Theodora G. Bland "Dora"

Theodora Gertrude (Wessel) Bland passed away Friday, August 3, 2012, in the Sheridan County Health Complex Long Term Care at the age of 90. She was born February 2, 1922 in Sheridan County, Kansas to Bernard and Anna (Lager) Wessel. She was the youngest of six children. Dora’s mother passed away when she was just 10 months old. She then went to live on a farm north of Grinnell, Kansas with her aunt and uncle, John and Gertrude Lager. Her father passed away when she was in her teens. Dora attended the Zion country school in Sheridan County. After finishing 8th grade she worked as a house girl for Peggy Schlageck where she did the cleaning, cooking, washing and cared for Peggy’s children. Dora was united in marriage to Clifford Bland Jr. February 11, 1947 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grinnell. To this union one son was born, Robert James Bland. Dora helped Clifford with the family farm, milking cows as many as ten at a time, and then separated the cream and sold it in the Grainfield creamery. Clifford passed away May 22, 1970. After Clifford was gone Dora continued to help her son on the farm. She also drove a silage truck for several local farmers. In 1973 she started driving the school bus for Wheatland which she did for 25 years. Dora spent many hours gardening. She had a large garden and canned as much as she could for a winter supply. She also did a lot of sewing, making most of her own clothing and also prom dresses for several nieces, western shirts for Clifford and Robert, and later sewing for her grandchildren. Dora was a very creative person. She took painting classes and learned to paint landscapes. She also made quilts and embroidered dish towels, pillow cases and quilts. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed spending time with grandchildren and family. Dora is survived by her son Robert Bland and wife Gayle of Gove, Kansas; sisters-in-law Marie Beesley and Elinor Wilson of Gove, Kansas; Grandchildren Clinton and wife Bre and Dennis Bland of Hays, and Audrea Chappell and husband James of Huntington, WV; and Great-granddaughter Zoey Leighanna Bland. Preceding her in death are her parents Bernard and Anna Wessel; husband Clifford Wessel; three brothers Leo, Libory and Lawrence Wessel; and two sisters Theresa Schwartz and Matilda Stramel-Rupp. Precious memories of Dora will live on forever and will help ease the pain in the hearts of her family and friends. The work Dora has done on earth speaks highly for her. When a loved one becomes a memory, a memory becomes a treasure. Treasure the memories always.