Marilyn Kay Spilker, passed away on January 11, 2018 at the age of 76 and was a resident of Carmel, Indiana since 1976.
Born in 1941, the younger daughter of Samuel and Phyllis Winings, she grew up on the east side of Indianapolis.
As a youth she came to know the Lord after seeing the movie, The Robe, and began a life-long journey of faith in Christ which led her to her husband, a match made in heaven, and 57 years of a married life filled with joy and happiness.
In high school she loved singing in the choir, joined the Decem club of gals she kept in contact with all her life, and graduated Salutatorian in 1959 from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis.
In 1959, she began working at the Research & Review Company in Indianapolis until her children came along. When her children were in high school she took various college level courses, became a Profession Secretary, and began working part-time and later in several full-time positions at GTE north of Westfield, Sally May in Fishers and Ron Blue & Company in Indianapolis from which she retired in 2012, after 5 years of service. She really enjoyed working at Ron Blue as a Client Services Associate serving customers who were seeking financial counseling and advice from a Christian perspective. She also served as Vice President and Secretary of her husband’s company, LEAD Associates, Inc. from 1992 to 2012.
In 1960, Marilyn married her high school sweetheart, John W Spilker, and to them were born two children, Lori and Larry, who grew up in the Devington Area of Indianapolis, and later in Carmel, and now have families of their own.
They so much enjoyed many family vacations, including a 300-mile biking vacation in Central Indiana, and doing things together in serving as youth leaders at Devington Baptist Church, officers of the Do-Si-Squares dance club, and lay leaders at College Park Church in helping launch a small group and military support ministry, and hosting and leading small groups in their home.
She also enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing, flower arranging, and staying connected with family and friends.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her sister Kathryn and brother-in-law Robert Moor and their families, and her life-long sweetheart and husband John and their greatest joys, their son Larry and daughter Loretta and grandchildren Ashten, Riley, Aubree and Christina.
Funeral arrangements are through Indiana Funeral Care at IndianaFuneralCare.com. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. at College Park Church at 2606 W 96th Street in Indianapolis, on January 15, 2018, Pastor Don Bartemus will be conducting the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to College Park Church.
Marilyn will be buried at the New Palestine Cemetery, on January 16, 2018.
Jayne Ruble says
Dearest John, I did not see your text until last evening. How we do thank you for your thoughtfulness. Our hearts are broken for you but we are so grateful you know the One who can heal hearts that sorrow. It is a day we know is coming in marriage but we can never fully prepare. Please know we care more than words can express & we are keeping you & your family close in prayer. We will be there on Monday to honor your beloved. You have lived your marriage vows. You were a loving, caring & sacrificial husband. I am thankful you were here to see her Home. The Lord will have your bride waiting for you. We love you.
Robert and Marty DeBruin says
John, you and your loved ones are in our prayers.
Wanda Berger says
Your dear Marilyn. I am so sorry! Your marriage, faithful friendship together, and beautiful ministry have reached many souls. We have desired to know the love of the Lord Jesus which sealed your union with glory. Your example strengthened my faith and helped stabilize my marriage.
Marilyn’s friendship was offered and treasured. I regret that I did not spend more one-on-one time with her.
God bless and keep you. If I could, I would be with you. I am with you in my heart.
From Florida, sharing your tears and your joy.
Kathryn Moor says
John,
My heart is breaking with you. I just lost my sister and best friend. We know she is in heaven now with her Lord and Savior and is rejoicing. Our sorrow is for ourselves but that does not stop our tears from flowing. We are here for you, our brother, that we love very much. There is no way that we can thank you enough for your loving care for Marilyn after her stroke 3 years ago and again after her second stroke in December. You always stood by her during your 57 years of marriage loving her with all your heart and protecting her. We will stand by you now and continue praying for your health needs and for peace and comfort that only God can provide.
Bob & Kathryn
Charlotte Miedema says
John,
So sorry on you losing Marilyn, a special wonderful cousin! She is happy, healthy and enjoying Heaven!
Such happy memories spending time, especially in summer with Kathryn and Marilyn at their home. Sam and Phyllis had things planned for each day! We enjoyed being together! So thankful we will spend eternity together in Heaven!
Love all of my family so much! Many blessings on each one!
John, you remain in my daily prayers for comfort that only the Lord can provide! HE will never leave you! I know from experience how faithful HE is!
Love in Christ,
Charlotte
Mike Beville says
I pray for comfort and strength for you and your family knowing that you share the hope of an eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Jeanne says
My cousin, my friend I will miss you terribly, but am so happy you aren’t in pain anymore! Love You,
Jeanne
Jeanne Kidwell says
My cousin, my friend I will miss you terribly, but am so happy you aren’t in pain anymore! Love You,
Jeanne
Larry Rudy says
So sorry for your loss. Marilyn’s faith certainly sustained her during her entire life…and surly enveloped her family and friends. Sending condolences and continued Blessings to John and family.
Christal G Cook says
John and family. As family we share your heartache and grief. However as children of the King we share your anticipation at the recognition this separation is only for a little while. One day there will be a great reunion and all will be reunited with the one who gave His life so we can have eternal life. May you feel God’s strength and comfort as you face this valley. “Comfort one another with these words. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go I will come again for you. In my Father’s house are many mansions….”
Lovingly your cousin Christal.
Charlene LaWall says
Dearest John, Jeanne et all….Carl and I will not be coming to the viewing today, the weather is just not good for us to be out in….we will be with you in thought and prayer….our hearts embrace all of you, and my dear DECEM sister!!! Love, Carl and Charlene LaWall
John Miley says
John, on behalf of Ronald Blue, I want to pass on our immense appreciation for you and Marilyn and acknowledge her many contributions to our office during her 5 years with us. She was a diligent worker and a great teammate, and we were better off as a result of her presence. You were blessed with a very special wife and she is missed by all of us. We pray for God’s grace for you during this challenging time of loss, yet fulfillment of the hope of eternal life.
With His love,
John Miley
Barbara (Porter) Henderson says
John, I just read an email that Diane Ross sent to me about Marilyn. Please accept my condolences. Through a couple of emails I’ve received in the past, I could tell that you and Marilyn have been powerful workers and witnesses for the Lord. Even back in high school you were both special people. She left a good testimony.