Kari Smith Underhill

Kari Ann Smith Underhill, 52, lifelong resident of Marshalltown, passed away on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Per the wishes of the family, cremation rites have been accorded under the care of Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A family led celebration of life will be on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the American Legion in Marshalltown from 4:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Please join the family for music, food and a good time. For additional questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call                641-844-1234. Kari was born on November 23, 1968 in Marshalltown and was raised alongside her three brothers by her parents, Lawrence “Larry” and Tana (Wilkey) Smith. She graduated from Marshalltown High School with the class of 1987 and went on to attend classes in early childhood education at Marshalltown Community College. Kari’s combined love of children and the blessing of two of her own led to her rewarding career as a homemaker and caregiver. She dedicated her whole life to her children and always put her family first and herself last. Daily Kari demonstrated to them her own strength and resilience. She would give everything she had for everyone else. A social butterfly, Kari was a people-person and loved gatherings with friends and family. She also enjoyed cooking and attending drag races. Those left to cherish her outgoing spirit are her children: Rylie Underhill and Tre Underhill; grandchildren: Kendrick and Kyran Washington; her mother, Tana Smith; siblings: Greg (Ana Lyn) Smith, Todd Smith (Joann Weuve) and Cory (Kim) Smith; nieces and nephews: Austyn, Abby, Amber, Breanna, Dylan and Jaxon; several cousins and many friends. In death, Kari is reunited with her beloved significant other of 21 years, Stephen Opperman; her father, Larry Smith; her best friend, Landi Young and several aunts and uncles.