Beth Ray, 67, former academic counselor and assistant dean for Ohio State University's arts and sciences academic advising, died March 21 in Corvallis, Oregon, after a long battle with lung cancer.

Ray moved to Corvallis with her husband, Ed Ray, professor of economics and Ohio State University Provost, who was named Oregon State University's 14th president in 2003.

In Corvallis, the university's "first lady" was known for volunteer work with a variety of organizations and groups, including the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation board and the local symphony and for her service as a dedicated mentor to students.

She will be remembered both at Ohio State and Oregon State for her passionate love and concern for the students she mentored and advised.

Ray recently said, "Most of my career has involved working with students and helping them through lots of different kinds of troubles students can have. I've had a great life doing that.”

Beth Ray was an alumna of Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. A celebration of Ray's life is tentatively scheduled for June 2 on the Oregon State University campus.