Ruby Finch Bland

Ruby Finch Bland, 80, passed away April 20, 2022 peacefully at her home.

Mrs. Bland was born May 22, 1941 in Durham, North Carolina to the late Eunice Inscoe Finch and James Alexander Finch, Sr.

Ruby’s true love was her family with Duke University basketball a close second. For over 53 years, Ruby and her husband Russell enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, watching westerns and basketball games on television, and going to church together. More than anything, Ruby loved spending time with her family as a wife, mother, and nana. She loved listening to country music (especially Willie Nelson), genealogy and discovering her family tree, and had sincere love and compassion for her dogs and cats (to name a few loved pets from over the years: Vincent, Maggie, Haleigh, Ranger, Sugar, Mr. and Mrs. Kitty, Dog, Coco, Fluffy, Squirt, Ellie, and Tommy). Gardening was one of Ruby’s favorite past times. She lovingly tended to her rose garden and always made certain her yard was full of blooms, butterflies and hummingbirds. A member of Durham Alliance Church, Ruby was very dedicated to her faith and was the church secretary for over ten years. Ruby deeply cared for her community and always worked to help others in need.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bland is preceded in death by her husband, Russell Bland and four brothers: James Finch, Clarence Finch, Bill Finch and Robert Finch.

Ruby is survived by daughters; Michal Bland of Durham, NC and Rebecca Hessee of Hurdle Mills, NC; grandchildren: Laney Bland, Harley Sawyer (Jenna), and Cecil Sawyer; great-grandson Jensen Sawyer, 7 nieces and 2 nephews.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Officiating will be Rev. Mark Stephens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to ALS-NC chapter or to your local Alzheimer’s Association in honor of her husband, Russell Bland.