Sheila Underwood Obituary

Sheila Underwood

March 24, 1941 - September 15, 2025

Nipomo - Sheila Anne Underwood (Curry) was born March 24, 1941 in Bridgeport, CT to Fred C. Chandler and Jessie Anne (Homan) Chandler. Her parents divorced when she was very young and her mother went on to marry the love of her life, Wm. Fay Curry. Sheila grew up during the 40 's and 50 's in the quintessential midwestern town of Alliance, NE. Everyone knew everyone. Doors were never locked and neighbors watched out for each other. Her parents' home was always full of laughter and music and there was always a hot meal and warm bed for those who needed it. While she was still in high school, she went to beauty college and by the time graduation came, she was a licensed Cosmetologist.

On December 28, 1963, Sheila married N.D. (Woody) Underwood whose family were among the early pioneers of Alliance and Box Butte county Nebraska. They began their life together in Los Angeles, CA, where Woody was a student at Northrup Grumman pursuing his degree in Aerospace Engineering. Sheila worked as a hairdresser to put Woody through college. They didn't have two nickels to rub together and yet they built a life together and raised a family on a foundation of love, faith and devotion. Woody's career took them from LA to Texas and back to the Bay Area of California, before finally settling on the Central Coast in Santa Maria. During that time, Sheila built a very successful career as a cosmetologist before moving on to interior design and, ultimately, an artist. Looking back, she was born an artist. She saw beauty and possibility all around and she was bold in her vision. Sheila's artwork could be found throughout California, as well as throughout the United States and into Europe.

Sheila had a heart for animals throughout her life. Being a voice for those who couldn't speak for themselves was simply in her DNA as much as having brown eyes or curly hair. She was that lady who'd cross 5 lanes of traffic to coax a terrified dog into her car and not only get it to safety, but get it home if possible. If she couldn't find its home, she'd find it a loving home. We often joked that when she passed, we'd hold her Celebration of Life at the Dog Park so everyone could bring their dogs.

She was loving and compassionate. She was brave and determined. She was funny and kind. She embraced being a devoted daughter, wife, mother and friend. She is survived by her daughter, Sara (Paul) Marshall, grandchildren Ashlen Spence, Chelsea (Robert) Poodry, Taylor Marshall and Devin Marshall, great-grandchildren Bryn, Reegan and Toryn Spence and Wyatt and Dylan Poodry and her brother Dan Curry. She is pre-deceased by her beloved husband Woody Underwood, daughter LaCinda Underwood, and son Donnie Underwood, her parents Fay and Jessie Curry, and brother Bob Curry.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Nov. 1 at 10:30am at Christian Family Church of God 324 N. Suey Rd. Santa Maria with a reception to follow in the Graciosa Hall at the Far Western Tavern in Old Orcutt. 300 East Clark Avenue.

As per her request, all Sheila's remaining artwork is to be sold and 100% of the proceeds given to our local Humane Society.