Virginia Polits

Virginia Polits, an extraordinary woman whose vibrant spirit and boundless energy touched all who knew her, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and adventure. Born in Manhattan, Kansas, to Evan Marlow Peabody and Edith Hoerner Peabody, Virginia spent her early years in the heart of the Midwest before her family moved to the Portland area in 1944. She graduated from Miltonvale Wesleyan Academy in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where her love for art, music, and exploration began to flourish.

Virginia was an adventurous soul who lived life with great passion. A proud member of Portland's Asian Art Council, she traveled to China in 1979 when tourism there was still in its infancy. Her love for ceramics, art, and music defined much of her life, and she supported the arts with a deep appreciation. As a patron of the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, she also dedicated herself to supporting local artists, particularly those in the Pacific Northwest and Asian art communities.

Her social nature extended beyond the arts—Virginia was an energetic organizer, known for bringing family and friends together. Whether it was large family gatherings or intimate outings with friends, she was always the one making things happen. Her contributions to the community included heading the “Teen” clothing section of the Catlin Gabel School’s annual rummage sale in the 1970s, where she helped raise funds for the school.

Virginia’s sense of adventure and love for the outdoors were equally remarkable. A member of the Multnomah Athletic Club, she was an avid skier from the 1960s through the 1980s, spending winter weekends at her mountain home in Government Camp. Her love for water sports led her to row a solo shell in the 1980s and sail with her husband and friends in various locations, from the Willamette River at their home in John’s Landing to the Great Lakes and the Caribbean.

Virginia met her beloved husband, William James Polits (1927–2005), at a summer Bible camp on the outskirts of Portland during their youth. Their story spanned many years, and together they raised a beautiful family. Virginia was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose warmth and presence brought joy to every gathering.

She is survived by her sons, Richard James (Connie) and William Eugene (Daniela Hoffmann); her grandchildren, Jessica Chevalier, James and Jeffrey Polits, Adam Clevenger, Erin Coleman, Dimitrius and Dominik Polits; and great-granddaughters, Sophia Polits, Aurélie Chevalier, and Margaret Clevenger; and great-grandsons Asher, Finley Polits, and Canon Clevenger. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, William, and her eldest son, Russell.

Virginia will be remembered for her generosity, her adventurous spirit, and her love for her family. Her legacy of bringing people together, her passion for the arts, and her deep love for her family will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be dearly missed and always cherished.

A memorial service will be held on April 12, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland, Oregon.