Rita Vaden Underwood

Rita Jean Underwood, 70, of Niceville, Florida, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on April 23, 2023. Rita was born in Dallas, Texas on January 1, 1953 to Tony and Betty Vaden. Rita was a housewife and mother of four. Rita married Giovanni Underwood in July 1971. Rita lost her husband Giovanni in 1978. She then met her life-partner of 42 years, Robert Welch. Rita spent most of her time raising her children. She loved painting, sewing, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Rita is preceded in death by her father Anthony E. Vaden, husband Giovanni R. Underwood, brother James Vaden, son Johnathan Wayne Underwood, and son John Adam Underwood.

Rita is survived by her love Robert Welch, her 90-year-old mother Betty Vaden, brother Mark Vaden (Rebecca), daughter Karen McDonald (Robert), son Curtis Underwood (Christi), daughter-in-law Melissa Underwood, sisters-in-law Sheila Currington and Jet Underwood, 16 grandkids, 15 great-grandkids, and lots of nieces and nephews.

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