When people think of Bob Ross, they remember his kind voice, big hair, and peaceful paintings full of “happy little trees.” He made millions of people feel calm with just a brush and a smile.
But before the world knew Bob Ross, there was someone special beside him. Her name was Vivian Ridge, and she was his first love, his first wife, and one of the quiet forces in his early life.
In this article, we’ll talk about Vivian Ridge, Bob Ross’ ex-wife. You’ll learn who she was, how she met Bob, what their life was like together, and how her quiet support helped him grow into the artist we all remember. Let’s take a gentle walk through her untold story.
Vivian Ridge Quick Bio
| Full Name | Vivian Ridge |
| Birthdate | July 2, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Art History, Wake Forest University |
| Profession | Artist, Art Teacher, Real Estate Agent |
| Known As | Bob Ross’ First Wife |
| Marriage | Bob Ross (1965–1977) |
| Child | Steve Ross (born 1966) |
| Life After Divorce | Lived quietly in Florida |
| Death | Passed away in early 70s (date unknown) |
| Cause of Death | Not publicly known |
Who Was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge was more than just Bob Ross’ ex-wife — she was a kind and talented artist with a quiet soul. Many people don’t know her name, but she played a real part in Bob’s early life and career.
Vivian was someone who didn’t chase fame. She loved art and lived a simple, peaceful life. Even though she was close to someone who became very famous, she chose to stay out of the spotlight.
Her story is not filled with loud headlines, but it’s full of meaning. Vivian was there during Bob’s early steps in painting, offering support and love when it mattered most.
Vivian Ridge’s Early Life and Childhood
Vivian was born on July 2, 1946, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a place full of beauty and quiet charm. It’s the kind of town where art can easily find a home in someone’s heart.
Even as a little girl, Vivian loved to paint. People say she picked up her first paintbrush at the age of 12. Can you picture her sitting outside, painting the trees and sky just the way she saw them?
She didn’t come from a famous family, and we don’t know much about her parents or siblings. But we do know that art made her happy — and that joy never left her.
Vivian Ridge’s Education and Love for Art
Vivian followed her love for painting into her school years. After finishing high school, she went to Wake Forest University to study Art History. That means she didn’t just want to paint — she wanted to learn about the stories behind great art too.
She loved peaceful nature scenes, soft colors, and quiet beauty — the kind of painting that makes you feel calm. Funny enough, that’s also the kind of art Bob Ross later became known for.
Studying art helped Vivian understand how art can touch people’s hearts. And while learning, she never stopped painting. Her brush was always busy, turning feelings into landscapes on a canvas.
How Vivian Ridge Met Bob Ross
Now you might be wondering — how did Vivian and Bob meet? There are no clear records of the exact moment, but it’s believed they crossed paths in their younger years. Some say it may have happened while Vivian was still in college.
Both of them loved art. That connection was strong enough to bring them together. Imagine two young dreamers, one painting and the other talking about the colors of the sky — it sounds like a perfect match, doesn’t it?
They spent time talking about painting, sharing ideas, and dreaming about the future. That shared love for creativity helped them grow closer and eventually fall in love.
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross’ Marriage
Vivian and Bob got married in 1965, full of hope and dreams. At that time, Bob Ross was not the calm painting teacher on TV. He was in the United States Air Force, working hard and still finding his way.
Their marriage was a time of teamwork. Bob worked long hours in the military while Vivian kept painting and learning more about art. They supported each other, even though life wasn’t always easy.
They dreamed of a happy life filled with color, canvas, and calm. It was a sweet, quiet time before the noise of fame and TV shows.
Life as Bob Ross’ Ex-Wife Before the Fame
Many people know Bob Ross after he became a TV star. But Vivian Ridge was there before all that. She saw him when he was just starting, unsure of where life would take him.
She helped behind the scenes — encouraging him, listening to his ideas, and giving him space to grow. She didn’t ask for attention or credit. She was simply there, loving him and believing in his dreams.
Without people like Vivian, many great artists might never find their way. Her quiet support gave Bob the strength to take the steps he needed.
Vivian Ridge as a Mother to Steve Ross
In 1966, Vivian and Bob welcomed a baby boy — Robert Stephen Ross, known today as Steve Ross. Steve was their only child, and he brought a new kind of joy into their lives.
Growing up in a home filled with paint, brushes, and art books shaped Steve’s path. He watched both his parents paint and learned from them. The love for art was passed down like a family treasure.
