Deborah S. Bland

Deborah (Debbie) Sue Harbin Bland of Indianapolis, Indiana, beloved mother, Nana, Mamaw, sister, and aunt, passed away August 18, 2026, at the age of 66. She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to parents Robert E (Gene) Harbin and Rosemary (Brown) Harbin. After graduation from Howe High School in 1978, she was employed as a Medical Records coder and HIM supervisor for Community Health Network. After retirement she lived for many years in Kentland, Indiana until ill health brought her back to Indianapolis.

Throughout her life Debbie remained a 1970’s Hippie Chick. She loved her 70’s rock and roll music. She had a lively sense of humor and loved to laugh. Her favorite movie was “A Christmas Story”. She was also an avid reader, and she loved going to used book sales (especially the Benton House Used Book Sale). She never missed an episode of Big Brother or Survivor. Debbie enjoyed watching the birds at her feeders, particularly hummingbirds and cardinals. Above all else, she cherished her family and loved spending time with them.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Gary I Bland. 

She is survived by 3 children: Amber Bland (ée Aaron Howard, Sr), Cody Bland (wife Alicia), and Cheyenne Bland. She was Nana and Mamaw to 8 grandchildren (Aislynn, Alexis, Ashton, Aaron Jr, Alijah, Addison Sue, Carter and Myles) and to 3 great-grandchildren (Delilah, Archer, and Talia). Her sister, Kathy Harbin Steffen, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. Debbie leaves behind her much-loved cat, Blackie, who will live out his days with her son, Cody.

Services will be held August 27, 2026, at Flanner and Buchanan Washington Park East, 10722 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46229. Friends may call from 2-4pm. Funeral services will follow at 4pm. Burial will occur at Oak Hill Cemetery in Kirklin Township, Clinton County. Debbie will be buried next to her husband, Gary, his mother, Daisy, and his brother, Ed. Burial will occur on Friday, August 28, 11am.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the charity of your choice.

Before closing, the family wishes to thank all of the physicians, nurses, therapists, and the entire team who took care of Debbie at Franciscan Health Indianapolis, particularly those who were with her those last days in the Cardiac Critical Care unit. Everyone who entered her room treated her with dignity, compassion, and respect for her wishes. We can never thank you enough.