Carolyn Rae Vollan, 89, passed away at Sanford Hospital on March 14, 2026. Born in Sioux Falls on October 23, 1936, to Clarence Roy and Lillie Mae Foss, Carolyn lived her entire life in the Sioux Falls area. She graduated from Washington High School in 1954.

On September 30, 1956, Carolyn married Clare Vollan at First United Methodist Church, beginning a beautiful journey of partnership that spanned over 66 years. They spent the majority of those years on the family farm, where Carolyn dedicated herself to raising their children and instilling in them the values of faith, education, and a strong work ethic. She led by example, always holding herself to the highest standards.  As her family grew, Carolyn embraced her role as a grandmother; her seven grandchildren truly became the "apples of her eye." She cherished being a significant presence in their lives, showering them with unconditional love and scrumptious baked goods.

After raising her children, Carolyn re-entered the workforce, beginning as a weekly office assistant for Clare at the Adams Dougherty Livestock Brokerage Firm. Shortly thereafter, she transitioned to First United Methodist Church, where she served as Church Administrator for 30 years.  Her commitment to the church was deeply personal; it was the sanctuary where she was raised, baptized, and married, and where her own children were later baptized and confirmed. Because of this lifelong connection, Carolyn viewed her work at the church not merely as a job, but as a true calling.  In 2003, she brought her expertise to Spirit of Peace UCC as their Business Manager. During her tenure through 2010, she played a pivotal role in guiding the congregation through their relocation to a new building in 2007. Across both congregations, Carolyn deeply valued the work she accomplished and the lifelong friendships she forged.

Service was an integral part of Carolyn's life. Her value of education inspired her to serve on the Board of Education for the West Central School District.  She was passionate about providing great educational experiences for the students in the District and was equally committed to supporting teachers. She also served in the Sioux Falls Junior Softball Association, helping to oversee a robust youth softball program in the Sioux Falls area. In addition, she was a "team mom" for her children's softball teams.  Most summer evenings, you would find her driving to games with a station wagon full of players, cheering the team, keeping score, and bringing postgame treats.  Carolyn's DNA--her quiddity, her essence--was supporting causes with her time, energy, and talent.

One of her many ways of showing love was hosting gatherings at the family farm. She thoroughly enjoyed organizing these events which were focused on food and fellowship. With a keen sense of taste, great culinary skill, and an artistic eye for presentation, Carolyn made her preparation for these occasions a true labor of love. These events provided her family and friends with many deep, long-lasting memories.

During her retirement years, Carolyn became interested in family history. She was diligent in her pursuit of lineage, hearing and viewing stories of those who came before her, and finding photographs of these ancestors to attach a face to a story. She created many files, writing stories of her family tree with the goal of creating a document that would connect the past with the present, preserving the stories to be regaled by future generations.

Those left to cherish her memory are children Rod, (Karen), Annette Vollan-Kerber  (Dale), Sandra Ommen (Terry), Brian (Kim); grandchildren, Casey Ommen (Tiffany), Cody Vollan (Samantha), Corey Ommen (Elora), Carter Kerber, Breanna Pacenka (Daniel), Cali Kerber (Chance Potter), Jessica Vollan; great-granddaughters, Emilia Damptz, Lola Ommen, Ella Ommen; sister-in-law Alyce Vollan; and the Vollan, Foss and Harms nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband, Clare; parents, Clarence and Lillie Foss; and siblings Ronald Foss and Marlene Harms.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to First United Methodist Church or the Stockyards Ag Experience.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 am Monday, March 23, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 401 S. Spring Avenue in Sioux Falls. The funeral service will be live-streamed on the church website at www.sfumc.orhttps://firstchurchsf.online.church/

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Miller Westside Chapel, 6200 W. 41st Street in Sioux Falls.

Interment will take place at East Nidaros Church Cemetery, rural Baltic, SD.