Marilyn Voran

1930 - 2022

Marilyn Helmuth Voran, 91, of Goshen, died peacefully on April 17, 2022, in her home with the loving presence of her sister and dear friends.

She was born Dec. 3, 1930, to Naomi (Oesch) and Atlee Helmuth at Aurora, Ohio.

Marilyn graduated from Aurora High School in 1948 and Goshen College in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics Education. After graduation she taught at Aurora (Ohio) High School. On Aug. 19, 1956, she married Melvin Voran, whom she met during a summer voluntary service assignment in Gulfport, Mississippi. They settled in Goshen, Indiana, where Melvin was attending college. There she taught at Bethany Christian High School for three years. After that she enjoyed being a "stay at home mom" with their three children. Later, Marilyn worked with the Mennonite Central Committee Goshen office writing and teaching about world hunger issues. She also served with the Archives of the Mennonite Church.

Marilyn had a deep appreciation for nature, and especially enjoyed bird watching and family travel to National Parks and other scenic places. She also loved to create beauty – through the visual arts, soul-nurturing indoor and outdoor spaces, and the written word. She was always sustained by her spirituality and faith. These values she generously shared with her family and friends. Many persons hold vivid and fond memories of Marilyn's presence in their lives through her teaching, worship planning, spiritual direction, writing, hospitality, cooking, intellect and wit.

Marilyn is survived by her two daughters, Miriam (Andrew Faunce) Voran of West Lebanon, New Hampshire, and Laurel (Dave Diller) Voran, Empire, Michigan; her son, Stephen (Gwen Grasse) Voran, Boulder, Colorado; her sister, Kathleen (John Hanson) Hartzler, Minneapolis, Minnesota; brothers, Harlan Helmuth, Aurora, Ohio, and Keith (Ellen Slabaugh) Helmuth, Debec, New Brunswick, Canada; and granddaughter Elleanna Voran, Boulder, Colorado. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin.

A celebration of Marilyn's life will take place Saturday, June 18, at 10 a.m., at College Mennonite Church, where Marilyn was a member.

Memorial gifts can be made to Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Mennonite Central Committee, or College Mennonite Church.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.