Marilyn Kay Taylor Vollmer Sultan, 70, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. Born on May 22, 1954, in Galesburg, Illinois, Marilyn was the beloved youngest daughter of Clarence “Dub” and Maxine Taylor. She lived a life filled with smiles, resilience, and an unwavering devotion to those she held close. Marilyn’s heart belonged to her family—her greatest joy—and she poured her boundless love into every moment spent with them.
She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 31 years, William “Bill” Sultan; her cherished daughters, Tammy (Nathan) Wegman and Lexi Sultan; Bill’s son, Craig Sultan and his family; and her adored grandchildren, Jacob, Mariah, and Xavier Pisockyj. Marilyn’s love also lives on in her sister Pat (John) White, brother Jerry (Ann) Taylor, and the countless lives she touched with her warmth and kindness.
She now joins in eternal peace her beloved parents, her sons Timothy Charles Vollmer and Joshua Alexander Sultan, and her dear brother Danny Taylor—reunited in heaven, held in God’s embrace.
Marilyn spent her childhood in Galesburg, Illinois. Her next chapter led her to Northern California, where she raised her oldest children, Tim and Tammy, as a devoted and hardworking single mother. In 1993, she moved to Indiana and married the love of her life, Bill Sultan. Their marriage was blessed with the arrival of their son, Joshua Alexander Sultan—a beautiful baby boy whose life, though heartbreakingly brief, changed theirs forever.
Joshua was with them for just 16 months, but his presence left an indelible mark on Marilyn’s heart. She carried his memory with her every day, holding close the joy and love he brought into their family. 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—all while filling their home with laughter and unwavering love.
Marilyn was also instrumental in raising her grandchildren, offering her constant presence, gentle guidance, and bottomless generosity. Celebrations—whether for holidays, birthdays, or simple, everyday joys—were always marked with Grammy’s fresh-baked cookies. And 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.
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 continue to 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 involvement in Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) retreats helped nourish her own spirit and connect her with a cherished community of faith-filled friends.
Burial will take place in Galesburg at 11 a.m. July 5, at East Linwood Cemetery with a Celebration of Life following at Lake Storey Pavilion. Please join us..
