Marilyn Louise Olinger

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marilyn Louise Olinger (née McMahan) on December 2, 2017. She was born January 16, 1924, the first of four daughters of Gladys and Charles McMahan and step-daughter of Carl “Bones” Willey. She was a true daughter of Indiana being a fourth generation Indianan. She grew up in Seymour in Jackson County and spent her adult life in Indianapolis. She married Max William Olinger, the love of her life, in 1951 who was also from Seymour. He unfortunately preceded her in death in 1997. Her two sisters Peg Williams and Joyce Sherperd also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her three children William Joseph Olinger (Scott Taylor), Mary Jane Olinger (Jonathan Grober) and Jeff Olinger (Penny Skaggs). Her sister Shirley and a nephew and nieces.

She worked for many years at Olinger Distributing Company which was a family business started by her husband Max’s uncle. She worked there until the age of 88, retiring in 2012. In these latter years, she worked as a receptionist and greeter for all those who walked through the front door. She was the last and most beloved family member to work there.

She had many joys in her life including gardening and beautiful flowers, reading, watching old movies, shopping the sales racks at Aryes, decorating her house for all the holidays but, especially Christmas, going to Colts’ games, always looking her best (if even just going to the store around the corner), traveling with her children across the US and abroad, and of course most of all her family.

A memorial service will be held in early Spring. Please contact the family at [email protected] to receive further information.

Donations in Marilyn’s name can be made to Southside Animal Shelter, 1614 W Edgewood Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46217.  Phone: 317-781-0755. Website: ssasi.org. Email: [email protected].

She and Max were the quintessential members of the greatest generation and she will be greatly missed by family and friends.