Where Is Vivian Ridge Now? The Truth About Bob Ross’s Ex-Wife

When people hear the name Bob Ross, they often think of soft words, “happy little trees,” and peaceful paintings. But before Bob Ross became a famous TV artist, there was someone special standing beside him. Her name was Vivian Ridge, and she was his first love, his first wife, and an important part of his early life.

Even though Bob became a big name in the art world, Vivian Ridge chose a quiet path. Many people don’t know her story, and that makes them wonder: Who was she? What happened to her? And where is she now? In this article, we will look at Vivian’s early life, her love for art, her marriage to Bob Ross, their son Steve, and her quiet years away from the spotlight. This is the story of a woman who was part of Bob’s journey long before the cameras and fame.

Vivian Ridge Quick Bio

Who Was Vivian Ridge?

Vivian Ridge was not a celebrity. She did not appear on TV. She did not look for fame. She was simply an American artist who loved peaceful moments with her paintbrush. Before she met Bob Ross, she lived a simple life far from the media and attention.

But even with her quiet personality, Vivian Ridge played a strong role in Bob Ross’s early years. She supported him when he was still working in the Air Force. She was with him when he was dreaming of a future in art. She was part of his life at a time when nothing was easy or certain.

It is rare to hear about her today because she chose calm and privacy. Still, her story is worth knowing because she helped shape the man the world would later love.

Early Life of Vivian Ridge

Vivian Ridge was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a place filled with culture and history. It’s the kind of town where art, nature, and creativity are all around you. This environment may have helped build her love for painting from a very young age.

Not much is known about her parents or her childhood because she never wanted the spotlight. But what we do know is clear: she was drawn to art early. Imagine her as a young girl sitting outside, looking at trees, clouds, and small details in nature. She loved how colors could tell a story. She loved how a simple brushstroke could bring peace to the heart.

This early love for art became a big part of her life and later brought her closer to Bob Ross.

Vivian Ridge’s Love for Art

Vivian Ridge started painting when she was only 12 years old. Most children play games or watch cartoons at that age. But Vivian loved spending time with her colors and canvas. Painting was not just a hobby for her—it was her way of expressing joy and calm.

She enjoyed soft, peaceful art. She painted nature, skies, trees, and simple scenes that made her feel happy. If you picture Bob Ross’s style of painting, you can imagine Vivian’s style too. Both loved calm landscapes. Both loved gentle colors. In a way, their hearts spoke the same artistic language even before they met.

Art stayed with her all her life. It shaped her choices, her education, and even her relationships.

How Vivian Ridge Met Bob Ross

There are no clear records of the exact moment Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross met. But most people believe their paths crossed during their early adult years, possibly while she was studying. They were both young, filled with dreams, and deeply in love with painting.

Think about it: two young artists who loved colors, nature, and quiet moments. It’s very easy to imagine how they connected. They talked about art. They shared ideas. They supported each other’s dreams. They enjoyed simple moments together, like painting outside or discussing their goals for the future.

Their bond grew naturally. They were not famous. They were not rich. They were just two people who loved art and loved each other.

The Marriage of Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross

In 1965, Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross decided to get married. They were young, hopeful, and ready to build a life together. At this time, Bob was still in the United States Air Force, and Vivian continued focusing on her art.

Marriage is not always easy, especially when you are young and still finding your way. But in those early years, they worked as a team. Vivian supported Bob as he tried to balance the military and his passion for painting. Bob supported Vivian in her artistic dreams too.

Imagine their small home—maybe with paintbrushes on a table, a few unfinished canvases, and quiet conversations about their future. These were the simple beginnings of a relationship that would later become part of Bob Ross’s unseen history.

Meet Their Son: Steve Ross

In 1966, something very special happened. Vivian and Bob welcomed their baby boy, Robert Stephen Ross, better known as Steve Ross. Steve became the heart of their world. From the moment he was born, he grew up surrounded by art, colors, and creativity.

