Linda Underly

Sunflowers grow by taking their energy from the sun and letting shadows fall behind them. Linda Underly was a sunflower, facing the sun. Her charismatic personality and charm commanded the attention of any room she walked in. She was an unforgettable ember of joy that sparked countless memories for family and friends alike.

Linda’s story began on May 4, 1944, born the second daughter of Frank and Wilma Smith in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She spent her younger years growing up on E. Walnut Street, attending St. Augustine’s Church, and gaining a sweet tooth from her father who would often bring her candy. In addition to her growing love for The Lord and sweets, Linda began a love for entertainment by enjoying musical artists as well as playing the piano and participating in local theater. She even went on to star as Gretel in the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre play Hansel and Gretel. Linda’s childhood was vibrant and full of adventure.

Sadly, in 1948, her father Frank Smith would pass, however, new hope was found when her mother Wilma remarried to Richard Magnan who would take Linda in as his very own. Teaching her how to ride a bike, helping personalize her favorite car, and picking her up from her various adventures, he truly loved Linda as his own. With this marriage, Linda would inherit a sister, Carol Magnan. The pair quickly bonded over their family and mutual love of celebrities such as Elvis Presly.

Linda’s adventures continued as her father, Richard, owned M&M Construction Company and built the family home in the new City of Portage. Her father also worked to build St. Catherine of Siena where Linda continued her devotion to the Lord by attending mass, catechism, and volunteering alongside her mother at St. Vincent DePaul. Her father became the owner of Thermogas, teaching Linda hard work and business skills, Linda later used these skills to manage a local convenience store, Stop-n-Go, and several other establishments throughout her life.

One of her pride and joys was a ‘55 blue and white Chevy with a hand-painted gold engine, customized completely by Linda and her father, Richard. She was known for driving her car around Westnedge and racing all the local boys, winning all the way. After graduating from Portage Central High School in 1962, where she participated in Business and Glee Club, Linda continued to nurture her love for people and community. She became the Girl Scout leader for her daughter Mendy, instilling in her the same values of service and leadership that Linda herself cherished.

Linda thrived on the love that she showed for her children, Mendy and Richard. Her love for family was further exhibited through her cherished role as a grandmother to Christina (nicknamed Boo-boo), Zoey (nicknamed Strawberry), and Bannon; and great-grandmother to Cheyenne, Gianna, and Giovanni. Often the active grandmother, Linda and Zoey would go around the neighborhood shining flashlights at peoples houses. She taught her grandchildren to love reading, playing poker and checkers, long walks, Halloween, iconic music, and most importantly to capture joyous moments of life on camera. Being able to catch her love for motherhood on camera further allowed Linda to share her love for her children with her children.

One of Linda's longest lasting relationships was with her niece, Gay Perry-Monroe. Though they were Niece and Aunt, they grew up more like sisters; always sending Elvis memorabilia back and forth, taking part in activities such as soap-making, and building memories that would last a lifetime for both Gay and Linda.

Even in her senior years, Linda retained her zest for life: she was an avid reader, devouring Stephen King novels and biographies. She maintained an eclectic taste in music – including artists like Janis Joplin, the Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, and Prince – which reflected her varied interests and vibrant personality and likes; including her love and support for Donald J. Trump, and her being a personal fan of Muhammed Ali and Elvis Prestly alike, even going so far as to run away to Elvis' estate, later having to be picked up and brought back home by her father, Richard. She would lay in the sun any day she could, and held a passion for collecting trinkets of her favorite icons, a hobby that painted a vivid picture of who she was and the eras that shaped her.

Her later years saw her residing at MediLodge of Portage, where her endearing personality left a mark on everyone she encountered. She continued to be a beloved resident, cherished for her sweet and spirited nature. Always the doting grandmother, Linda enjoyed being pushed around in a wheelchair by her granddaughter Zoey, who she'd always say was "sweet as a bowl of sugar". She delighted in small, everyday pleasures like sitting in the sun, or drinking coffee while watching classic shows like “Little House on the Prairie” and “The Andy Griffith Show.”

Linda’s last days were spent in peace, surrounded by the love she had given so freely throughout her life. She passed away on August 9, 2024, at 2:55 AM at MediLodge of Portage. Being sure to give her daughter, Mendy, one last set of butterfly kisses, just as she gave her every night growing up. Linda left behind a legacy of love, resilience, and a knack for making the ordinary extraordinary. Her children, Mendy and Richard, and the rest of her family remember her fondly, not for the challenges she faced, but for the warmth she exuded and the laughter she spread.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Richard Magnan and sister, Gloria Al-Hakim. Surviving are her children: Mendy Golston and Richard (Ruth) Underly; grandchildren: Christina Hegwood (Gybert Jean-Pierre), Zoey Golston, and Bannon Underly; great-grandchildren: Cheyenne Lawrence, Gianna, and Giovanni Jean-Pierre; and sister, Carol Kay. Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where stories will be shared on Thursday (AUG 15) from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Mass will be celebrated Friday (AUG 16) 11am at St. Catherine of Siena Parish with visitation beginning at 10am. Lunch will follow in the church hall. Burial at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Humane Society. Celebrate Linda’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.