Dr. LaRay Denzer, a distinguished historian of West African sociopolitical history, passed away on September 7, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on August 16, 1941, in Winona, MN, to Ray Wm and Lola (Woodard) Denzer, LaRay's life was marked by academic excellence and a profound dedication to the study of African history.

LaRay graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1959 and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Kalamazoo College in 1963. Her passion for African history led her to the University of Ghana in West Africa, where she obtained her master's degree and the University of Birmingham where she got her PhD in 1977. As a Fulbright Scholar from September 1982 to July 1983, LaRay's research and contributions to the field of African studies were widely recognized and respected.

Throughout her illustrious career, LaRay taught history at various universities in the United States and Nigeria, including an impactful 17-year tenure at the University of Ibadan. She also served as the editor-in-chief of the Program of African Studies at Northwestern University, where her leadership and scholarship left an indelible mark.

LaRay's research focused on the evolution of Anglophone West African nationalist politics and gender dynamics during the colonial era and independence. She was a pioneering historian of women and gender studies in Africa, particularly Nigeria, and her work has been instrumental in women’s history becoming part of mainstream African scholarship.

LaRay was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Raymond Denzer, and brother-in law Richard Davis. She is survived by her siblings: Laurel (Allan) Moger, Aloha Davis, Dallas (Corinne) Denzer, Nancy (Maynard Johnson) Denzer, Robert (Cindy) Denzer, and DeAnn Denzer, as well as her sister-in-law Pat Denzer, numerous nieces and nephews, and extended academic family.

The Denzer family extends special thanks to the faculty and staff of the Northwestern University Program of African Studies, including Will Reno, Kelly Coffey, and Meagan Keefe, for their unwavering support and dedication.

LaRay Denzer's legacy will continue to inspire and educate future generations of historians and scholars. Her contributions to the field of African studies will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of life will be held in the future where friends, family, and colleagues will gather to celebrate LaRay's remarkable life and achievements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to NPR Donate : NPR or Northwestern Universities please specify program of African Studies – Donation · Northwestern University · GiveCampus in honor of LaRay's lifelong commitment to education and research.

Rest in peace, LaRay. Your legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those you touched.

Arrangements entrusted to Evanston Funeral & Cremation, Roland F. Weis director. Info 847 866-8843, condolence and guestbook at evanstonfuneral.com