Vivian was a caring mother. She shared her love of painting with Steve, and that early bond helped Steve become a talented artist in his own right.
Why Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross Divorced
Sadly, not all love stories last forever. After 12 years of marriage, Vivian and Bob got divorced in 1977. The main reason, as many believe, was Bob’s infidelity — he was not always faithful, and it caused pain.
Bob’s career was beginning to grow, and with that came more time away from home. The peaceful life they once shared started to change. Sometimes love just isn’t enough to hold two people together.
Even though they parted ways, both of them still cared deeply about their son, Steve. That bond remained strong.
Vivian Ridge’s Life After the Divorce
After the divorce in 1977, Vivian Ridge made a clear choice. She stepped away from public life. She did not give interviews. She did not talk about her past. She simply wanted peace.
Vivian focused on living quietly. She stayed close to her son and kept her life calm and private. While Bob Ross slowly moved toward fame, Vivian chose a different path.
Many people wonder why she stayed silent. The answer seems simple. Vivian did not enjoy attention. She valued privacy more than popularity, and she stayed true to that choice.
Vivian Ridge’s Career and Personal Work
Even after becoming Bob Ross’ ex-wife, Vivian Ridge never stopped being an artist. Painting was always part of her life. It helped her express feelings that words could not.
She enjoyed calm landscapes and soft colors. Her style was gentle and peaceful, much like her personality. She also worked as an art teacher, helping others find joy in painting.
Later in life, some reports say Vivian also worked in real estate. She had a good eye for beauty and detail, which helped her in that field. Even then, she stayed out of the spotlight.
What Happened to Vivian Ridge Later in Life
Vivian Ridge lived quietly for many years after her divorce. She did not remarry and did not return to public attention. Her focus remained on a simple life.
Sadly, Vivian Ridge passed away quietly. The exact date and cause of her death were never shared with the public. This mystery reflects how private her life truly was.
Even in death, Vivian stayed true to herself. No headlines. No drama. Just a quiet goodbye.
Vivian Ridge’s Legacy Today
Even though her name is not widely known, Vivian Ridge’s legacy still matters. She was there at the start of Bob Ross’ journey. She supported him before the fame, before the cameras, and before the world watched.
Her greatest legacy lives on through her son, Steve Ross. Steve carries the love of art passed down from both parents. Every time he paints, Vivian’s influence is still there.
Vivian Ridge reminds us that not every important person stands in the spotlight. Some shape history quietly, from the background.
Bob Ross’ Life After Vivian Ridge
After separating from Vivian Ridge, Bob Ross moved on with his life. He married Jane Lee Zanardelli in 1977. She later became his business partner and helped grow his painting empire.
Sadly, Jane passed away from cancer in 1992. Bob was heartbroken and took a break from painting for a while.
Bob later married Lynda Brown in 1995, just two months before his own death from lymphoma. Even through these changes, Vivian Ridge remained an important part of his early story.
Vivian Ridge and Steve Ross Today
Steve Ross grew up surrounded by art because of Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross. After his mother passed away, Steve lived with his father and became even closer to painting.
Steve later appeared on The Joy of Painting and learned the famous wet-on-wet technique. Today, he teaches painting and keeps the family art legacy alive.
Through Steve, Vivian Ridge’s love for art continues to reach people around the world.
Final Thoughts
Vivian Ridge was more than Bob Ross’ ex-wife. She was an artist, a mother, and a quiet supporter during an important time in Bob’s life.
Her story teaches us that not all important lives are loud or public. Some are soft, calm, and deeply meaningful.
Today, when we enjoy Bob Ross’ paintings or watch Steve Ross teach art, we can remember Vivian Ridge — the woman who helped shape a beautiful beginning.
(FAQs)
Did Vivian Ridge make art too?
She did! Vivian loved painting even before Bob Ross became famous. She liked painting calm places like trees and fields.
How old was Vivian Ridge when she died?
Vivian was born on July 2, 1946. She passed away quietly in her early 70s. But no one knows the exact date or reason she died.
Did Vivian Ridge live on a farm?
No, she didn’t. Even though Bob painted many farms, Vivian lived in a normal home. Later, she moved to Florida and worked in real estate.
Was Vivian Ridge really Bob Ross’ wife?
Yes! She was his first wife. They got married in 1965 and stayed together for 12 years. Many people don’t know about her because she stayed out of the spotlight.
Was Vivian Ridge rich?
Not really. She lived a quiet life. She made money from painting and later from selling houses. She didn’t become rich like Bob Ross.
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