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Edith Marie (Vollstedt) Hise passed away peacefully in Bend, Oregon, on July 26, 2026, at the age of 98. She lived a rich, full, and deeply fulfilling life.
Edith was born to Otto and Ruth Vollstedt in Albany, Oregon, on March 8, 1928. She grew up on the family farm just north of Albany with her two brothers, Rex and Reed Vollstedt. During those years, the family witnessed sweeping changes and historic events, from the arrival of telephones and indoor plumbing to World War II soldiers from nearby Camp Adair marching past the farm while training for war. During the war years, Ruth and Edith grew much of the family’s food in their prized Victory Garden.
She attended Oregon State College in Corvallis, pledged Chi Omega sorority and earned her degree in Home Economics. Soon after college, she met and married Richard Leonard Wilson, the father of her four children. Divorced in her mid-thirties, Edith began her professional career as a single mother of four in the 1960s. When Edie moved to Eugene, Oregon, she married Maurice Hise. His three children joined her four at various times throughout the year, bringing their blended family together. She devoted decades to higher education, first at Oregon State and later at the University of Oregon, where she became a beloved and respected senior administrator. Easily recognized on her way to work in her bright red Karmann Ghia convertible, she encouraged and guided hundreds of university students along their educational and career paths.
Edith loved art, fashion, and travel. Her many adventures included several trips to Europe, where she delighted in exploring the Paris flea markets. She returned to Bali more than once and fondly recalled staying in a local family’s compound, making art together and communicating through a lively mix of simple English and hand gestures. She once slipped away from her guided tour while in China, boarded a train on her own, and traveled to a rural village where the residents had never encountered a Westerner. She also traveled to Costa Rica with a dozen girlfriends, where they surely created quite a stir. On another adventure, when her daughter Leslie was living in Guatemala and needed medicines for a medical mission, Edie gathered supplies in Eugene, carried them to Guatemala, and then hiked with local health care professionals through a pasture of Brahma bulls to deliver the medicines to underserved villages in the Guatemalan jungle.
In retirement, Edith remained devoted to learning, connection, and personal growth through her involvement in WINGS programs. Embracing the nickname “Beadith,” she designed and sold an array of jewelry—including bracelets, necklaces, and watches—and earned enough from her creations to buy herself a new red car. In her sixties, she also launched a successful modeling career, appearing in active-living senior advertisements for a variety of products and activities. With her easy laugh and infectious smile, she was a natural in front of the camera.
Edith passed away the day after her family gathered for the 82nd annual Vollstedt Family Reunion. Though she was unable to attend, her presence was deeply felt as loved ones gathered to share stories and celebrate memories from her remarkable life. The following day, she died peacefully with her family by her side.
She is survived by her four children, all proud Oregonians: Susan Fowles of Bend, David Ivy of Portland, Vicky Curry of Eugene, and Leslie Cogswell and her husband, Jim, of Hood River; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Edith will always be remembered for her devotion to family and friends, her easy laugh, charm, style, and beauty. Her adventurous spirit, boundless creativity, and generous heart brought joy to all who knew her.
A private celebration is planned at the farm with immediate family.
