Ruthie Mae (Kinnie) Underwood

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.  Please join us in mourning the passing of Ruthie Mae Kinnie Underwood, of Gadsden, AL who traded time for eternity on Friday, November 30, 2024, at the age of 100. 

Ruthie Mae Kinnie Underwood, affectionately known as Baby Ruth, was born on October 29, 1924, to the parents of Johnnie and Alma Kinnie in Marion, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her first love and husband, Flemming Underwood, though they shared many memories in Marion, Alabama they eventually relocated to Attalla, Alabama where they raised their children. With unwavering motivation and enthusiasm, Ruthie Mae excelled in various fields including: mentoring at-risk youth, working diligently, and serving as a laboratory professional and Certified Nursing Assistant. Her passions included elegant style, home beautification, gardening, canine companionship, football, and baseball. 

She dedicated herself to singing in a gospel quartet and church responsibilities early in her spiritual journey and later found her passion for studying and teaching with the Jehovah's Witnesses, remaining steadfast in her convictions since she was baptized on December 15, 1979. As the family matriarch, she consistently maintained connections through visits and phone calls always inquiring about loved ones by name.

She was predeceased in death by her husband, Flemming Underwood, Jr.; her sister, Mary Jelks; brothers, James Kennie, Obee Spencer, Murray Spencer, Timothy Spencer, and Ray Spencer, and her precious daughter, Veronica Valentine Blount. 

Ruthie passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 30, 2024.

Ruthie is survived by her daughter, Shirley Jean Underwood; sons, Flemming Underwood, Jr., James Earl Underwood,  Lakoss Underwood; daughters, Cassandra Bell, and Danita Underwood (Freddie) Smith; 26 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 29 great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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