"Her weakened heart had battled long, but could not stand the pace, so most reluctantly released her soul to God's final resting place."

Ursula (Uschi) Elfriede Bland, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away at Lompoc hospital on April 25, at the age of 80 years, 9 months.

Ursula was born in Meiningen-Thuringen, Germany July 24, 1926. She was the second daughter and last child of the Otto and Lina Weidner family. Her father, a professional musician, and orchestra conductor was a member of the Thuringen State Theatre located in Meiningen. Ursula, in her late teens, became a member of that theatre, touring the state of Thuringen performing German light operas and musicals. The advent of and end of W.W.II, followed by the division of East and West Germany prompted Ursula to flee the Western zone, seeking refuge with an elderly aunt then living in the city of Wurzburg. While there she eventually met an American Airman who subsequently was able to convince Ursula to marry him. Their marriage and move back to the United States soon followed.

In May 1966 Ursula, now with three daughters, found herself and family in Lompoc, the result of husband Bob's assignment to VAFB. After becoming a member of the community for several years, Ursula became very interested in the Lompoc Chamber of Commerce, and decided to become an Ambassador for the city. This she did, and for almost ten years following devoted herself to this task. She very much enjoyed what she was doing and as a result of her outstanding efforts was awarded Ambassador of The Year for five consecutive years. In 2001 Ursula decided to retire from her chamber duties, and was presented with a plaque from the chamber declaring her Honorary Ambassador for the city of Lompoc. Additionally, she remained a member of the Lompoc Women in Chambers, and was also a member of the Lompoc cell of Federated Republican Women.

Ursula loved flowers and gardening. She was a passionate traveler and would start packing at the mention of the word. She and husband Bob enjoyed visiting distant places, and did so whenever the occasion presented itself. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters, and a loving and very proud grandmother.

Ursula is survived by her husband Bob Bland of 53 plus years, daughter Heidi and son-in-law Russell Woodmansee of Scotts Valley, daughter Andrea Bland of Lompoc, daughter Bettina and son-in-law Ralph (Joey) Bentley of Desert Hot Springs. She leaves five grandchildren, Chloe' and Maia Woodmansee, Joshua and Jesse Bentley and Chance Caouette. She was preceded in death by; her parents, sister, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces residing in Germany.

There will be a memorial service at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary on Saturday, May 5, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor John Reil, Peace Lutheran Church of Lompoc officiating. Friends who desire may donate to the American Cancer Society, 604 E. Ocean Ave, Lompoc CA. 93436. A private inurnment was held.