Virginia Joyce Ruhland (Joyce), 83 of Ottawa, passed away Monday, December 26, 2022.
Beloved wife and best friend of Bob; cherished mother of Lisa, Kurt (Kate), the late Alison (1971), and the late Scott (2022) (Togi); treasured grandmother to Joel, Leah, Abigail and Miriam; daughter to the late Stanley (1966) and Virginia (1969) Alms; daughter in law to the late Norbert (1980) and Marie (2019) Ruhland; sister to the late Stanley Alms (2017) (the late Jan (2013)), Carol Almson, and Roy Alms (Susan); Sister in law to Norma Jean Messaglia (the late Jim (2017)), Alan (Pat), Marty (Sally), Gary (Nancy), Anne Borsattino (Gene), Tom (Sharon) and Terry (Jeanie); Dear cousin and aunt to a large extended family.
Joyce was born in Waukegan, Illinois in 1939, and spent several years in Chicago before settling in Ottawa when she was 9, where she remained for the rest of her life. She married Bob in 1963 and they welcomed four children to their family over the next several years. Bob and Joyce tragically lost two children, Alison in 1971, one month before her second birthday, and Scott in 2022, at the age of 49.
Joyce enjoyed spending time with her family and dedicated her life to caring for them. She and Bob also had many close friendships which endured throughout the years. Joyce was active in the Ottawa Junior Women’s club and was the president for one year. Joyce enjoyed traveling with her sister and visited many national parks in the western United States. She and Bob also enjoyed several visits to their sons and grandchildren on the West Coast and later Kurt’s family in Canada. She loved to visit Starved Rock in the Ottawa area. Joyce worked for The Daily Times back in the days when the inserts were manually placed into the newspapers, and also for Weeta’s Boutique. Joyce was a member of the Christadelphian church in Lombard, Illinois and now rests in the hope of the resurrection.
Visitation will be Friday, January 6, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, January 7, at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Mr. Dan Richard officiating. A luncheon will follow.
Honorary pallbearers will be Joel, Leah, Abigail and Miriam Ruhland, Dick and Darlene Zahn, and Carol Travi. A private burial will take place at a later date.
Donations in memory of Joyce can be made to the family. The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com