Darlene Ann Underhill

On December 28th, 2013, the world lost a truly exceptional wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother but Jesus Christ gained a woman who was fully committed to His calling for her life. Darlene Ann (Brokaw) Underhill, passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side. With tremendous courage and grace and a style all her own, she lived bravely as she suffered for over 10 years with Alzheimer's disease. Darlene was born in Flint, Michigan on December 1st, 1931, the daughter of the late Harold and Harriet (Rhoades) Brokaw. She married William G. Underhill M.D. in South Bend, Indiana on May 8, 1954. He survives her. She graduated from Pontiac Central High School in Pontiac, Mich. She attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where she was an active member of Kappa Sigma Phi sorority. She continued her education at the Chicago Institute of the Arts Academy receiving her degree in interior design. She will be especially remembered for all her work and long dedication towards those with developmental disabilities. Her heart was for the handicapped people everywhere. She served on the board of Saginaw Valley Rehabilitation Center, the Saginaw and Michigan Special Olympics, Saginaw County Mental Health Dignified life style program (group home monitor) as well as an advocate for the Saginaw County Mental Health. Most important to her, she was founder and chairman of The Episcopal Group Home for the developmentally disabled. Above all these things, she aimed to give "unconditional" love to all people she encountered no matter their walk of life in a manner in which our Savior Jesus Christ would have. She went above and beyond as a wife, mother and grandmother always putting others before herself. She said her greatest joy came from being a mother and homemaker. Her legacy was one that was built upon faith, grace, love and a hope that others would see Christ in the way she lived her life. Surviving besides her husband are two daughters and two sons. Kim Underhill of Dunnellon, Florida, Valerie (Ron) Welzel of Saginaw, Mi., John Underhill of Sault Ste. Marie, Mi., Jim Underhill of Frankenmuth, Mi. She also leaves a very special grandson, Jonathan (Bobbi) Welzel of Howell, Mi. that was very near and dear to her heart. She also leaves two granddaughters, Casandra Somes of Grand Marais, Mi., and Allison Underhill of Sault Ste. Marie, Mi; grandson, Chad Laurich of Marquette, Mi. great-grandchildren , Chase and Brielle Welzel and many nieces and nephews. Darlene was preceded in death by her sister, June Mathews and her brother, Walter Lillard. Funeral service will take place on Thursday January 2, 2014 at Grace Baptist church, 4619 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603 at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Terry Kuhns will officiate. A visitation will be held at the church from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. to meet with family and friends. At Darlene's request, in lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider: Special Olympics of Michigan. Address: Central Michigan University. Mount Pleasant, Mi. 48859. A private gravesite service will take place.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603