Beverly Jean Strickler

Beverly Jean Strickler, age 89 of South Bend, passed away on June 16, 2026 with her children by her side. Bev was born January 28, 1937 in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Langford and Marjorie (Reese) Canell. She was a graduate of Concord High School and later married David G. Strickler on September 1, 1956. Bev and David celebrated over 26 years of marriage before his passing in 1982. After David’s death, Bev turned her focus toward raising her family, a role she carried with strength, love and dedication.

She is survived by her children, Marla Sharp and her husband Rick, and Kevin Strickler and his fiancé Marguerite Samonie, along with her daughter-in-law, Carrie Strickler-Miller. Bev is also survived by her grandchildren, Brandon Sharp and his wife Chimmy, Andrew Sharp and his wife Charity, Marla Strickler, and Kristina Cline and her husband Kyle, along with six great-grandchildren, Angelica Heflin and her husband Quentin, Eleanor Sharp, Zander Dythirath, McKayla McMeekan and her husband Thomas, Cole Kaercher and Cali Sharp. Surviving as well are her great-great-grandchildren, Elayna Heflin, Mackenzie Heflin, Brody Scott Cline and Myah Jade Cline. Also surviving are her sisters Velda Wesolowski and her husband Larry and Michele Muir and her husband David. She was preceded in death by her son, Scott Strickler, her granddaughter, Elizabeth Sharp, and her siblings Helen Yoder, Sharon Keener, Langford “Lanny” Canell Jr. and Lawrence Charles “Chuck” Canell.

Bev was employed for many years as a seamstress with DoMore Office Furniture before her retirement in 2003. In her spare time, Bev loved playing games on her phone as well as cards and board games like Gin Rummy, Uno, Kizmet and Rummy with her family. She enjoyed watching National Geographic programs and especially cherished time spent with her great-granddaughter, Eleanor, playing games and “playing school.” All of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren affectionately knew her as “GiGi.” Bev was an excellent cook who loved baking for her family. She enjoyed time with friends at her monthly retiree dinners, watching the birds at her feeder, and was known for her outgoing personality, quick wit and the way she always put her family first.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the 2pm funeral service on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home in Mishawaka. A private burial will follow in Sugar Grove Cemetery where Bev will be laid to rest beside her husband David.

In her memory, donations may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Bev’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.