Of Tragedy and Valor
Ruby Lillian Rumbelow

Ruby Lillian Theisinger was born 1889 to parents Jacob and Mary Jane Theisinger in Brompton SA. She was the oldest of 4 children, with brothers Norman,  Laurence and John.

As a 9 year old, Ruth began writing to the newspapers. Many newspapers had "Aunt Dorothy" columns where children would write in with letters about their lives, pets, and school, fostering a community feel. 

In 1898 Ruby's father Mr Jacob Theisinger died when she was just ten years old. He had suffered for some time from Bright's disease, and was found dead in bed by his daughter Ruby. Rubys youngest brother John Jacob Theisinger was born 5 months after their fathers death.

Jacob Theisinger (1860 - 1898)
MARRIAGE: At 26 yrs.
RESIDENCE: 1898 - Yatala SA
DEATH: He died aged 37 years.

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931) - Monday 15 August 1898 – Page 4 - 

“THEISINGER. — On the 14th August, of Mable-street, Yatala, Jacob, the beloved husband of Mary Jane Theisinger, after a long and painful illness, leaving two sons and one daughter to mourn their loss; aged 38 years.”

In  December of 1910, Ruby's mother Mary Jane Theisinger (39 y.o.) remarried to Robert Thomas Sweetman (62 y.o.).  The Sweetman name is associated with a long-standing, pioneering family in the district.

Ruby married Charles Malen Rumbelow, a fisherman, on 25th April,1912 at the age of 22. Charles Malen Rumbelow was born at Encounter Bay on 25th July 1888 was born one of eight children to parents Malen Rumbelow and Susan Pearsons.  He was brother to Susan, Ivy, David, William, Eric, Lionel and Stanley (Malen 4th).

"RUMBELOW - THEISINGER - On the 25th April, at the Congregational Church, Victor Harbor, by the Rev. W. J. Wellington, Charles Malin, eldest son of the late W. M. Rumbelow, of Encounter Bay, to Ruby Lilian, only daughter of the late Jacob Theisinger, Portland, Victoria."

Charles and Ruby Rumbelow had two sons; Howard and Geoffery.

• Howard Charles Rumbelow was born at Victor Harbor on 27 March 1914 and died when 10 days old.

• Geoffrey Malin Rumbelow was born on 12th June 1917 and married Shirley Dawn Heath on 27th December 1943.

In 1921 Charles Rumbelow died of pneumonia aged 32 years.

After the death of her husband, Charles, Ruby ran a post office and a shop from her home at Yilki. She later opened a store on the Bluff which was later moved back to Franklin St, Yilki.

Ruby owned the Yilki Store & Post Office at No 60 Franklin Parade. When the store was sold Ruby operated the Post Office from the front room of her home at Yilki until a small building was placed in her front yard.  2003 - This building is now at the rear of the Fountain Inn, Franklin St Yilki.

Ruby Rumbelow owned and operated the Yilki Store & Post Office at No 60 Franklin Parade. When the store was sold Ruby operated the Post Office from the front room of her home at Yilki until a small building was placed in her front yard.

DEATH: She died aged 96 yrs.

BURIAL: Photo - Row 28 Allot 3234  General Section. Lease 89. Bur. 4/12/85. Buried by John Cameron, Uniting Church with her husband Charles & baby son Howard Charles - Headstone

John Jacob Theisinger

'The death occurred on Friday, 25th October at the residence of his sister, Mrs. Charlie Rumbelow, at Encounter Bay of Mr. John J. Theisinger at the age of 48 years. He was the youngest son of the late Mrs. R. T. Sweetman (nee Theisinger) and the late Jacob Theisinger, of Alberton, and came to Victor Harbour as a small child. Although never very robust in health, the deceased was always bright and cheerful and was much respected by all who knew him. In his young days he took a keen interest in music and was well-known for his violin paying, which gave great pleasure to many people. He was also a member of the Yelki Congregational Church and was the first secretary of the building committee of that church and always took a keen interest in the work of that body. His remains were laid to rest in the Victor Harbour Cemetery on Saturday, 26th October, and the number of beautiful floral tributes reflected the esteem in which he had been held by a large circle of friends.'

DEATH: The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931-1954) - Saturday 26 October 1946 - Page 20 - 

"THEISINGER. — On October 25, at the residence of his sister, Mrs. Charles Rumbelow, Yilki, Encounter Bay, John Jacob, dearly loved youngest son of the late Mrs. R. T. Sweetman (formerly Theisinger) and the late Jacob Theisinger, loved brother of Ruby, also Laurie (deceased). Aged 48 years. "

FUNERAL: The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954) - Saturday 26 October 1946 - Page 20 - 

“THEISINGER. - The friends of the late Mr. John J. Theisinger are repectfully informed that his funeral will leave the residence of his sister, Mrs. Charles Rumbelow, Yilki, on Saturday, at 2.30 p.m., for the Victor Harbor Cemetery. W. H. OVERALL. Undertaker. Victor Harbor. Phone 53.”

BURIAL: Photo - buried - headstone. "John Jacob, of Encounter Bay, age 44, bur. 26-10-1946 in allot 3125 by Rev. Wasley, lease 109"

OBITUARY: Victor Harbour Times (SA: 1932-1986) - Friday 8 November 1946 - Page 2 -