Robert Ray Tobey, 87, of Manistee, MI passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 17, 2021 at Green Acres of Manistee Assisted Living.

Bob was born in Manistee, son of W. Arthur and Mary Ray Tobey. Bob was married to Ruth Kuuttila for 65 wonderful years She followed him in death on April 29, 2021. He served in the US army during the Korean War for 2 years.

Bob graduated from Manistee High School in 1951 and had the honor of being Class President. He attended Michigan State University and was a proud member of the Michigan State Marching Band as a trumpet player. He especially loved attending jazz festivals with Ruth, baking, woodworking, working on the committee for Manistee Shoreline Showcase and spending time at the Suitsus family cottage.

Bob was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Manistee. He loved singing in the choir every Sunday. For 35 years he worked at Packaging Corporation of America as an Electrician retiring in 1995.

Surviving are three children Margo (Cary) Snay, Mark (Anna) Tobey and Mary Beth (Ron) Willis, his sisters Barb Ostler (Jim), Jane Synnestvedt, his grandchildren Rebecca (Tom) Martines, Natalie and Grace, Brother in-law Ken Kuuttila (Ellen) and Sister in-Law Linda Scamehorn (Jim) and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father Mary Ray and W. Arthur Tobey and sisters Mary Louise Wilson, Charlotte McDaniel, and Kathryn Tobey.

A celebration of the lives of Robert & Ruth is being held Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Manistee, Military Honors for Bob will follow. They will be buried together at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kaleva, MI. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until time of service.


Contributions will be accepted for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Manistee Shoreline Showcase.

Please share a memory or photo with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee.