Services will be Jan. 7 for longtime Scotts Valley resident Jean Undem, 78, who died Nov. 24, Thanksgiving morning, at her home.
She was born Ruth Jean Bandy to Verner “Peck” and Ruth Pearl Bandy in Hardin, Mo., where she was raised with her seven siblings. She graduated from Hardin High School and moved to Southern California in the early 1950s.
She worked as a waitress in the Bellflower-Lakewood area and met her future husband, Bill Undem, through her brother Dee while both were in the Air Force and stationed at Long Beach Municipal Airport. After a short engagement, the couple was married.
The Undems started a family in 1956 and lived in Anaheim for 15 years. Mr. Undem’s job transfer brought the family to Scotts Valley in 1969.
Mrs. Undem stayed at home with her children for several years. For the next 30 years, she worked in the food service industry in many capacities, starting as a waitress and cook, moving into deli management, opening a deli and progressing to the position of catering coordinator and event consultant. After retiring, she managed a school cafeteria and did food demonstrations.
Relatives said Mrs. Undem was passionate about serving others and enjoyed conversing with everyone she met. She attended all of her children’s and grandchildren’s school, church and athletic events.
Mrs. Undem is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bill Undem; two children, Rich Undem and April Morelli; a son-in-law, Michael Morelli; a brother, Kenneth Lee Bandy; two grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings, Vernon “Dee” Bandy, James Bandy, Harold Bandy, Maxine (Bandy) Wolfe, Betty (Bandy) Ballard and Jack Bandy.
A memorial service and reception in celebration of Mrs. Undem’s life will begin at noon Jan. 7 at Oakwood Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, in Santa Cruz.
