Helen Lora Bland

Helen Lora (Shipp) Bland entered her eternal reward in the presence of our Lord and Savior on December 16, 2014 as a result of dementia-related illnesses. She was born in Pleasant Valley near Bellvue on September 15, 1930, to Walter and Lora Shipp and was the fifth generation of Shipp’s to live in the area. She was a devoted member of the Meadowlark Church of Christ. Helen married the love of her life, Bob Bland, on August 27, 1950, at the Bellvue Church of Christ. Together they built their paradise on 10 acres in Pleasant Valley that they readily shared with family, friends, and neighbors. Hospitality was their gift to all who came. Their kitchen was warm and welcoming, and Helen's home-cooked meals were enjoyed by hundreds of guests. Their marriage of 64 years was one of mutual devotion that bloomed "in better or worse, in richer or poorer, and in sickness or health." Helen devoted her life to her family, friends, and church, all in service to her Lord Jesus Christ. In addition to her husband, Helen is survived by three children, Bob (Jr.) and Jane Bland of Denton, Texas, Dave and Nancy Bland of Germantown, Tennessee, and Dawn and Greg Ivans of Fort Collins; eight grand children, and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Elsie Schneider of Denver, and ten nieces and nephews. Helen's passion was caring for others. For 20 years, she worked as a nurse at Poudre Valley Memorial Hospital where her loving service touched many lives. After retiring from PVH, she provided home care to several elderly neighbors and friends. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15 The family expresses its deepest gratitude to those who cared for Helen -- the faithful friends from Meadowlark, the dedicated staff at RVNA, neighbors in Bellvue, the staff at Halcyon Hospice, and most especially the wonderful in-home caregivers who cared for her. A Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at Meadowlark Church of Christ. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday in the sanctuary of the Meadowlark Church of Christ, 2810 Meadowlark Ave, Fort Collins. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mountain States Children’s Home in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.

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Helen Lora Bland

September 15, 1930 - December 16, 2014