Marjorie Underhill obituary: Marjorie Underhill's Obituary, Topeka

In Memory Of
Marjorie Louise Underhill
1937 - 2023

Obituary photo of Marjorie Underhill, Topeka-KS
Obituary photo of Marjorie Underhill, Topeka-KS

In Memory Of
Marjorie Louise Underhill
1937 - 2023

Marjorie Louise (Schaffer) Underhill, 85, of Topeka, Kansas passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Lexington Park Health and Rehab, after a short illness.

She was born July 28, 1937, in Cassoday, Kansas, to Byron Schaffer and Peggy (Cornwall) Shaffer. Marjorie’s mother, Peggy, later married Wayne Manka. She graduated from Cassoday High School.

Marjorie (Marge) married Dale Loren Underhill on June 5, 1955, El Dorado, Kansas. Three daughters Nina, Michelle and Christina were born to this union. After Nina was born, Marjorie and Dale moved to Denver, Colorado where they lived for a few years. Later, this happy family was joined with two more daughters, Michelle and Christina.

She did a variety of things during her life. When Nina became school age, they moved to Simpson, Kansas where they operated the Underhill Grocery Store until its closure. In 1970, they moved to Beloit, Kansas and Marjorie worked as the office manager of the local Coca- Cola Bottling Company and later at Wichers Photography Studio. In 1981, along with her husband, Dale, Marjorie purchased Valley Pro Bowling Center in Downs, Kansas and operated this business for 21 years until her retirement in 2002. In addition to operating Valley Pro Bowling Center, they operated Del- Mar Kennels for many years, raising Cocker Spaniels and Chinese Pugs.

Marjorie attended the First Baptist Church in Downs for many years.

She enjoyed playing bingo, doing crossword puzzles and playing on the computer and eventually learned to use her iPad. Marjorie was phenomenal at sewing, knitting sweaters and blankets. She also enjoyed bowling.

After the death of her husband, Dale, in 2004, Marjorie and her daughter, Nina, moved to Topeka to be closer to her daughters, Michelle and Christina. After living with Michelle and her husband, Joe, for several years, she moved to Luther Place Apartments where she enjoyed the companionship of her daughter, Nina as well as many new friendships.

In August 2021, she suffered the unexpected loss of her youngest daughter, Christina. Marjorie had a special bond with Christina’s daughter, Kallahan Mielenz, until her passing.

Left to mourn Marjorie’s passing are her two daughters, Nina Underhill and Michelle (Joe) Munoz; granddaughter, Kallahan Mielenz; half-sister, Carol Jean (Manka) Smith; step brother, Monte Manka and many friends and extended family. She was preceded in passing by her husband; her daughter, Christina; her parents and step father and one brother, Ralph Schaffer.

In Marjorie’s honor, cremation is planned. In her honor, memorial contributions may be made to Prairie Wind Hospice, 606 High St, Baldwin City, KS 66006 or to Helping Hands Humane Society 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, KS 66604.

To leave a message for her family, please click the “Share Memories” button above.


Marjorie Louise (Schaffer) Underhill, 85, of Topeka, Kansas passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Lexington Park Health and Rehab, after a short illness.

She was born July 28, 1937, in Cassoday, Kansas, to Byron Schaffer and Peggy (Cornwall) Shaffer. Marjorie’s mother, Peggy, later married Wayne Manka. She graduated from Cassoday High School.

Marjorie (Marge) married Dale Loren Underhill on June 5, 1955, El Dorado, Kansas. Three daughters Nina, Michelle and Christina were born to this union. After Nina was born, Marjorie and Dale moved to Denver, Colorado where they lived for a few years. Later, this happy family was joined with two more daughters, Michelle and Christina.

She did a variety of things during her life. When Nina became school age, they moved to Simpson, Kansas where they operated the Underhill Grocery Store until its closure. In 1970, they moved to Beloit, Kansas and Marjorie worked as the office manager of the local Coca- Cola Bottling Company and later at Wichers Photography Studio. In 1981, along with her husband, Dale, Marjorie purchased Valley Pro Bowling Center in Downs, Kansas and operated this business for 21 years until her retirement in 2002. In addition to operating Valley Pro Bowling Center, they operated Del- Mar Kennels for many years, raising Cocker Spaniels and Chinese Pugs.

Marjorie attended the First Baptist Church in Downs for many years.

She enjoyed playing bingo, doing crossword puzzles and playing on the computer and eventually learned to use her iPad. Marjorie was phenomenal at sewing, knitting sweaters and blankets. She also enjoyed bowling.

After the death of her husband, Dale, in 2004, Marjorie and her daughter, Nina, moved to Topeka to be closer to her daughters, Michelle and Christina. After living with Michelle and her husband, Joe, for several years, she moved to Luther Place Apartments where she enjoyed the companionship of her daughter, Nina as well as many new friendships.

In August 2021, she suffered the unexpected loss of her youngest daughter, Christina. Marjorie had a special bond with Christina’s daughter, Kallahan Mielenz, until her passing.

Left to mourn Marjorie’s passing are her two daughters, Nina Underhill and Michelle (Joe) Munoz; granddaughter, Kallahan Mielenz; half-sister, Carol Jean (Manka) Smith; step brother, Monte Manka and many friends and extended family. She was preceded in passing by her husband; her daughter, Christina; her parents and step father and one brother, Ralph Schaffer.

In Marjorie’s honor, cremation is planned. In her honor, memorial contributions may be made to Prairie Wind Hospice, 606 High St, Baldwin City, KS 66006 or to Helping Hands Humane Society 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, KS 66604.

To leave a message for her family, please click the “Share Memories” button above.


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