Mrs. Belvadean Catherine Poling Strimple, 95, of Versailles, Indiana, entered peacefully into the arms of her Savior surrounded by the love of the family she cherished so deeply on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 10:05 a.m. at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood, Indiana. Born on February 12, 1931, in Switzerland County, Belvadean was the beloved daughter of Ray and Darlene Hayes Poling and lived a life rooted in faith, service, devotion, and unconditional love.On June 24, 1950, she married the love of her life, Willard Faye “Mutt” Strimple. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, hard work, and community. Their marriage was one of unwavering devotion and partnership until Mutt preceded her in death on February 16, 2003. Though separated on earth for many years, there is comfort in knowing their reunion in Heaven was surely a joyful one.For 68 years, Belvadean was a faithful and devoted member of Versailles Baptist Church. Her church was not simply a place she attended — it was part of who she was. She loved her church family deeply and lived out her faith daily through kindness, humility, generosity, and servant-hearted love. Whether through a warm meal, a thoughtful word, or a quiet prayer, Belvadean reflected Christ’s love in countless ways. Her steadfast faith was the foundation of her life, and she leaves behind a legacy of grace and Christian devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew her.Belvadean was a charter member of the Do-A-Lot Home Ec Club and took great pride in serving her community. She worked for 26 years at Versailles High School, retiring in 1986, where she lovingly served students and staff through her incredible gift of cooking and caring for others. To many, her meals brought comfort, familiarity, and love. She also operated the Versailles State Park Beach House for eight years before the installation of the pool, creating cherished memories for generations of families.She possessed a deep love and respect for her country and took her responsibilities as a United States citizen seriously. Belvadean faithfully served on the election board for 50 years, believing wholeheartedly in the importance of civic duty and preserving the freedoms she treasured.Belvadean found joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments. She loved cooking for those she loved, traveling to new places, playing cards with family and friends, creating beautiful needlepoint pieces, and tending to flowers that bloomed as beautifully as the life she cultivated around her.Yet above all else, her greatest love and proudest accomplishment was her family.She and Mutt were blessed with one daughter, Cathy, whom they loved dearly. Cathy married Grover Miller, and together they gave Belvadean what she often considered one of life’s greatest gifts — her grandson, Bryan. The joy in her life only grew when Bryan married Ashlee Lauber, and together they blessed her with three precious great-grandchildren: Keeton, Khloe, and Knox Miller. Nothing brought “Mamaw Bel” greater happiness than the moments spent loving, spoiling, encouraging, and praying for her family. Her love for them was endless, unwavering, and deeply felt in every hug, every meal, every bingo game, and every conversation.
A LOVING FAMILY
Belvadean is survived by her loving daughter, Cathy Miller, and husband, Grover; grandson, Bryan Miller, and wife, Ashlee; great-grandchildren, Keeton, Khloe, and Knox Miller; brothers, David Poling and Carroll Poling, and wife, Elaine; sister, Genevieve Grills; and sister-in-law, Anne Poling, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and dear friends who were blessed by her life.In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, George Poling; sister-in-law, Janet Poling; sister, Joanne Jones; brother-in-law, Grover Jones; sister-in-law, Diana Poling; and brother-in-law, Walter Grills.Belvadean’s life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, and service. She leaves behind not only treasured memories, but also an example of what it means to love God wholeheartedly, love family fiercely, and serve others selflessly. Though her family’s hearts ache in her absence, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life and find peace knowing she has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”Her legacy will live on in every family gathering, every blooming flower, every shared meal, every act of kindness, and every prayer whispered by those who loved her most.
FUNERAL CEREMONY
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., by Pastor Mike Cantrell at the Versailles Baptist Church, 228 South Washington Street in Versailles, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles, Indiana.
VISITATION
Friends may visit Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Versailles Baptist Church, 228 South Washington Street in Versailles, Indiana.
MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cliff Hill Cemetery or the Versailles Baptist Church Building Fund. Cards are available at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover or at the church. Online condolences, remembrances, and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com