Roberta Lynn Kline

1945 - 2024

Roberta Lynn Kline

January 12, 1945 - February 1, 2024

Modesto, California - Roberta Lynn (Bobbie) Wood Kline was born January 12th, 1945, in Oakland, California, to Walter and Edna Wood. She passed away in Modesto, California, on February 1st, 2024, at the age of 79.

Her childhood experiences inspired Bobbie's lifelong love of travel. Some of her favorite places to go with her parents and cousins were Cazadero in Sonoma County and Yosemite National Park. As an adult, her adventures included epic beach camping trips to Mexico as well as trips to Indonesia, Italy, Chile, Portugal, Spain, and Finland.

Bobbie was an avid snow skier. She met her husband Mike on the slopes of Dodge Ridge in 1970, where both were ski instructors. They raised their family in Modesto, but shared their love of the mountains–and of skiing–with their children, Jill and Brian. Bobbie loved to spend weekends and holidays at their Pinecrest cabin, making the most of every beautiful season. When at home, she loved gardening, reading, going to her book club, preparing amazing meals for family and friends, and walking their beloved dog, Lola.

Bobbie attended Alameda High School and graduated from CSU San Jose. While at San Jose State, she became a member of Alpha Phi sorority. She went on to earn her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College.

She had a lasting impact on countless children and students during her professional career. Bobbie was Teacher Director of Modesto Parent Participation Preschool, and a Child Development instructor at Modesto Junior College. She also served as Director of the MJC Child Development Lab. She was well-loved and respected by her students and colleagues alike.

Family and friends were of utmost importance to Bobbie. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mom, and grandmother. Rather than giving unwanted advice, Bobbie was more apt to keep asking questions until the best path revealed itself. She was an optimist, and her response to minor catastrophes was often uncontrollable laughter. She had a stubborn streak that served her well against life's inevitable challenges, and behind her outgoing, sunny personality, Bobbie maintained a private strength that only dear friends and family would see.

In addition to her professional and family life, Bobbie was passionate about her volunteer service with Friends of Hospice, raising funds for Modesto's Community Hospice Foundation. She joined in 2004 and served for twenty years.

Bobbie is survived by her husband, Mike Kline, son Brian Kline, daughter-in-law Tracey Kline, son-in-law Byron Lear, and grandchildren Sarah Sawyer, Sophia Kline, and Evan Lear. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jill Lear.

Donations in Bobbie's memory may be made to:

Community Hospice Foundation https://give.hospiceheart.org

The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research www.lustgarten.org

A tribute to Bobbie's life is planned for later this year.