Marilyn Kay Sultan

May 22, 1954 – May 18, 2025

Marilyn Kay Taylor Vollmer Sultan, 70, Carmel, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025.

Born May 22, 1954, in Galesburg, Ill., Marilyn was the youngest daughter of Clarence “Dub” and Maxine Taylor. Her life was defined by her deep devotion to family, resilient spirit, and faith.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 31 years, William “Bill” Sultan; her daughters, Tammy (Nathan) Wegman and Lexi Sultan; Bill’s son, Craig Sultan and his family; and grandchildren Jacob, Mariah, and Xavier Pisockyj. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister Pat (John) White, brother Jerry (Ann) Taylor, and countless friends.

She now enters heaven to be reunited with her parents, her sons Timothy Charles Vollmer and Joshua Alexander Sultan, and her brother Danny Taylor.

Marilyn grew up in Galesburg before moving to Northern California, where she raised Tim and Tammy as a devoted single mother. In 1993, she settled in Indiana and married Bill, beginning a new chapter that brought them the joy – and heartbreak – of their son Joshua, who passed away at just 16 months old. Joshua left an indelible mark on Marilyn’s heart and she carried his memory with her every day. His life deepened her compassion, strengthened her faith, and shaped the mother, wife, and woman she continued to be.

In 1998, Marilyn and Bill opened their hearts once more when they welcomed their daughter Lexi into their family through adoption – another powerful expression of Marilyn’s boundless love and nurturing spirit. Marilyn dedicated herself wholeheartedly to ensuring Lexi had every opportunity to grow, thrive, and meet life’s challenges with confidence. She worked tirelessly: coordinating care, advocating with doctors, teachers, and therapists, and building a village of support around her daughter.

Marilyn was also instrumental in raising her grandchildren, offering her constant presence, gentle guidance, and bottomless generosity. Celebrations and everyday joys were always marked with Grammy’s fresh-baked cookies. There was never a moment she was too busy to run an errand, lend a hand, or offer one of her comforting phone calls to the people she loved most.

Marilyn also played a central role in her grandchildren’s lives, sharing in every celebration, offering constant support, and ensuring they always felt cherished – often with a plate of Grammy’s homemade cookies.

Being a Mama and a Grammy was not just a role – it was Marilyn’s life’s calling. She lived to love, nurture, and show up for her family, and that love will echo in the lives of those she cared for so deeply.

Marilyn’s strong Catholic faith guided her in all things. She shared her gifts with her parish as a eucharistic minister, lector, catechist, and dedicated volunteer. Her faith helped nourish her spirit and connect her with cherished friends.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held at Prairie Waters Event Center from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 2. Visitation will take place at Saint Maria Goretti Parish at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, the rosary prayed at 10:30, followed by her funeral Mass at 11 a.m.