In Memory
Diana Underwood
January 14, 1952 — December 15, 2025
Diana Kay Underwood was born on January 14, 1952 in Bird City, KS to James “Jim and Yvonne “Vonnie” (Purvis) Underwood. She was the first-born grandchild on both sides, a title she held dear. She loved growing up with a large extended family and had many fond memories of her childhood. During any gathering she could be found sitting around with the adults or taking care of all her younger cousins. Even when she wasn’t yet old enough to drive, she was sent to the swimming pool, driving a car filled with younger cousins in St. Francis, KS! From the very beginning she loved babies and children of all ages – a love that grew throughout her life. After the family moved to McCook, she was finally old enough to babysit and she had several special families whose children she cared for.
She graduated from McCook High School in 1970, McCook Junior College in 1972, and Kearney State College in 1974. Education was her career choice. Or rather, it chose her. She shared a story of playing school as a child, using the unfinished basement cinder blocks as the “chalkboard”. From the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a teacher, following in her Grandmother Ollie’s and mother’s footsteps. She always wanted to make a difference in the life of a child, and she did. Many times over.
Diana found more than just a job in Lexington, she found a home. A community where she would pour her heart and soul into. She began as a social worker, then helped organize the Dawson County Parent-Child Center before joining the Lexington Public School System. A system she believed in and fought to make better. She was an active member in BPW, LEA, NSEA, and NEA. Any student that walked into her classroom would always be considered “one of her kids”. She obtained her Masters in Counseling and finished her 34 year career in education as the school counselor at the Middle School.
Cheering students on, encouraging them to be the best they could be didn’t just happen in the classroom. Diana was also the biggest supporter of all extracurricular activities. She was an avid sports fan throughout her walk on this earth. From McCook Bison, to Jr. College Indians, the Lexington Minutemen (and Maids), all the way to Lincoln for the Huskers, she loved them all. People would say she turned the lights on and off at Memorial Stadium; she was the first in line, and the last to leave.
God, her family, and friends that were like family were at the center of her life. Through every journey her faith was her rock. Her love and relationship with Jesus Christ was on the front burner, brightly shining, ready to share with whomever would listen. She attended church faithfully, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, played the bells, and served on numerous committees. She loved and cared for her four nephews and nieces as much as possible. She took them on many day trips to educational, historical sights, and football games as they grew up. Anytime she could get a card game going she was full of joy. We all learned many card games because of her. Diana will be remembered as a caring, generous, kind person, helping anyone she could. The first to volunteer to read to a child, or rock a baby to sleep. While living in McCook and Lexington she cared for many children, whose families she became part of, just to name a few: the Andersons, Kuglers, Hermans, Taylors, Carsons, Bacons, Matzs, and Dowlings.
After years of declining health struggles, on December 15th Diana met her Lord and Savior. Preceding her in death are her parents, James and Yvonne Underwood, infant nieces Stacie Sue, and Jaycie Lynn. Rejoicing for her eternal rest, those left to mourn her loss, brother, Steve Underwood of McCook, nephew, Kyle Underwood, niece, Kori (Kevin) Bryant all of Manhattan, KS., sister, Janet (Charles) Fritsche, nephew, Chas Fritsche, niece, Julie (Louis) Cuellar all of McCook, great-nephews Oliver, Conley, Kropper Cuellar, and Karter Bryant, numerous cousins, and so many dear friends.
Cremation was chosen. Graveside services are scheduled for 10:00 AM on Friday morning, December 19, 2025 at Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington beginning at 1:30 PM on Friday.
Memorials may be given in Diana's name; they will go toward the Hardship Luch Program at her beloved Lexington Public Schools. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.
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