Ila Rumbolz
Ila Mae Rumbolz, 83, of Mitchell passed away at Avera Brady Health and Rehab on Sunday, March 19, 2023. A memorial service will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mitchell. A visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Friday, March 24, 2023 at Will Funeral Chapel.
The first born to Louis and Belva Junita (Ness) Sampson on March 4, 1940 and from that day she truly did March forth! After a few moves they settled on a farm SW of Mitchell, SD where her love of outdoors kept her at her dad’s side helping on the farm. Ila attended Hillside Lutheran Church west of Dimock; she was baptized, confirmed and later married there. Her early school years were spent at Libson township. Moving to Ethan for her high school years she lived with cousins, Ada and Alfred Kretschmer. Helping them with their apiary and garden, it was a great experience and good education. Ila lettered in basketball each year. At first the first practice, in the excitement of getting the ball the first time, she ran the court, made a basket and the coach christened her “downtown Sami”! She preformed in may of the school plays, was an accomplished seamstress and won many awards through 4-H. She later sewed many of the kids clothes as well as tending to the ever present pile of mending until the arthritis in her hands made it difficult; she then turned to woodwork and refinishing furniture.
While serving at the Farmers Union pheasant supper she caught the eye of somewhat shy Billy Rumbolz; they married the following August of 1957. Son, Randy, arrived in September 1958, daughter, Lori, in 1962, and in 1972 the couple adopted Toby and Jamie. While farming along Bill and raising the children she also preformed in the early Mitchell dinner theater, was on the Good Samaritan board, taught Sunday school youth group at the Ethan Methodist Church, was a NFO member, was on the Davison Co weed board, SD pork produces council, Mitchell commercial club and Mitchell Garden club as well as the Ethan Trail Riders. In 1982 Ila and Bill welcomed their first of 6 international exchange students which also led to Ila being a regional placement representative for exchange students.
When Bill asked what will we do with this big old house when the kids leave…Ila started a Bed and Breakfast! Welcoming guests from around the world and creating many more friendships.
Ila loved to travel and not for sightseeing. Friends and family were important to her and any excuse for a trip to visit had her planning- across the US, Mexico, and 5 trips to Europe. She was a tree planter and recycler before it was the thing to do. She never mastered forgive and forget but she never held a grudge. If anyone was in need or just needed a good visit; she was there.
Her love of horses carried her many miles and through many adventures; 18 years in the Corn Palace Stampede drill team; she took pride in being the little old lady on the pretty palomino! Cattle drives were always great fun as she always had a good cow horse! Many memorable tail rides; the Schoenrock hosted river rides near Platte. Rides through the Badlands, Custer State Park, trails in WI, AZ, and CA; her beautiful dependable Lizzy carrying her on most of those! Often just a leisurely ride down the road with a good friend was all that was needed.
Survivors include her son, Randy (Dawn King) of Dimock, former daughter in-law, Nancy Bowar of Kennebec, son, Toby (Susi) of DeSmet, former daughter in-law, Kim of Madison, daughter, Lori of Mitchell, the ASSE children, Teppo Kettula (Minna) of Finland, Sonja (Mehmet) Herman of Germany, Rici (Thorston) Pfefferlorn of Germany, Anna (Eigl) Bjornsdottir of Iceland, Ina Bergheim of Germany and Patricio (Barbara) Sainz of Mexico, and 12 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill, in-laws, William and Martha, brother, Melvin, brothers in -law, Lyle, Luvern and daughter, Jamie.
Very grateful to all the health care corkers for their sacrifice and hard work to get us through the pandemic.
Forever grateful for Brady assisted living for loving Ila for understanding her and helping her find a peace she had struggled to find her whole life.
