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MADISON, WI – Ray Franklin Evert, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed Emeritus Professor of Botany, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, at the age of 94. A man of profound intellect, humility, and devotion, Ray was called by the Lord to reunite with his cherished wife, Mary Margaret Maloney Evert, where they are dancing together again in eternal joy.

Born on February 20, 1931, in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, Ray was the youngest of the three children of Milner Ray Evert and Elsie Irene Evert (Hoffa). He graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1948 and earned a Bachelor of Science (1952) and Master of Science in Botany (1954) from The Pennsylvania State University. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of California, Davis in 1958.

Ray began his teaching career at Montana State University where he met the love of his life, Mary Margaret Maloney. They married on January 2, 1960, and enjoyed more than 65 wonderful years together.

Later in 1960, he joined The University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he taught Botany courses for over four decades. His contributions to plant sciences were recognized globally, earning him numerous awards and fellowships, including the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Award, and the Hilldale Award for Distinguished Professional Accomplishment from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They welcomed their two devoted children Tricia (1962) and Paul (1964) in Madison.

In 1971 Ray became a visiting professor at the University of Natal in South Africa, giving his entire family an opportunity to experience life, and for the children, school, in a different culture. In 1974, the Alexander von Humboldt Award provided another research opportunity for Professor Evert, and the family headed to Germany and the University of Göttingen for another exciting overseas adventure.

A Legacy of Teaching and Mentorship

Ray Evert’s impact as an educator was profound and enduring. Known for his clarity, patience, and passion for plant biology, Ray inspired generations of students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His lectures were celebrated for their depth and accessibility, blending rigorous scientific insight with a genuine enthusiasm for discovery.

He co-authored several influential textbooks, including the Biology of Plants and Esau’s Plant Anatomy which have become cornerstones in botanical education worldwide. This would not have been possible without his longtime time colleague and friend Susan Eichhorn (Jordan) who joined him as the co-author of Esau’s Plant Anatomy and in later editions of the Biology of Plants.

Ray’s commitment to teaching excellence was recognized with the Emil H. Steiger Award for Excellence in Teaching from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Benjamin Minge Duggar Lectureship Award from Auburn University. Ray’s mentorship extended beyond the classroom—he guided countless graduate students and young researchers, many of whom went on to distinguished careers in academia and industry.

Ray believed that teaching was not just about imparting knowledge but about nurturing curiosity and integrity. His legacy lives on in the minds and hearts of those he taught, and in the scientific community he helped shape.

A Life Well Lived

Ray also served as president of the Botanical Society of America and was a fellow of both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He retired in 2001 as the Katherine Esau Professor of Botany and Plant Pathology and was named Professor Emeritus.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ray was a wonderful father, attending Tricia and Paul’s recitals, concerts and sporting events. His voice could be heard above all others as he cheered them on.

In their retirement Ray and Mary would continue to travel around the world with close friends when they were not wintering in Santa Barbara, CA, or spending time in Lake Tomahawk, WI. And wherever they went, the two would take walks- long walks. While back in Madison, Ray would continue working on the latest edition of the Biology of Plants and research for the second volume of Esau’s Plant Anatomy. Ray and Mary loved to dance and were active members of the Night Owls dance club for many years.

Ray so loved and thoroughly enjoyed his three grandsons Collin, Dillan and Thomas. While in Madison, he loved taking them to the Henry Vilas Zoo. While visiting them, he enjoyed discussing and often watching their latest favorite activities, particularly Boy Scouts and band. Ray was extremely proud that all three of his grandsons joined him as Order of the Arrow Honor Society recipients in Scouting of America. Ray even taught his grandsons Collin and Dillan how to play poker, leading to an interesting conversation between their before-school activities teacher and their mom, Tricia. He enjoyed in-depth conversations with grandson Thomas, especially if they were about anything sports or politics, and plants and nature while at the cottage in Lake Tomahawk.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Maloney Evert: his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Edith Bernodin (Adam) and Ruth Mealing (William) and niece Gayle Bernodin Peters. He is survived by his daughter Tricia Welsh and her husband Patrick; son Paul Evert and his wife Laura; grandchildren Collin and Dillan Welsh and Thomas Evert; and numerous loving nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon Friday, September 19th at St. Peter Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI 53704. Prior to the Mass, a visitation will be held beginning at 10:30 AM in the Narthex. The Mass will be followed by a Celebration of Life reception at St. Peter Catholic Church. Inurnment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ray and Mary Evert Scholarship for Plant Biology at The Pennsylvania State University at raise.psu.edu/EvertMemorial.

To view this obituary and leave a memorial, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

Ray Evert

February 20, 1931 - August 05, 2025

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