Raymond Henry Tobias

Raymond Henry Tobias, aged 91, of Carlton Twp., Michigan, was called Home to be with his Lord on Sunday evening, December 13, 2009. He was born in Barry County on January 9, 1918 to Archie and Bertha (Sheltz) Tobias. Raymond grew up on his grandparent's farm in the Cedar Creek area, and learned to work hard and to love the land while working the farm with his grandfather. He learned to love gardening and flowers from his grandmother. During that time he also attended the Hendershot School. Later, Raymond also worked with his father as a trapper and fur trader. He continued his love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman his entire life. He took his last deer, an eight point buck, at the age of 90. Ray also continued his love for flowers until the last summer of his life, faithfully and carefully tending his beloved roses and dahlias, and maintaining a large garden. His home was well known for its colorful displays of flowers, and was admired by those that drove by. Ray also found time to work at E. W. Bliss for 40 years as a skilled machinist, and loved his job. He was united in marriage to Dora Thomas on October 1, 1937; she passed away on May 21, 1977. Ray is survived by his son, Roger and Carol Tobias; grandkids, Greg (Gail) Tobias, Cathy Tibble (Jim), and Diann (Gregg) Davis; great grandkids, Nate (Melissa) Tobias, Clint (Angie) Tobias, Justin (Christy) Tibble, Cody Tibble (Chelsea), Joe Davis (Natalie), and Jeff (Dallas) Davis; great great grandkids, Eastin Tibble and Isaiah Tobias; numerous family members in the Reigler family; and special friends, Julia Dukes, Mitzi Carroll, and Ed Tibble. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Bertha Tobias; step-mother, Ada Tobias; step-father, Otis Boulter; wife, Dora Tobias; second wife, Cleone (Reigler) Tobias; two infant sons; daughter, Barbara Tobias; brother, Lawrence Tobias; and an infant brother. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at the Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa. There will be a time of visitation for one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be in Dowling Cemetery. The family has suggested that memorial contributions may be made to Barry Community Hospice, or to the American Diabetes Association. Funeral Service December 16, 2009 11:00 AM Koops Funeral Chapel 935 Fourth Ave. Lake Odessa, MI (616) 374-8221