Eda Marie Cox

Stevensville – Eda Marie Cox (Edie or Pud), age 82 of Stevensville, MT, formerly residing in Kalamazoo, MI and the Bay area of CA, left this world August 26th, 2021 with the same dignity and grace in which she lived her life. She was surrounded by her family after a brief illness.

 Edie Holladay was born on October 26th, 1938 to Marie Lord and Jack Holladay in Washington DC, immediately bringing joy and laughter into the world. An extremely knowledgeable honor student, she graduated from Stafford High School in Virginia. After high school, Edie experienced an intriguing path in the workforce. She worked for the Army, for an optometrist, and took time off to stay home with her six children. In between being a stay-at-home mom, she would take jobs where she could work with people. This includes her work at Western Michigan University and the University of Montana. These experiences led her to her calling in Human Resources. Edie was extremely successful as an HR Director for several years, touching countless lives. At age 63, Edie went back to school and earned a certificate in medical transcription where she finished her career before retiring to Montana in 2013.

 In 1956, while volunteering for the Red Cross, Edie met John Vendeville, who was serving at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. They were married in 1957. After his military service, they relocated to Kalamazoo, MI where they had four children. Just ten years after her marriage to John, she was widowed in 1967. In 1971, Edie was remarried to Martin Cox and had two more daughters. They relocated to Missoula, MT in 1979. Edie and Marty were divorced in 1982, but remained friends until his death on March 26, 2021.

Edie was a fiercely dedicated mom, raising all six children to accomplish great things, but more importantly to become good people. Family came first to Edie, a value she instilled in all those who surrounded her. The hole left by her absence is and will remain impossible to fill, she was truly one of a kind.  Edie touched the hearts and lives of so many people over the years. Anyone who met her would say that what made her so special was her kindness, caring, active listening, and loving spirit. She welcomed everyone with love and light. Her humor was witty and quick. You could be sure to hear it often, but especially on fishing trips where she would be the one to catch the most and the biggest fish. She wouldn’t refrain from adding humor during an intense game of Gin Rummy or at the dinner table during the holidays. Anyone could talk with her and everyone wanted to be her friend. Family and friends who knew Edie say they are lucky to have had her in their lives, that her caring energy will forever live on in them. She was certainly a special woman who worked hard her entire life, loved to fish and crochet, and was also an avid reader. She was a woman who appreciated the arts and often could be found at a play or symphony. She would volunteer for local organizations when she could, commonly baking cookies or helping organize. Edie respected the necessity for k-12 and post-secondary education. Her legacy will live on through creative and educational endeavours.

 During her last eight years in Stevensville, the town embraced her, looked out for her and gladly helped her in times of need, whether it be loading groceries, a flat tire or simply buying her lunch at the local cafe. That compassion and caring is a true testament to the woman Edie was.

 Edie was preceded in death by husband John, mother Marie Holladay, aunt Eda Kendall, uncle Joshua “Ken” Kendall, brother Bill Holladay and ex-husband and lifelong friend Martin Cox. She is survived by: brothers, Steve (Linda) Holladay, John Holladay; sister-in-law Marilyn Holladay; children, son John (Carol) Vendeville of Gobles, MI, son Jim Vendeville of Middleville, MI, daughter Jodi Vendeville (Buddy Moran) of Arlee, MT,  daughter Joan Cole (Bill Hoffman) of Missoula, MT, daughter Jennifer Cox of Nathrop, CO, and daughter Jessica (Patrick) Shourd of Stevensville, MT; grandchildren, Kristen (Ijay) Beltran, Jeremy Cole, Collin Elson, Sloane Shourd, Ershaunda (Shaun) Quirk, Dylan Moran, Jill Caudill, Michelle Spicer, Kathy (Travis) Utter; great grandchildren, Sophie, Lelaina and Alden Beltran, Wylder Quirk, Ethan, Gavin, Oliver, and Owen Spicer; special friends Kim Cox, bonus daughters Nancy Vendeville and Laura Martin, along with numerous nieces and nephews and of course her four legged grand dogs, Lucy and Scout.

 With her loved ones surrounding her, she left us with these words; “There is everything to look back on…laughter, fun, and joy.” Her biggest wish for everyone, not just her children, was to simply be a good person and be kind. We will forever bask in her light and remember her many words of wisdom and sage advice.

 Special thanks to Dr. Eric Stern, all staff at the Stevensville clinic, Home Health and Hospice of Montana, and Whitesitt Funeral Home who all cared for her as if she were their own mother.

 At Edie’s request, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be planned at a future date which will be announced as soon as possible. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in Edie’s name, to Stevensville Playhouse. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.