Roberta Jean Exline's Obituary
Roberta Jean Exline, age 84 of Mystic, Iowa, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Oakwood Nursing and Rehab Center in Albia, Iowa.
She was born on June 24, 1932 in Centerville, Iowa, the daughter of Basil Franklin and Gurneth Ida (Speak) Tade. Roberta was united in marriage to Dan Exline in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 11, 1952. To their union of marriage, the couple were blessed with four children, Lisa, Julie, Regina, and Lana.
Upon her completion of schooling, Roberta began a career in the field of education as a school teacher. She first taught music, as well as other academic disciplines, in the public school system. Roberta eventually made a transition to the private sector of education when she established The Learning Tree Preschool in Centerville. She owned and operated the preschool for nearly thirty years.
It should be noted that Roberta possessed a passion for performance, and teaching others throughout her lifetime, even before she received a formal teaching education. In fact, in her early teen years, she began teaching music lessons. Roberta was driven to teach others both vocal and piano lessons for many decades.
Roberta also enjoyed playing in the well-established music band, 'The Exline Family.' With its inception in the early 1970s, The Exline Family band has played many genres of music for many years, including folk, bluegrass, country, and contemporary Christian.
She also enjoyed many family and church activities. A devout member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Centerville, Roberta enjoyed playing keyboard for the church, serving on various commissions, and participating in studies and prayer groups.
Roberta is survived by her four children, Lisa Wallace of Osceola, Iowa; Julie (Jim) Garrels of Bloomfield, Iowa; Regina Gooden of Centerville, Iowa, and Lana (Richard) Exline-Byrd of Nevada, Iowa; twelve grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; one niece; one nephew; and several cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dan Exline; a sister, Arlene Bradley; a son-in-law, Charlie Wallace; and her in-laws.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, March 20, 2017 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Centerville with Pastor Cindy Finn officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery in Centerville. A visitation will take place on Monday, March 20, 2017 at Faith United Methodist Church, with the family greeting friends from 9-11 AM. Memorials have been established to the Faith United Methodist Church of Centerville and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.
Visitation
2017-03-20 09:00:00
11:00:00
Faith United Methodist Church
2385 Hwy 5 South
Centerville
IA
52544
Funeral Service
2017-03-20 09:00:00
Faith United Methodist Church
2385 Hwy 5 South
Centerville
IA
52544
What’s your fondest memory of Roberta?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roberta?
Share a story where Roberta's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roberta you’ll never forget.
How did Roberta make you smile?

