Vondala Trout Underwood was born February 6, 1939, near Pollard, Arkansas, to Loran Brian and Edith Rose (Kirk) Holifield. She passed away on May 11, 2025, in Paragould, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Loretta Holifield; and two brothers, Darrell Gene Holifield and Doyne Leon Holifield, and her daughter, Kimberly Kay Martin.
She was united in marriage to Howard Ray Trout on May 26, 1957, and to this union one son and four daughters were born. Howard preceded her in death in 1990. In 1994, Vondala was united in marriage to Rev. Morton Harlin Shelton. He preceded her in death in 2011. Vondala was later united in marriage to Joe Underwood and he preceded her in death in 2020.
Vondala is survived by her children: Howard Mark Trout and wife Karen, Rebecca Rose Johnson and husband Carl, Susan Sheira Fincher and husband Dave, and Melanie Faith Herrera and husband Ray; fourteen grandchildren: Teri Ann Fears (Justin), Kirk Ross Trout, Amy Kristine Dodson (Jason), Ambre Kristen Broadway, Dana Sheira Morrisett (Perry), Micha Lauren Estill (Josh), Logan Keith Martin (Courtney), Kaleb Joshua Martin, Joshua Brent McKay (Brittany), Megan Raye McKay, Kyle Anthony McKay (Johnna), Tyler Fincher (Caitlin), Samantha Miller (Chris), and Melissa Phillips (Luke); 28 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
Vondala worked for the Piggott School District, Pollard Schools, Mammoth Spring School System, and for the Head Start Programs at Piggott, Batesville, Jonesboro, Paragould, and Rector.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 16, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Hoggard & Sons Chapel with Loran Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Cummins Chapel Cemetery in Pollard, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Kirk Trout, Jason Dodson, Perry Morrisett, Kaleb Martin, Logan Martin, and Kyle McKay. Honorary pallbearers will be Josh McKay, Josh Estill, and Justin Fears. Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott, Arkansas, is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.