Patricia J. ""Pat"" Bland's Obituary
Age 66, of Summit Township, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at the Allegiance Hospice Home. She was preceded in death by her father, Ross K. Ferry; and sister, Laura A. Lazarchic. She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 44 years, John C. ""Jack"" Bland; her mother, Mary Ferry of Ashtabula, OH; sisters, Aimee (Lawrence) Narducci and Janet (Samuel) Grippe, both of Ohio, Anita (Raymond) Steighner of Ontario, Canada; nieces; nephews; and many friends. Pat grew up on a small farm in Saybrook, Ohio, where she enjoyed farming life, membership in the Girl Scouts of America and attending church camp every summer. A 1966 graduate from Ashtabula Harbor High School; she was a long distance telephone operator for the Geneva Telephone Co. in Ohio. After her marriage to Jack and moving to Jackson, Pat became a very active member of Cornerstone Christian Church where she taught Sunday School, worked Vacation Bible School, was director of the food pantry and was a member of the Emmaus Community. She earned her Associates Degree in Nursing from Jackson Community College (JCC) and worked as an RN at Foote Hospital. Over the years, Pat had volunteered at Youth Haven Ranch and Countryside Care Center. Always being a person who enjoyed art, Pat went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spring Arbor University (SAU). After graduation, she became a member of the Jackson Civic Art Association and has been recognized and awarded for her abilities in drawing and sculpture. SAU, Adrian College, the Christian Art Show in East Lansing, Ella Sharp Museum and JCC's Potter Center have all been blessed by Pat and her art work. Pat's life has been characterized by her creativity, strong work ethic and her faith in Jesus Christ. Funeral Services will be held at Cornerstone Christian Church, 2395 W. High Street in Jackson on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Noon with Pastor Michael D. Mason officiating. Visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00 am until service time. Cremation will follow the services with interment at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. For those who wish, contributions in her memory to Cornerstone Christian Church would be appreciated.
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