Michele Bland

Michele Bland (70) of Ft. Worth, TX escaped the mortal bonds of this earth on MARCH 17, 2025. She was born in Washington DC on May 18, 1954 to Marine Col Max Huel and Barbara Fox LaGrone. She also had a second mother, Peggy “Taffy” LaGrone whom she adored. Michele called herself an “army brat” and spent her formative years in the US and overseas following her father who was in the military. In later years her family settled in Austin, TX. In Austin she completed high school. She attended and graduated from her beloved University of Texas making her a fierce and lifelong Longhorns alumnae and fan. Later she received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas (Arlington).

For many years Michele worked for The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services primarily in the area of Foster and Adoptive Home Development. Her career path took her from Region 4 (Marshall, Longview and Tyler) to Region 3 (Ft. Worth and Dallas). After retiring from state service she went on to teach and manage contracts at Texas Women’s University for another 18 years. She retired from TWU in May of 2023.

Michele met and married the love of her life Richard Bland on September 12, 1987. Richard preceded her in death. Together they loved wine making, travel, caring for their many animals and hunting. Much to Richards dismay, Michele proudly tagged the first buck every season. Michele loved to dance and was serious about physical fitness walking 4 1/2 miles per day and spending time two days per week in the gym. She enjoyed yard work and gardening. After retirement she often provided medical transport for friends and former coworkers. She loved baking, particularly around the holiday season.

Michele was preceded in death by both parents and second mother, Taffy and her only sibling, a brother, Perry LaGrone. Michele joins Richard on ‘The Rainbow Bridge’ where she was surely greeted by Callie, Romeo, Bogie and Bailey (dogs) and Terry, Comache and Jake (horses).

Michele leaves to mourn two nieces: Dawn LaGrone Finkelstein (Paul) of Winston-Salem, NC, and Jennifer Dolbey (Brent) of Tyler, TX. She leaves her great niece Ia Finkelstein of Tulsa, OK. Mourners include a ‘sister of the heart’ for over 40 years and “partner in crime and travel”, Jackie A. Hubbard (Michael) of Tyler, TX as well as another dear friend, Kathy Middleton from Bellevue, TX. She also leaves many former coworkers and friends who will cherish her leadership and steadfast belief that children should be seen and not hurt.

Finally, but no less important, Michele leaves her horse, Blue and her deer, Jane Doe.

At her choosing, there will be no formal service, just family to spread her ashes at the same spot where she spread Richard’s. Please consider remembering Michele with a gift to Hope House. That was Michele. Bossy to the end.

From her family and friends we leave you with Michele’s preferred sign off, “Thankseverso”.