Violet "Marilyn" Taylor

Violet 'Marilyn' (Holloway) Taylor, 88, passed into eternity at 12:40 p.m. Sunday at home in Villa Ridge, MO. Marilyn was born in her family farmhouse outside of Van Buren, IN, on August 14, 1936. A member of the Van Buren High School class of 1954, she went on to Taylor University in Upland, IN, graduating Cum Laude in 1958 with a major in Elementary Education. She married the love of her life, Charles 'Rex' Taylor, on June 14, 1957, in Farrville, IN, celebrating 50 years of matrimony prior to his passing on January 23, 2008. She faithfully took care of her husband during his long stint with Parkinson's.

A lifelong educator, Marilyn's CV includes stints as an elementary teacher in Van Buren, IN, Juneau, AK, Lynnfield, MA, and Marion, IN. When not teaching in a formal school setting, she was often tutoring students, teaching piano from home, and mentoring in Christian women's fellowship circles. A dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, Marilyn nevertheless found the time and energy to pursue ministry opportunities wherever the family moved to next, usually serving as the church pianist. She was often eagerly involved in children's ministries, such as the Good News Club for neighborhood kids in Alaska.

In her later years, she and Rex moved from their home in Marion to Spanish Fort, AL, to be near her eldest son, Scott, and his family. She then relocated with them to Las Vegas, NV, for several years before moving a final time to Villa Ridge, MO, where she lived out her remaining years with her son, Mark, and his family. Marilyn loved her God and Savior Jesus Christ, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her many relatives and friends. Some of her earthly joys included reading the Bible, praying for and encouraging her many friends, reminiscing on her years in Alaska, playing the piano, and spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Survivors include her sons, Scott (Michelle) Taylor, Birmingham, AL, Mark (Ruth) Taylor, Villa Ridge, MO; seven grandchildren, Matthew (Julianna), Daniel (Morgan), Scott Jr., Rachel, CJ, Tommy, and Benjamin along with 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Holloway, and mother, Pauline (Farr) Holloway, her brother, Robert Holloway and his wife Norma, along with her husband, Charles Rex Taylor.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 23, from 4-6 pm at Farrville Church, Marion, and service held on Monday, February 24 at 11 am at Farrville Church with Pastor Al Soultz officiating. Graveside and burial to follow at Gardens of Memory, Marion. Memorials may be made to Compassion International (www.compassion.com).

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness.'" Matthew 25:23 (NIV)

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ferguson & Glancy Funeral Home in Van Buren, Indiana.