Cynthia Cline Roberts

Cynthia Cline Roberts passed away quietly in the early hours of October 30th, 2021. She will be remembered as a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and as an active person who enjoyed participating in and following sports, especially golf. A mother of four, family life was her primary vocation. Cynthia encouraged her children to pursue their interests and talents and supported them in a busy schedule including a variety of sports activities, art classes, church activities, music lessons and clubs.

Cynthia Jane Cline was born to Glennie (nee: Vandivier) and Yandell Cooperider Cline on September 22, 1931, in Huntington, Indiana. Her childhood was spent in Columbus, Indiana, and her love of summer camp, swimming and the outdoors remained an influence throughout her life. Going to college a year ahead of her peers, she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and graduated from DePauw University in 1952 after meeting her future husband. Cynthia taught at a grade school in upstate New York for a year during her engagement, then married William E. Roberts in 1953. They settled in Indianapolis. Her marriage to Bill was a great success, as they were deeply in love and complemented one another well during their lives together. Cynthia got everyone to the airport with extra time to spare, while Bill preferred to arrive at the gate just as the door was closing. This contrast was always a source of affectionate amusement for the rest of the family.

An enthusiast with many interests, Cynthia continued teaching and learning as a volunteer in multiple organizations. She was a member of Stansfield Circle, the Indianapolis Day Nursery Auxiliary, and the Junior League of Indianapolis. She also volunteered at the Fletcher Place Community Center and the Indianapolis Speech and Hearing Center. Her faith was strong, and found a longtime home at Second Presbyterian Church, where she was a member for 60 years. Cynthia and Bill were strong supporters of the arts, particularly the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, where she was a docent for many years. Cynthia was also a member of the first docent group at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. She was also a member of the Meridian Hills Country Club for over 50 years, constantly improving her golf game and getting some of the best scores of her life in her later years of playing.

Cynthia and Bill enjoyed traveling, both short local trips and long global excursions, including multiple journeys to Europe. Real adventure happened during travel to China, Israel and Australia. Cynthia flew with Bill in his various airplanes, calmly doing the crossword as they bounced through the occasional rough sky. She was confident in his abilities, and illustrating her practical nature also took some flying instruction in case she needed to land herself. Closer to home, the family enjoyed summer stays in Michigan, at Bayview and Walloon Lake, where Cynthia’s ability to waterski right off the dock without getting wet was a true testament to her athletic ability.

Joining Bill in heaven, Cynthia’s survivors include daughter Catherine Roberts-Martin and her husband Peter Martin; daughter Lara Roberts, her husband Ken Carlson and children Caroline and Noah; daughter Nancy Weinreich, her husband David, and children Sabrina and Hunter; and son David H. Roberts, his wife Elizabeth, and children William, George and Carlin. She also leaves behind her friend and niece Melissa Martin. The family thanks the staff of The Barrington of Carmel, Clarity Care Givers and Scout Advocacy for all they did to make Cynthia’s last years more comfortable. They would also like to thank Joan Malick for her devotion and pastoral care.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30pm, Wednesday, November 10th at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 North Meridian Street. A reception will follow immediately after. Some of the family will be wearing masks, and they gently request that guests observe basic COVID-19 social distancing protocols. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46260.