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 keepi
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,
