It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Inez Bland May, aged 94, on Thursday June 5th, in Kennewick, Washington.

Inez was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Inez was born on March 8, 1931 in Torrington, Wyoming to Mack and Edna (Sanders) Bland, the fourth of five children.

She spent most of her life in Washington after the family moved from Wyoming in 1938, initially living with her Uncle Floyd and Aunt Stacia Sanders' family in Finley. They eventually bought a home and land on Perkins Road in Finley after short stays in Kittitas County above Ellensburg and Kennewick.

She is a class of 1949 graduate of River View High School in Hover, Washington. She married Delmar May on March 4, 1950 and the two remained married for 74 ½ years until his passing in October of 2024, eight months earlier.

Inez ran a home daycare in Kennewick for more than 25 years and held other jobs including secretary, bank teller, and bookkeeper. She enjoyed sharing her skills in cooking, sewing, and quilting, and was a long member of TOPS.

Inez and Del shared many memories, but they are best known for their concrete hull boat, The Sundowner, which was constructed in their backyard between 1969 and 1972. After construction, it remained seaworthy and a staple of family vacations until 2014. Del and Inez made many memories traveling (often with friends and family) from Blaine, WA into Canada and Alaska every May through September.

Inez is survived by brother Mack Bland Jr. (Donna), sons Dwight (Michele) and John (Herlinda), grandchildren Austin, Courtney, Lauren, Lydia, Riley, and Sean, and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Delmar, son Allan, parents Mack and Edna, brother Clyde Bland, sisters Ila Bland and Elaine Shaul.

The family expresses sincere gratitude to the staff and new friends at Three Rivers Place of Kennewick for their exceptional care and unwavering support shown to Inez. Their kindness and compassion were a great comfort.

On Saturday, June 21st, a graveside service to honor Inez and Delmar will be held at 9:00 a.m. at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Kennewick. A celebration of life for Del and Inez will follow at 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.at Zintel Creek Golf Club.