Phyllis Ethel (Rayner) Tobits

Phyllis Ethel (Rayner) Tobits, age 100, wife of the late James E. Tobits, passed away on October 19, 2024, at Mansfield Center for Nursing.  Born in Halstead Essex England, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Ethel (Root) Raynor.

Phyllis lived in Middletown since 1956 and was a member of the Church of Holy Trinity where she volunteered at the English Tea Garden and weekly needlework group in the seventies and eighties.  She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary and of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Phyllis managed the Loft Candy Store on Main Street in Middletown then worked on the Pediatric Unit of Middlesex Memorial Hospital as Unit Secretary.  Several co-workers from the hospital became lifelong friends.

Phyllis is survived by her son Paul E. Tobits of North Adams, MA; her daughter Mary Grenier of Rockville, MD; five grandchildren Christopher Crellin, Jennifer Tobits, Rachel Tobits, Katerina Tobits and Alexander Tobits and two great grandchildren.

Along with her husband and parents, Phyllis was predeceased by her son John J. Tobits and three brothers Frank Rayner, Geoffrey Rayner and Ronald Rayner.

Funeral services will be held on November 5th at 11:30 am at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown.  A burial will follow in the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.  Family and friends may call before the service for 10:30 to 11:30 am. To share memories or send condolence to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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