Toby Mary Lou (Tobias) Tobias-Hunter

Missoula - Toby Mary Lou Tobias Hunter passed unexpectedly on June 23, 2022 in Missoula, Montana. Born in Hoven, South Dakota September 1, 1937 to Anthony and Mary (DeRouchey) Tobias, she was baptized Maria Louisa (Mary Lou). Toby spent her early years in Hot Springs, South Dakota before her family moved to Denver, Colorado where she graduated high school. She received a teaching degree from Northern Colorado in Greeley. Upon graduation Toby and 5 friends headed for California when they were recruited to teach high school in San Diego County. There she met and married Richard (Dick) Shields in August 1961. They had two children, Mary Helen and Jon O’Neal. Upon completing his masters in social welfare, Dick accepted a position at MSU moving his family to Bozeman, Montana. It was there that Toby recognized and enhanced her artistic abilities which would continue throughout her life. In 1971 her family relocated to Dumaguete City, Island of Negros in the Philippines. Returning to the states, Toby’s family spent two years in Helena where she worked in the state print shop during legislative sessions. She also volunteered as a docent at the Montana Historical Society, where she met a colorful group of women with whom she loved spending time. The family moved to Missoula in 1974. Shortly after which Dick and Toby divorced. She went back to school and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Art at the University of Montana. Toby spent countless hours on the golf course, ultimately deciding to pursue an occupation as an LPGA teaching golf professional in Florida. She returned to Montana in the summers working at the Polson Country Club while continuing to develop and expand her artistic interests. In 1989 Toby moved to Polson where she married George Taber. Since the Native American culture had always fascinated her, Toby took every opportunity to learn, absorb and appreciate it. As a master gardener her amazing floral creations enhanced the landscape with beauty and joy. She eventually met and married Bob Hunter and they built a home overlooking Flathead Lake where they lived happily until Bob’s death. While in Polson Toby created a wide circle of lifetime friendships through her association with the Polson Country Club, the Caregivers Group and numerous fellow Flathead Valley artists. Toby moved back to Missoula where she let no grass grow under her feet as she enjoyed a vast array of musical events, plays, Molli classes, lectures, wildlife talks and art shows. A huge sports fan, Toby delighted in watching professional and college sports of all kinds while arm chair officiating, cheering, or sneering at her tv. She treasured working on her art, spending time with family and friends and took great delight in being an avid and ruthless Scrabble player. Toby loved espresso shakes, dinners with her granddaughters, the farmers market and Saturday morning breakfasts with her daughter Helen. Hers was a life fully lived, rich with texture and color, and adventures both large and small. Toby’s spirit touched all with whom she came into contact. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Toby was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Mary (DeRouchey) Tobias, her brothers, Anthony Jr. and William Tobias, sister June Pittman, husband Bob Hunter and son Jon Shields. She is survived by her daughter Mary Helen Houlihan, granddaughters Molly and Katelyn Houlihan, Haley (Shields) Inabnit, Amelia Shields, grandsons Dustin and Alex Talbert, sister Gladys Rea, brothers Richard, James and Edward Tobias, along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. A celebration of Toby’s life will be planned. Contact the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, you may honor Toby through donations to the Missoula Food Bank or Montana PBS.

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