Ronny Clifford Woodruff of Milton, Massachusetts, and Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on July 25 with his beloved wife, Susan Elizabeth Barker, and daughter, Marya Woodruff Ochs, by his bedside.
Born in Greenville and raised in Hughes Springs, Texas, Ron developed an early fascination with the natural world that shaped a distinguished career in genetics, education, and scientific discovery. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Texas State University and a Ph.D. from Utah State University. Following faculty appointments at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Oklahoma, he joined the faculty of Bowling Green State University in 1977, where he would spend the next 44 years advancing the field of genetics and inspiring generations of students.
Ron was internationally respected for his research in genetics and evolution, authoring more than 100 scientific publications. Among his many honors were a Fulbright Research Award, designation as a Distinguished Research Professor at Bowling Green State University, election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and, upon his retirement in 2021, appointment as Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus in recognition of his lasting contributions to the university and the field of genetics.
Those who knew Ron best remember far more than his professional accomplishments. He was known for his intellectual curiosity, quick wit, and kindness. He loved fishing, playing basketball and table tennis, gardening, fossil hunting, and caring for his much-loved pets. While he maintained friendships around the world through decades of research and collaboration, he especially cherished a small circle of lifelong friends whose companionship enriched his life for many years.
Family was the foundation of Ron’s life, bringing him his greatest comfort and greatest pride. At the center of Ron’s life was his beloved wife, Susan. He especially treasured being “Papa” to his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time outdoors with family, teaching life lessons through sports and games, writing stories for his grandchildren, and sharing his enthusiasm for science and nature.
Ron is survived by his wife, Susan Elizabeth Barker; his daughter, Marya Woodruff Ochs (Adam); and his grandchildren, Linden Siskin Ochs, and Juniper Brenda Ochs, of Milton, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Elizabeth (Libby) Anne Johnson, and his sister, Joyce Adams. Ron’s influence continues to shape the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known him. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm on September 19, 2026, at Prout Chapel, Bowling Green State University, 208 Thurstin Street, Bowling Green, Ohio. Link to join via Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/y-usvLmpNdw?feature=share
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at lbda.org/donate.
