Maxine Highland

Maxine was born to Dora and Ben Hailey on Nov. 19, 1919 on the family ranch in Mesa, Wash.

She graduated from Connell High School (riding horse-back to and from, prior to buses being available) and then went on to college at Eastern Washington University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education. Maxine was a member of the school choirs and enjoyed playing her violin. She became a first grade teacher after graduation. While teaching, she met her husband, Ken Highland, who was a Navy sailor during WWII. They married January 30, 1943 and eventually settled in Spokane, where they had four children. In 1959, the family moved to Portland, where Maxine loved raising her family and volunteering at her children's schools.

Maxine and Ken eventually moved to Devils Lake in Lincoln City, where they enjoyed golfing, boating, traveling and spending time with family and friends. In 2002 they moved to Hearthstone Retirement Home in Beaverton, where she was a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed line dancing. She continued to love gardening and golfed into her 90’s.

A loyal OSU Beaver and Portland Trailblazer fan, Maxine loved discussing the games with her children and grandchildren. Maxine and Ken enjoyed over 60 years of marriage prior to Ken’s passing in 2003.

Her family will miss her dearly, but her spirit will live on in all our hearts. Happy trails ‘til we meet again.

Maxine is survived by daughters Linda Salzer (John), Jan Wismer (Dr. Ron) and sons Doug Highland (Sherry) and Mark Highland (Michelle). She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren: Andy Salzer; Todd Salzer (Carly); Julie Armstrong (Rolf); Tyson Wismer (Janell); Brent Wismer; Lindsey Wismer; Brody Highland; Colby Highland (Trisha); Kelli Dexter (Tim); Kristen Highland and Jordan Highland. Blessings in her later years were 11 great-grandchildren: Isabelle; Miles; Blake; Sam; Elliot; Andre; Jenner; Rory; Gage; Lincoln and Theo.

A memorial service celebrating Maxine’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday April 17 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 12405 S.W. Butner Rd, Beaverton, OR. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (jdrf.org)