BASTROP,TX.—Mary Lou Rumbo

Mary Lou Rumbo left this earthly realm Friday afternoon, July 16th with her faithful canine companion, Dudley, by her side. Still quite independent and full of love and laughter for all who encountered her, Mary Lou was a positive individual who loved learning and experiencing all life had to offer.

She was born in Harlingen, Texas on March 3, 1925, and spent the majority of her life in the Rio Grande Valley, which she loved dearly. She spoke excellent Spanish, and worked as a Spanish teacher and curriculum director for Spanish and Social Studies for years in Harlingen and San Benito.

After meeting Robert E. Rumbo on a bus trip home from Austin, Mary Lou eventually fell in love and married him on July 19th, 1947. That was the beginning of a wonderful life together that lasted over 50 years. Mary Lou and Rob raised three children, traveled all over the world, and enjoyed time spent with friends and family. Mary Lou loved the Mexican culture and it’s traditions and history, She worked extensively on identifying and categorizing plots in the Harlingen City Cemetery on “F” Street and was one of the founding members of the Harlingen Historical Society. She was also one of the “Golden Girls” which denotes more than 50 years of service in the Harlingen PEO Chapter.

Several years after Rob died, Mary Lou moved to Bastrop, Texas to be closer to her kids. She loved her new house in the piney woods, the friendly folks and all the new wildflowers and critters of central Texas! She became extremely active at First United Methodist Church, where she often taught Sunday school, was a member of the Bread Breakers Circle and Golden Girls. She also kept her hands in teaching by being a mentor for BISD.

Mary Lou is survived by her oldest son, James Earle Rumbo and his wife Nancy of Austin; her daughter, Patricia Anne Ross and husband Don of Bastrop; daughter-in-law Shannon Davis of Harlingen; two grandchildren, Justin Lee Rumbo and wife, Beth of Kerrville, Texas, and Chelsea Brooke Rumbo; and two great grandchildren, Makenna Ann Rumbo and Lillian Lee Rumbo.

A memorial service will be held in Harlingen on Saturday, August 7th at Wesley United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m..

A coffee will be served afterwards in Charter Hall to celebrate Mary Lou’s life.

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