Bonita “Bonnie” Beth Jinkens Underwood

 

  Bonita “Bonnie” Beth (Jinkens) Underwood, 70, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away on April 19, 2026.

     Bonnie was born on October 12, 1955, in Keokuk, the daughter of Robert E. and Aileen L. (McNally) Jinkens.

      Bonnie had fond memories of living in Oakland, CA and attending Piedmont Avenue Elementary School before her family moved to Keokuk.

     Bonnie attended Keokuk High School, obtaining her General Education Degree, and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Southeastern Community College. She continued her education at the University of Iowa before graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Western Illinois University.

     On March 30, 1985, Bonnie was united in marriage to Steve Underwood in Keokuk. He survives.

     Over the years, Bonnie held a variety of roles. She was employed by several area businesses. She served as a board member and chairperson on the City of Keokuk Human Relations Committee. She was a former member of the Lee County Democratic Central Committee. In 2003, she became a certified substitute teacher and greatly enjoyed her time in the classroom. Above all, Bonnie was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who devoted much of her life to caring for her family. She was a constant source of guidance, comfort, and love.

     Bonnie had a deep love for nature and gardening. Her home was surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees, and she found joy in photographing nature and sharing its beauty with others. Bonnie had a strong appreciation for music and singing was a source of joy for her. She attended many concerts over the years, even getting the chance to meet a few big name artists. She also loved cooking and always had new recipes to try.

      Her presence, humor, smile, and support will be deeply missed by those who knew her.

      She is survived by her four children, Nick Oren of Fallbrook, CA, Jeff Underwood of Keokuk, Brandon Underwood (Amy) of Ankeny, IA, and Lyndsey Brady (Jon) of Shawnee, KS; seven grandsons, Tyler, Alex, Andrew, Camden and Brecken Underwood and Asher and Ethan Oren; and her siblings Karen Hickey (Mike), Brenda Coursey (Steve), Dennis Jinkens, Cyndy Ames (Roy), and Julie McNitt (Tim); Parents-in-law, Dale and Mary Ann Underwood of Keokuk, and numerous nieces and nephews.

      She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Jerry Jinkens.

      A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Keokuk, IA with Pastor David Turner officiating. A procession to the cemetery will leave the funeral home at 10:45 a.m.

      Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2026 at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with the family meeting with friends at that time.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Cancer Center Research Fund at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center through http://givetoiowa.org or mailed to the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244-4550. On the memo line or on a note attached, please indicate "Gift in memory of Bonnie Underwood."