Beverly Jane Tobias passed away at the age of 84 on October 25, 2012, after suffering a catastrophic stroke. She was the beloved wife of Quentin and treasured mother and grandmother of 10 children, 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was born October 16, 1928, in Atascadero, CA to Grace and Rowland Winter. In 1935, Beverly’s family moved to Hollister, CA where they operated a dairy farm on Lovers Lane.
Beverly loved recounting stories from her happy childhood. She attended high school in Gilroy and attended junior college in Hollister prior to attending Whitworth College in Spokane, WA. She majored in voice and performed for special events with a Women’s Trio. She made many lasting friendships at Whitworth and her gift of song was joyously shared with many throughout her life.
While working at the Pennywise Drug Store in Hollister, she was swept off her feet by visiting pharmacist, Quentin Tobias. Six months later they were sailing on the S.S. Lurline to Hawaii for their honeymoon. They settled in Southern California near Quentin’s family.
Quentin continued his work in real estate and citrus farming as they started their family.
After 15 years, the family moved to San Benito County to pursue their shared dream of operating a cattle ranch and to live closer to Beverly’s family. They established their home on the ranch outside of Tres Pinos. Over the next 45 years they expanded ranch operations throughout San Benito and Siskiyou Counties.
Beverly never retired as she was actively involved in the daily decisions and management of the family’s ranch operations. Beverly was involved in many community activities. Among them, she served as a Trustee of the San Benito High School Board for three terms and on the Farm Services Ag Committee for nine years. She was a long time member of the San Benito County CattleWomen’s Association where she was instrumental in its continuing success, serving twice as President, and was recognized as Cattle Woman of the Year.
She was a proud member of the Republican Women and PEO. Both Beverly and Quentin were longtime supporters and members of the Farm Bureau. Beverly was a spiritual woman whose membership and friendships in the Hollister Presbyterian Church were a source of joy, comfort, and strength throughout her life.
Beverly greatly enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening but it was far more than the great meal, the freshness of just-picked vegetables, or the beauty of her flowers that made time spent together so special. It was her warm sense of humor, infectious laugh and love of hearing and telling stories that made all look forward to the next visit. Beverly’s love knew no bounds; her life blessed many.
Beverly is survived by nine children, 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren: Kathyrn Tobias and grandson Emmon of Sacramento; son-in-law Eric Hammer (Pat) of Stockton and granddaughter Elizabeth of Minneapolis; Harry Tobias (Kerry) of Hollister and granddaughter Aimee (Spencer) and great-granddaughters Eva and Avery; John Tobias (Marian) and grandchildren Jennifer, Michael, and Mark of Hollister; Gini Muradian (Paul) and granddaughters Anya, Natalie, and Rachel of Kingsburg; Marti Tobias (Carla) of Hollister; Charles Tobias (Lisa) and granddaughters Grace and Anne of Tres Pinos; Tom Tobias (Dara) and grandsons Brian, Russell, and Andrew of Tres Pinos; James Tobias of Los Angeles; and Margaret Tobias of San Francisco. She is also survived by her siblings Muriel Brem (Glen) of Gilroy, Robert Winter (Hazel) of Sonora, and Ruthmary Weinger (Ivan) of New York as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Quentin Tobias in 1994, her cherished daughter Nancy Tobias Hammer in 2000 and her parents Grace and Rowland Winter.
Visitation services will be held Monday, October 29, 2012, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., at Black-Cooper-Sander Funeral Home at 363 7th Street in Hollister. Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 3, 2012, at 11:00 A.M., at the Hollister Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow (2066 San Benito Street, Hollister).
To honor Beverly’s love of faith, education, and agriculture, donations in her name may be made to the Presbyterian Church (please note “music fund”) and the Tobias Collegiate Scholarship (payable to the San Benito High Scholarship (please note “Tobias Collegiate Scholarship”).The family would like to thank the Regional Medical Center of San Jose for their extraordinary care and kindness during this difficult time.
For condolences: www.blackcoopersander.com
