raised their family in Marshall.

Professionally, Judi worked in retail management before beginning her career with Wal-Mart where she retired in 2010, after nearly 30 years. She had a strong work ethic and took her job very seriously. As personnel manager, she positively impacted countless fellow associates’ lives. It was impossible to visit her store without hearing from at least one coworker “I just love Judi.”

Judi’s true passion in life, however, was her family whom she loved beyond measure. As a young girl, she nurtured and helped care for her younger brothers. As she aged, her love for her brothers remained strong, and she affectionately referred to them as “the boys.” Judi’s life was not one without difficulties or sadness, but she never allowed that to harden her. Instead, she used her life’s experiences to grow in strength and to develop a valuable perspective on life that she freely shared with her family. Judi was smart, strong, generous, compassionate, accepting, and had a good sense of humor and the most beautiful blue eyes. As a mother and grandmother, she was the perfect example of unconditional love. Her children and grandchildren knew without question that she was proud of them and would love them to the end, no matter what. She never hesitated to say “I love you, baby.” Judi’s life was one of selfless sacrifice; she took care of everyone else before herself. She was a giver. She was always available to provide support in any way necessary. In the most difficult of times, she was able to see the positive, create a plan, and somehow reassure her family that everything was going to be fine. She was a forward-thinker, always remaining hopeful for the future and would often say “what’s done is done.” The impact that Judi’s strength and love had on her family is immeasurable and will never be forgotten. She will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved her.

Judi is survived by sons Russell Underwood and wife Susan, Jay Barton and wife Debi, and daughter Jana Barton, and grandchildren Russell Underwood, Christina Underwood, Tristan Raines, James Barton, Kylea Raines, Corey McArthur, Alexa Barton, and Cathryn McArthur. She is also survived by her brothers Larry Cornine, Gale Cornine, and Ronnie Cornine. Judi was preceded in death by her mother and father, two husbands, her daughter, Joy Raines, and three brothers.