Ronald L. Numbers

Ronald L. Numbers

June 3, 1942 - July 24, 2023

MADISON - Ronald L. Numbers, 81, died peacefully at his home on July 24, 2023, after a long illness, with his daughter, Lesley, and former wife, Janet, by his side.

Born on June 3, 1942, to Raymond W. Numbers and Lois (Branson) Numbers, Ron grew up in a strict Seventh-day Adventist household in the U.S and Jamaica. He expected to remain in that culture and had little exposure to the secular world until he entered Florida State University, where he earned his master's degree in 1965, followed by University of California, Berkeley, from which he received his PhD in history of science in 1969.

He taught at Loma Linda University School of Medicine for four years, during which time he produced three of the six books he authored himself in his distinguished academic career. One of these, Prophetess of Health: A Study of Ellen G. White, earned him high praise from the scholarly community but antagonized the Adventists, who took issue with his critical, if historically objective, analysis of their church founder. This led to Ron's forced departure from both Loma Linda University, a flagship of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and from the church of his own upbringing.

His deeply personal journey from faith to agnosticism allowed him unique perspectives on the complexities of religion and science, informing his prodigious scholarship for the remainder of his life. Though he went on to enjoy an internationally celebrated career in the history of science, medicine, and religion, he continued to contribute important studies in Adventist history and inspired a new generation of Adventist scholars. In addition to three editions of Prophetess of Health, Ron produced two books co-edited with colleagues, The Disappointed: Millerism and Millenarianism in the Nineteenth Century, and Ellen Harmon White: American Prophet. In his prodigious The Creationists, winner of the prestigious Albert C. Outler Prize from the American Society of Church History, Ron traces the story of antievolutionism in America to Ellen White. Until Ron's study, neither creationists nor evolutionists were aware of the crucial importance of the Adventist prophet in this story.

In 1974, Ron came to the University of Wisconsin, where he spent almost 40 years of his academic career. He retired in 2013, as the William Coleman Professor of the History of Science and Medicine emeritus. One of the most distinguished historians of American science and medicine, Ron was prolific, versatile, and collaborative. He produced some 40 volumes, six from his own pen and the remainder edited (including 16 co-edited with Wisconsin colleagues). Especially notable, in addition to The Creationists, were Darwinism Comes to America and the magisterial co-edited 8-volume Cambridge History of Science. Beyond his field-specific research interests, he developed an international reputation as a scholar of the historical relations of science and religion. Among his many prizes and honors, he was a Fellow of the American Philosophical Society, received a Guggenheim Fellowship, and was awarded the George Sarton Medal of the History of Science Society in recognition of his lifetime of exceptional scholarship. He also served as the editor of Isis, the leading journal in the field, as president of the History of Science Society, the American Society of Church History, and the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science. Ron Numbers was a gregarious scholar whose organizational and editorial skills enabled and encouraged others.

Always supportive of graduate students and young scholars, he didn't miss a chance to be a good mentor and lift up others. His good cheer and personality gave a light touch. He took particular pleasure in debunking historical myths and correcting his colleagues' (and family's) grammar. His license plate read DARWIN. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Kesia Lynne Numbers.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Lesley Anne Numbers (G Lee), and granddaughter, Maisie; stepgrandson, Ethan; good friend and former wife, Janet Schulze Swain and her family, who always held Ron in high regard and in their hearts despite their divorce; his sister, Carolyn Remmers (Eugene); niece, Susan Welke; nephew, Rick Remmers (Shayne) and their two children, Carrie and Andrew; several cousins; and companion Audrey Dybdahl and her family.

Ron is remembered by his family and many friends for his remarkable mind, his integrity and fairness in work and in life, his love of good conversation and intellectual debate, his sharp and boyish sense of humor, and his generous and encouraging spirit. He was a loving father and grandfather, a loyal and generous friend, a lifelong (4th generation) vegetarian, a music enthusiast, particularly country and gospel, and an avid Badgers fan. Most of all, he loved connecting with people, whether at a family reunion, academic conference, or football game.

Although he often remarked on the finality of death, his legacy as an educator, his courageous research, and his prolific publications will continue to inspire and impact people around the world.

The family thanks Agrace Hospice care, particularly Brittany Blum and Leslie Affeldt, who provided steadiness, guidance, and kindness throughout this process.

Gifts may be made in Ron's memory via the UW Foundation online at www.supportuw.org/how-to-give/printable-forms or by mail to the William Coleman Dissertation Fellowship in History of Science, c/o The UW Foundation, 1848 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53726. Please write in "William Coleman Dissertation Fellowship in the History of Science" as the 'gift designation' if giving online, or on the gift form by mail, and, if giving by check, on the memo line.

The family is planning a celebration of Ron's life for later this autumn.