Martha C. Hawes, born September 17, 1952, passed away January 29, 2025 in Tucson, AZ. A native of Owensboro, Kentucky, Martha travelled and studied extensively for the first 3 decades, was always engaged in supporting others and consistently drawn to connect with the natural world. Among her many roles in her early years, she was lifeguard, Director of YWCA swim program, Head of United Fund VolunTeen program, waitress, librarian, clerk, anthropology assistant, woodworking assistant, nematology research assistant and lab manager for mycology collections at Clemson University. After completing a BS Biology in 1974, she spent 3 years travelling the country in her 1968 VW Bug – working in hospitality and service roles at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; Cedar City, Utah; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and in Aspen, Colorado. She earned an MS and PhD in Plant Pathology from the University of Kentucky and held postdoctoral positions at the University of Florida and the University of Missouri, before joining the faculty here in Plant Pathology as Assistant Professor where she continued the rest of her career until retirement in 2017 as a full professor in Soil, Water and Environmental Science. In her profession, she was active in the American Phytopathological Society and the American Society of Plant Biologists. She authored more than 100 scientific works in these disciplines and accomplished pioneering work with border cells, transforming our understanding of the vital role these living cells play in root tip development. She was awarded the prestigious Pelton Award in 2012 from the Botanical Society of America. Outside her profession, she was also one of the foremost authorities on nonsurgical methods used to treat scoliosis producing 14 primary research publications and a book on the topic. While in Tucson, she met the love of her life, Hans Van Etten (died August 1, 2015 - you can learn more about Hans here.) Both Martha and Hans were known and well liked for their terrific humor, and great kindness and care for both people and animals. They were truly at home and connected to the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert nestled around their 65 acre property in the Tucson Mountains, and extended that grace to those lucky enough to know them at the University of Arizona.
Martha's Celebration of Life
Will be hosted by the University of Arizona Campus Arboretum
Nov. 15th, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
To RSVP, or to share memories of Martha, click this link.
Please RSVP by Oct. 15th, 2025
Martha taught, and brightened the lives of so many people through her professional connection and friendships. Many who knew Martha have shared their thoughts and memories of her with us. Those are shared below for you to enjoy.
If you wish to add your own comments or memories of Martha, please do so using the Celebration of Life RSVP link (above). Alternatively, you may send them by email to infoarboretum@cals.arizona.edu with "Martha Hawes" in the subject line.
Memories Shared About Martha
From Denise Brock Taylor
Martha was a dear friend from Centre College. I learned of her passing in the college alumni magazine. I was with her when she found an abandoned kitten who would become her beloved Bridget (she was found on a bridge). One year she whittled Christmas presents for her friends. Mine was a key chain with a little coffee mug attached (we drank a lot of tea together). The rest of our Centre group would meet every 5 years for a Centre class reunion, but she always declined to join us. So many classmates would ask about her at those reunions. I'd always hoped to see her again.
From Ann Hirsch
One of the most creative plants biologists I have known. Unfortunately creativity is in short supply and often there is a cost for being this way because most of us are used to being the same as everyone else.
From Renee
She was such a kind and giving person. She gave so many of us who suffer from scoliosis the hope that we can improve without surgery.
From Debby Ely Douglas
There is no good place to start when one needs to write about something as terrible as the loss of Martha Hawes. Martha and I met and became friends our freshman year in college. She was remarkable in so many ways. Although extremely intelligent, she was disarmingly modest, not only about her superior intellect but also her striking natural beauty. For example, freshman year when I good- naturedly razzed her about being Miss Davis County, she quickly informed me, with a mischievous grin, that she had only entered (and won) the Miss Davis County contest because along with the title came much-needed scholarship money- instantly, dismissing her beauty while unashamedly admitting her financial status. Martha was quick to laugh, quirky, funny and my distant but steadfast friend for 50 years. Her inquiring mind and innate curiosity found a purposeful outlet in her chosen field of plant pathology where she earned renown. I will miss her quick wit, sincerity, and ready smile. Martha is a memory worth keeping!
Martha was a radiant light on campus in my early years at the University of Arizona. She often stopped by my office for short visits and much laughter. She was a fellow "gregarious introvert" who didn't need a lot of time, a big audience or center stage to leave an indelible impression on me. She was authentic, kind, strong, intelligent, creative and so witty! What a incredible human and what a gift it is to have shared a little of her life in Tucson.
Grace
Martha's legacy is to remind us all of grace, wisdom, and insight, and the power of persistence and resilience. She inspired me when we met and continues to do so today. I thank her and miss her, as do we all.
Wild
Martha and I shared many an hour over the years, trying to calm her wild hair. She was a dedicated to her science, health and wildlife preservation with every part of her being. I loved her quirky sense of humor, and that she always had a smile on her face. I will really miss her.
From the Botanical Science of America
We at the Botanical Society of America office fondly remember how kind Martha always was to us, sending her personally created notes of encouragement and thanks. In the summer of 2019 she gave us a lovely tour of her home and the property there. Her passion for conservation, plants and the planet were contagious and inspiring and her home was just lovely. She made everyone feel welcome.
Lifelong Commitment
I met Martha after she had retired and admired her commitment to the earth and all creatures of the earth! She had the most beautiful smile! The world is a better place for the contributions she made during her career!
Fiercely Independent
Martha was clearly a brilliant scientist, fiercely independent in her thinking—much like her husband. Yet despite that independence, I will always think of them as “Martha and Hans.”
Energized Scientist
Martha was uniquely motivated and energized to discover scientific truths and to teach others what she learned.
Authentic Friend
Martha and I were trainees within the same department at the University of Florida, she a postdoc, I a graduate student. We became close friends, with she and Craig serving as attendants at my marriage and I and my husband serving as attendants at theirs. Over the years, Martha has stood out to me for her fierce defense of science, brave pursuit of truth and unflinching support of Hans during his illness. Martha was not one to sugarcoat; she faced her demons head on, and shared her life lessons generously with others. My friendship with Martha helped me to grow in self-awareness, to better appreciate the natural world around me, and to appreciate the value of thinking for myself. She made me a better and more authentic version of myself; she was a rare and true gift.
From Janet Zampieri & Patrick Stirling
Martha was our neighbor on Mockingbird Lane. She helped out with the monthly Enchanted Hills Trailhead cleanup, and that's how we got to know her. We shared a love of nature and of the desert. We went to her house several times, and we helped put in a trail around her house. She loved our pets and was such a delightful woman. We always enjoyed spending time with Martha. When she said she was turning 70, we had her over for a party just the three of us. I went all out and got decorations, and the next time we went to her house those decorations were on display there! She told us she never thought she would make it to 70 because of her health issues since birth. She had to be very careful with what she ate, and she hardly ever sat down! We moved from Mockingbird Lane to a home near Twin Peaks and Silverbell a few years ago, and we invited her over for brunch several months later. That was a big outing for her, since I think she had difficulty with orientation. I had to meet her at the nearby Safeway. That was the last time we saw her. I was so saddened to hear of her passing, but am comforted in knowing that she had a happy and full life.
Inspired and Loyal Mentor
It was a pleasure and an honor to work in Martha's lab. It was always a pleasure to talk with her, always full of energy and ideas. I have wonderful memories and Christmas cards from her and Hans.
A memorial bench has been placed at the Forbes Building to honor Martha.
If you would like to contribute toward the cost of the tribute,
