Columbus
Ariel Michelle Roberts, 18, of Columbus, Indiana, entered the Kingdom of Heaven and into the arms of her Heavenly Father on January 20, 2023, with her family at her side. Ariel had fought a faithful, courageous and brave battle against Glioblastoma for over a year with a constant smile and a light like no other.
Ariel was born in Columbus, Indiana, December 4, 2004, to her parents Todd and Carrie Roberts. Ariel is survived by her parents; best friend and sister, Coral Roberts; grandparents, Tommy and Linda Robinson and Mike and Cindy Weddle all of Columbus. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, friends, her cat Samoa and other pets that all miss and love her dearly.
Ariel was a member of Garden City Christian Church where she was active in youth group and loved the youth worship band. She attended camp at Hill Top Christian Camp with friends and cousins and enjoyed being outdoors. Ariel attended Southside Elementary School, Central Middle School and was currently a senior at Columbus North High School. Ariel’s favorite classes in high school were her Veterinary Career classes where she got to further her love for animals and spent a few weeks working at Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators, which she loved.
Ariel was also a cheerleader on the Columbus North varsity football and basketball squads and had been named one of the varsity cheer captains this year. Cheerleading had been a big part of Ariel’s 18 years as she cheered at school from 5th thru 12th grade and loved every minute of it, especially her freshman year when she got to cheer on her Bull Dogs alongside her sister at several games. She was talented and versatile in all aspects of cheerleading, but her favorite was tumbling. Ariel was an active kid and at some point, had tried almost all sports basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and diving but she started her love for tumbling at an early age by attending mommy and me classes at Jody’s Gymnastic Zone. She quickly got into competitive gymnastics but after a year decided to follow in her sister footsteps and loved the sport of cheerleading. Ariel competed with multiple teams at many different levels for 7 years.
Ariel also used her love for cheerleading to teach other young kids while working at Columbus Gymnastic Center until she was diagnosed with cancer in January of 2022. While fighting cancer Ariel continued to do all the things she loved to do including, participating in youth group and many events, going to school, cheering on her Bull Dogs and attending tumbling classes at Victory Gymnastics until November of this past year.
Ariel was a precious gift from God. Her incredible strength and courage to battle Glioblastoma, her love of family and friends, and her constant faith in God and His plan have been inspirational to all who knew and loved her. She was one of a kind, and to know her was to love her. She had spunk and a smile that could light up any room. She was an animal lover and was always wanting a new pet or trying to save or care for animals she would find in need. Ariel was outgoing, funny and always keeping us on our toes. She was caring and loving all while being tough and strong. She was brave and fearless, but more importantly than all those things she was faithful, and we know she is healed and whole in heaven.
Ariel was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Dr. Ronald Roberts and Joseph Lucas; other extended family members; and two of her favorite pets, Sandy (her rabbit) and Millie (her cat).
The funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Columbus North High School Gymnasium; Brian Gilroy will officiate. Family and friends may gather for a time of visitation from 2:30 p.m. until service time Saturday at the gymnasium. Please enter Columbus North High School through door 40, just south of the football field.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators or The Cure Starts Now.
Arrangements were entrusted to Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home. Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Roberts family at barkesweaverglick.com.
