Ms. Vicki Annette Poling, 65, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 7:30 pm at the Brickyard Rehabilitation Center, following an extended illness. Born in Elkhart on December 21, 1958, to the late Byrl Gene and Mary Ellen (Christophel) Poling, Vicki's life was filled with love, dedication, and creativity.

Vicki is survived by her mother, Mary Ellen Poling Bechtel of Goshen, as well as her brother, Ricki R. "Rick" (Rachel) Poling of New Palestine, Indiana, and sisters, Carla K. Poling Cottey of Elkhart, Sherry J. (Donald) Poling Wolfinger of Cromwell, Indiana, Teresa R. Poling Krise of Elkhart, and Tammie R. (Roger) Poling Duffy of Bristol. Her legacy also includes her cherished nieces and nephews: Amy (Jeff) McMasters of Nappanee, Michael (Joni) Cottey of Elkhart, Josh Cottey of Elkhart, Twilight (Miguel "Mike") Cadena of Tampa, Florida, Eric (Christine) Wolfinger of Winchester, California, Nicole Krise of Elkhart, Steven Duffy of Bristol, and Sephanie Oakes of Morris Chapel, TN. Additionally, Vicki's memory lives on through a loving host of grand-nieces, grand-nephews, extended family, and a lifetime of dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A celebration of Vicki's life will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart, with visitation beginning there at 11:00 am. Pastor Jeremy Sarber will officiate, and Vicki will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola.

Vicki was a proud graduate of Jimtown High School, where she shined academically, finishing highly in her class. Her work ethic led her to a long career at Elkhart's Sears Appliance and Department Store in Pierre Moran Mall, where she became a familiar face to many customers and colleagues alike. Following her retirement, Vicki devoted herself to caring for her mother, reflecting her selfless nature and her steadfast commitment to family. Her greatest joy came from helping others and being there when needed most—a quality that endeared her to many.

Beyond her kind spirit, Vicki had a creative soul. She loved listening to a diverse range of music, drawing, working on intricate puzzles, and especially mastering the art of cross-stitching. Her talents were remarkable—she created stunning stitched portraits, inspired by her favorite people and places, blending artistic vision with meticulous craftsmanship. Vicki's storytelling talents extended to writing as well. She had a knack for crafting captivating tales and had finished a romance story set in the faraway landscapes of Australia, with a sequel underway at the time of her passing. Her writing was an art she kept mostly private, a hidden treasure that reflected the quiet depths of her imagination.

Vicki's gentle presence, creative spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends will be deeply missed. Her life was a tapestry woven with love, kindness, and countless acts of quiet generosity, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.