Janet Jolliff Rumsch

June 8, 1936 – June 30, 2025

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis‍

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” - Micah 6:8

Janet (Louise) Jolliff Rumsch, born June 8, 1936, in Modesto, CA, went home to be with the Lord on June 30, 2025, at Scripps Memorial Hospital in Chula Vista, CA, at the age of 89. She was surrounded by close friends and family.

The daughter of Harold and Alice (DeBoer) Jolliff, she grew up with her beloved siblings Helen (Ray), Darold (Jill), and Raymond, who the family lost at the age of 15 to Hodgkin’s Disease. The family owned a flourishing goat farm, and it was there where they were taught to work, play, laugh, and worship, as a family.

A dedicated student and avid reader, Janet earned her BA in Education at San Jose State University. Her first teaching assignment was at Heart Ransom Elementary School and then Emory and Barry Elementary Schools, which brought her to San Diego. Between her two assignments, she spent a total of 27 years educating and influencing elementary school children. Janet took a special interest in travel; visiting over 140 countries in her lifetime. In addition to being a world traveler, some of her favorite activities were singing in the church choir, woodworking, and gardening. ‍

On January 5, 1982, Janet married the Reverand Loren A. Rumsch, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Together they lived in Chula Vista, CA, for 8 years, until his passing in 1990. Janet continued to faithfully serve at Pilgrim but also became a beloved friend of the Lutheran Church community in San Diego.

She was a devoted mother to her two stepchildren, William (Bill) Rumsch and Mary Colleen (Rumsch) James (Dan), and a cherished grandmother to Tyler Darlington (Leanne), Jessica Darlington, Malori Rumsch, and great-grandchildren Luke Darlington, Monroe Darlington, and Ryan Darlington. Her nieces and nephews, Mark Johnson, Brenda White (David), Bonnie Gue (Kevin), Christa Jolliff, Andrew Jolliff, and their many children meant the world to her. The value of family, instilled by her parents, continued throughout her life as she spent all the time she could loving, nurturing, and celebrating her loved ones.

Janet found joy in bringing people together by hosting gatherings of all sizes, preparing meals, baking, and creating a place for all to enjoy Christ’s love, holidays, seasons, and birthdays. Family get-togethers for any occasion delighted her. The menu was always well planned and during Christmas her homemade candy was an anticipated, mouth-watering favorite!

While she loved her family and church community, her heart ultimately belonged to Jesus, her Lord and Savior. Early mornings were spent studying Scripture, gleaning from devotions, and praying for others. She spent countless hours bringing the needs of family and friends to the Lord; believing unwaveringly in the faithfulness, provision, and promises of God.

Janet was known by all to be positive, kind, and deeply compassionate. With a contagious laugh, she was a joy to be around, and her friendships reached far and wide. The love of Christ shined through her in many ways, but most apparently in the sacrificial giving of herself to those in need. She exemplified humility and thinking of others more than she thought of herself.

Janet’s final place of worship was Victory Lutheran Church in Chula Vista, CA. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 19th, at Christ Lutheran Church in La Mesa, CA, at 1:00 p.m. A reception will immediately follow the service.

‍Contributions in her memory may be made to Victory Church & Christian Academy, Chula Vista, CA. (victorysouthbay.org)

With joy and gratitude, we remember and celebrate the endearing life of Janet J. Rumsch. She taught us all what it means to honor God, cherish family, and live sacrificially for the Lord and the people He loves.

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