Dr. Ralph Edward Borchers

1941 - 2025

Dr. Ralph Edward Borchers passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home on August 19, 2025 at the age of 84.

Ralph was born on January 15, 1941 in Omaha, Nebraska, to Harry Otto and Ruth (Broberg) Borchers. He grew up in Casper, Wyoming where he enjoyed outdoor activities with his parents such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. He graduated from Natrona County High School in 1959. He earned degrees from the University of Wyoming (B.S. 1964), the University of Northern Colorado (M.A., 1969), and the University of Wyoming (Ed.D., 1986).

Ralph served as an Associate Professor at Texas State University, where he created the Digital/Photographic Imaging major at the University. He retired in 2006. While he enjoyed passing along his knowledge and artistic side to his students, his greatest accomplishment was that of being a husband and father.

Ralph met his wife, Leola (Davids) Borchers, in an art class while both were attending the University of Wyoming. They were married in Buffalo Center, Iowa on August 6, 1965. Ralph and Leola welcomed the first member of their family in 1968 when they adopted Natalie. Soon after, in 1970, they completed their family with the birth of Jonathan. Ralph made sure to pass along his love of the outdoors and traveling to his children. Every summer the family would take vacations in a different state in America.

After his retirement, Ralph continued to enjoy traveling by taking trips to Norway, Germany, and Thailand as well as many cruises throughout the Caribbean.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ruth Borchers; his loving wife, Leola Borchers; and grandson, Nole Borchers.

He is survived by his daughter, Natalie Borchers; son, Jonathan Borchers and his wife Hege Volden-Borchers; granddaughter, Tiril Borchers; grandson, Riley Johnson; and sister, Mildred Mayes; and five great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, with Visitation at 9:00am and Funeral Service at 10:00am at Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche St., San Marcos, Texas. Burial will follow at Memory Lawn Memorial Park in Martindale.