Claryss B. Tobin

Born September 16, 1928 in Columbus, Ohio, to Harvey Edward and Martha Elizabeth (Rothgeb) Biggins, she lived her early life in Bellaire, Ohio until marrying John (Jack) Martin Tobin (1928-2006) in 1951 and returning to Columbus.

Her varied jobs included bank teller, elevator operator, department-store model, food brokerage, and finally 20 years in registration at Riverside Methodist Hospital, a position she reluctantly left at the age of 83. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, and served as Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

Claryss instilled in her family a passion for travel, the arts, and fine cuisine. Always delighted to be with friends, she loved to play golf and bridge. She provided her family and much of the neighborhood with the world's best pies and fresh flowers from her impeccable garden. Claryss never met a happy-hour she didn't like, and could reel off the menu of nearly every Cameron Mitchell restaurant in town. It took a pandemic to stop her from attending every OSU home football game.

Everyone who knew Claryss, could feel her light and presence. She pushed us all to be the best version of ourselves, and did so with a loving touch. She taught us to be proud, stand tall, and follow our hearts. On Sunday, her light dimmed, but our memories and love of her will never fade.

Claryss is survived by her two daughters Elizabeth Tobin Brown of Stonington, Connecticut, and Amy Tobin (David) Merker, grandchildren Duncan John Brown, Abbey Merker, Alison Merker (Alex) Francis, and Jenny Merker (Colby) King all of Columbus, along with great-grandchildren Eli, Ella, Cooper, and Mila, all of whom are deeply grateful for the love and care provided by Persina Parbhoo and Christine Shaner.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, August 7, 2021 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd. Columbus, OH 43221. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a special memory or to sign her online guest book.