Beth Ray and her husband, Oregon State University President Ed Ray, at an OSU game. Photo courtesy of Oregon State University

Beth Ray, the wife of Oregon State University President Ed Ray, died Friday evening after a long battle with lung cancer. She was 67.

Almost immediately, the tributes began to the woman who had been married for 44 years to Ray but who was respected in her own right as a former business law professor, academic counselor and assistant dean of academic advising. She was respected and well-loved by students and colleagues.

“During her time at Oregon State, Beth contributed in many lasting and very personal ways,” said Sabah Randhawa, the OSU provost and executive vice president.

On Jan. 13, the $14 million Student Success Center was renamed the Beth Ray Center for Academic Support in honor of her lifelong commitment to students. More than 200 people paid tribute to Beth Ray at that ceremony. And although she was visibly frail, she exchanged hugs and pleasantries with them.

Randhawa note that the center “honors her legacy and spirit.’

Ed and Beth Ray have three children: Michael Ray, Katherine Hall and Stephanie Pritchard.

A celebration of Beth Ray’s life has been tentatively scheduled for June 2 on campus. The family requests no flowers but suggests those wishing to honor Beth consider a gift to the Ed and Beth Ray Choral Leadership Endowment or the Ed and Beth Ray Scholarship Endowment at the OSU Foundation, or a gift to the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation to support programs treating childhood cancer.