Mary Renelda Bland

Mary Renelda (Schowengerdt) Bland, 84, of Kansas City, MO, passed away February 2, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospice House. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 a.m. followed by funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 6, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice House, 3516 Summit St., Kansas City, MO 64111.

Mary R. Bland was born in Chamois, MO. to George & Ada Schowengerdt in 1931. She was raised in Chamois. After graduation from high school, she went on to attend nursing school. She worked for the Veterans Administration Hospital as a head nurse in New Orleans, Los Angeles, New York and finally Kansas City. She also worked for Research Hospital for 10 years after retiring from the V.A.

She met and married Hugh F. Bland in December 1963, and was preceded in death by him.

Prior to their deaths, they enjoyed traveling, attending baseball games, playing golf, enjoyed bridge and the company of their many friends, as well as being active in the Ararat Shrine Temple. Mary was a member of the Eastern Star, the ABWA (American Business Womens Assoc.) and P.E.O.

Mary was also preceded in death by three brothers, Benard, Leroy, and Calvin Schowengerdt. Her sister, Verda Townley, resides in Kansas City, MO. Mary leaves three children, Linda Keith, Michael Bland and Gayle Rinehart, five grandchildren and two great granddaughters.