Vivian and Bob both shared their love of painting with him. Imagine Steve as a small child watching his parents paint, playing with brushes, or touching the colors on their palettes. Both parents inspired him, and both helped him develop a deep love for art.

This early environment shaped Steve into the painter he is today. Even though life later changed for the family, these early years left a strong mark on him.

Why Did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross Divorce?

At first, Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross were a strong pair. But life, dreams, and choices sometimes pull people apart. Over time, their relationship changed. Bob’s career was growing. His goals were shifting. His life was becoming busier.

Sadly, their marriage faced problems. There were talks of infidelity and differences that could not be fixed. In 1977, after 12 years of marriage, Vivian and Bob decided to divorce. It was a painful time for them, especially because they had a young son.

Divorce is never easy, even when both people try their best. Their love story did not end the way they hoped, but they still cared about their son and wanted the best for him.

Vivian Ridge’s Life After the Divorce

After the divorce, Vivian Ridge stepped away from the public eye completely. She chose a quiet and simple life. She did not remarry. She did not seek attention. She did not appear in interviews or public events.

Vivian wanted peace. Her life became calm and private. And because she stayed away from media, very few details about her later years are known. She lived quietly, far from the fame that would later surround Bob Ross.

Her story reminds us that some people prefer silence and simplicity over publicity and attention.

Where Is Vivian Ridge Now?

After the divorce, Vivian Ridge lived a very private life. She didn’t appear on TV. She didn’t give interviews. She stayed out of the spotlight completely.

Many people wonder where she went or what happened to her. Sadly, there is no public record of when or how Vivian Ridge passed away. All we know is that she died quietly, just like she lived. She chose peace over publicity. That was her way.

Her exact date of death and the cause were never shared with the public. But even without those details, her story still matters. She played an important role in Bob Ross’s early life.

What Happened to Steve Ross After Her Death?

When Vivian Ridge passed away, their son Steve Ross was still very young. At that time, Steve moved in with his father, Bob Ross.

Bob raised Steve as a single dad. He didn’t just raise him—he taught him everything he knew about painting. The father and son shared a deep bond through art.

As Steve grew older, he became a great painter himself. He even appeared on his dad’s show, The Joy of Painting. People loved watching him paint just like Bob. Today, Steve still teaches others how to paint, using the same peaceful style that both of his parents loved.

Bob Ross’s Life After Vivian Ridge

After his marriage with Vivian Ridge ended, Bob Ross found love again. In 1977, he married Jane Lee Zanardelli. Jane wasn’t just his wife—she also helped build his art business. Together, they made his painting dream even bigger.

Jane and Bob were married for 15 years, the longest of Bob’s three marriages. Sadly, Jane passed away from cancer in 1992, which deeply hurt Bob. He even stopped filming for a while.

In 1995, Bob married Lynda Brown, a nurse. But this marriage was short. Bob died only two months later from lymphoma. He passed away at the age of 52.

Vivian Ridge’s Legacy Lives On

Even though Vivian Ridge is no longer here, her story is still important. She was there during Bob Ross’s early days—when he was not famous, when he was just a man with a dream.

She supported him when life was hard. She raised Steve with love. She followed her own path, quietly and peacefully. Sometimes, the people who are there in the beginning don’t stay in the spotlight. But that doesn’t make their role smaller.

Vivian’s legacy lives through her son, Steve Ross, and in the memories of those early days before Bob became a household name.

Final Thoughts

The story of Vivian Ridge reminds us of something important. Not every story is loud. Not every person wants fame. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t matter.

Vivian Ridge was more than just Bob Ross’s first wife. She was an artist, a mother, a quiet supporter, and a part of a bigger picture. Her life may have been simple, but it touched the lives of those around her.

So, the next time you see a painting by Steve Ross or an old episode of The Joy of Painting, remember the quiet woman who helped make that journey possible. That was Vivian Ridge—a name that deserves to be remembered.

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