About one family member for every year of Marie Ruhland's life gathered Sunday at Pleasant View Lutheran Home in Ottawa to celebrate the centenarian's birthday. Ruhland, who turned 100-years-old Tuesday, along with her late-husband Norbert, started Ottawa Milk Products in 1938 at 1219 Fulton St. where they made cheese for 50 years while raising eight children and watching their family grow. The Cheese Shop and Deli, owned by son Marty Ruhland, of Grand Ridge, resides in the former cheese-making facility. Bob Ruhland, of Ottawa, another son, owned and operated Ruhland Milk Hauling until his retirement. Bob parked his truck in the barn next to The Cheese Shop after completing his daily route. Another Ruhland son, Al, of Ottawa, owns Bianchi's Pizza with three locations in Ottawa. In addition to her eight children, Marie Ruhland has 21 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and one on the way. Pictured is Bob Ruhland, left, Marie Ruhland, center, Marty Ruhland, right and Al Ruhland, standing.
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About one family member for every year of Marie Ruhland’s life gathered Sunday at Pleasant View Lutheran Home in Ottawa to celebrate the centenarian’s birthday. Ruhland, who turned 100-years-old Tuesday, along with her late-husband Norbert, started Ottawa Milk Products in 1938 at 1219 Fulton St. where they made cheese for 50 years while raising eight children and watching their family grow. The Cheese Shop and Deli, owned by son Marty Ruhland, of Grand Ridge, resides in the former cheese-making facility. Bob Ruhland, of Ottawa, another son, owned and operated Ruhland Milk Hauling until his retirement. Bob parked his truck in the barn next to The Cheese Shop after completing his daily route. Another Ruhland son, Al, of Ottawa, owns Bianchi’s Pizza with three locations in Ottawa. In addition to her eight children, Marie Ruhland has 21 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and one on the way. Pictured are Bob Ruhland (left), Marie Ruhland (middle), Marty Ruhland (right) and Al Ruhland (standing). (Annette Barr)