When people think of Bob Ross, they remember his soft voice, calm smile, and the “happy little trees” he painted on TV. His show made millions of people feel peaceful. But long before Bob Ross became a famous painter, there was someone quiet and special in his life. Her name was Vivian Ridge, and she was Bob Ross’ ex-wife and his first great love.
Vivian Ridge’s story is not told very often. She lived a private life, far away from the spotlight. But she was an important part of Bob’s early journey. She was with him when he was young, when he was still learning, and when life was still very hard. In this article, we will explore who she was, how she lived, how she loved, and how she supported Bob before anyone knew his name.
Today, we will look at Vivian Ridge’s early life, her love for art, her marriage to Bob Ross, and the role she played in building his early world. This is the quiet but beautiful story of Vivian Ridge, the hidden chapter behind the man the world adored.
Vivian Ridge Quick Bio
| Full Name | Vivian Ridge |
| Known As | Bob Ross’ ex-wife |
| 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 |
| Famous For | First wife of Bob Ross |
| Marriage | Bob Ross (1965–1977) |
| Children | One son – Steve Ross |
| Art Style | Soft landscapes, calm nature scenes |
| Later Life | Private life, possible move to Florida |
| Rumored Farm | Unconfirmed reports of small farm living |
| Death | Exact date unknown |
| Cause of Death | Not publicly known |
Who Was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge was an American artist and the first wife of Bob Ross. Many people do not know her name, because she chose to live quietly. She did not appear on TV. She did not give interviews. She did not seek fame, even though she was connected to a man who became a global icon.
But Vivian Ridge was more than “Bob Ross’ ex-wife.” She was a talented painter. She was gentle, calm, and loved art from a young age. She had her own dreams, her own style, and her own quiet world. People say she enjoyed peace and simple moments, much like the art Bob later became famous for.
For many years, Vivian was part of Bob’s life behind the scenes. She supported him when he was still finding his way. She helped keep their small home warm, safe, and filled with love while Bob worked long hours. Her story may be hidden, but it is very real and very meaningful.
Vivian Ridge’s Early Life
Vivian Ridge was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This city is known for art, music, and culture, so it is easy to imagine how she found inspiration around her. But even with this, not much is known about her parents or her childhood. She kept her early life private.
One thing we do know is that Vivian loved painting from the time she was just 12 years old. Picture a young girl sitting outside, trying to paint the world around her. Maybe she painted the sky or the trees or the small moments she saw every day. That early love stayed with her for the rest of her life.
Vivian was a quiet and thoughtful person. She liked calm places, gentle colors, and soft scenes. These moments shaped her future. They shaped the artist she became. And later, they even shaped the way she connected with Bob Ross.
Vivian Ridge’s Schooling and Love for Art
When Vivian grew older, she decided she wanted to study art more deeply. So she went to Wake Forest University, a respected school in North Carolina. She studied Art History, which means she learned about famous paintings, different art styles, and the stories behind great artists.
Imagine her in a classroom, surrounded by paintings and books, listening to stories about art from around the world. She did not just learn how to paint. She learned why people paint and how art can change lives.
While studying, she continued to create her own art. She painted soft landscapes and peaceful scenes, just like the ones she loved as a child. Her school years were full of color, learning, and quiet afternoons with a brush in her hand.
These years were also important for another reason — they brought her close to a young man who also loved art, a man who would soon become a big part of her life.
How Vivian Ridge Met Bob Ross
The exact moment Vivian met Bob Ross is not known. But many people believe their paths crossed during her university years. They were both young. They both loved art. They both enjoyed quiet moments and simple beauty. So it is easy to imagine how they connected.
Maybe they met in an art class. Maybe they talked after seeing each other’s work. Maybe they simply noticed how much the other loved painting. However it happened, their bond grew fast. They spent time together. They shared dreams. They talked about colors, life, and the future they hoped to build.
Their love felt natural, soft, and steady — much like the calm paintings that later made Bob Ross famous. And soon, their love grew strong enough for them to take the next step.
Inside the Marriage of Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross
In 1965, Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross got married. They were young, hopeful, and ready to start a life together. At this time, Bob was still serving in the United States Air Force. He was not a famous artist yet. Life was not easy, but they faced it together.
Their early marriage was full of simple moments. They lived in small homes. They moved often because of Bob’s Air Force duties. Bob worked long hours, and sometimes he came home tired or stressed. But through all this, Vivian was by his side.
She painted when she could. She kept their home warm. She supported Bob as he began to explore new art techniques. They shared dreams of a future filled with art and peace. Their marriage was built on teamwork, love, and quiet strength.
Even when life became difficult, Vivian stayed supportive. She believed in Bob, even when he was still finding himself.
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross’ Son, Steve Ross
A year after their marriage, Vivian and Bob welcomed their only child, Robert Stephen Ross, known as Steve Ross. He was born on August 1, 1966. His arrival filled their home with love and new hope.
Steve grew up surrounded by art. He watched his mother paint calm landscapes. He watched his father practice oil painting after long workdays. He saw how colors could express feelings. He learned how a simple brushstroke could change a picture.
Vivian was a gentle mother. She gave him a safe and loving childhood. She protected him from stress and kept him close when Bob’s job took him away for long hours. Her love played a big role in shaping Steve’s soft and thoughtful personality.
Steve later followed in his parents’ footsteps. He learned the “wet-on-wet” painting style from Bob and became a painting teacher himself. But the roots of that talent began in his early years with Vivian.
Why Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross Divorced
At first, Vivian and Bob seemed like the perfect match. They shared dreams, art, and a deep bond. But as time passed, things began to change. Bob’s responsibilities grew. His interest in painting became stronger. He spent more time away, working and trying to build a new life.
Reports say that Bob’s infidelity played a major role in their divorce. Their peaceful home slowly turned into a place of stress and worry. The love they once shared began to fade under the weight of long hours, long distances, and emotional strain.
In 1977, after 12 years of marriage, Vivian and Bob decided to end their relationship. It was a painful time for both of them. Love alone was not enough to keep them together. But even after the divorce, they both cared deeply about their son, Steve.
Vivian Ridge’s Life After the Divorce
After her divorce from Bob Ross, Vivian Ridge stepped away from public life. She did not try to stay connected to fame, and she did not seek attention. Instead, she chose peace. She focused on herself, her art, and her own quiet world. This is one reason so little is known about her today.
Some reports say she moved to New Smyrna Beach in Florida. It was a calm place near the water, perfect for someone who loved peaceful moments. In Florida, she may have continued painting, but she also tried something new. She worked in real estate for some time. It was a simple job that let her enjoy a quiet life without pressure.
Even though she lived far from the spotlight, Vivian stayed true to who she was. She liked calm days, simple joys, and time alone with her thoughts. Her life after Bob was private, but it was hers, and that mattered to her.
Vivian Ridge’s Art and Career
While many people remember Bob Ross for his art, Vivian Ridge was an artist too. Her paintings were soft, gentle, and full of calm feelings. She loved painting landscapes, trees, open fields, and small peaceful places. Her art reflected her heart — simple, kind, and quiet.
Vivian also worked as an art teacher. She enjoyed helping others learn how to use color and brushstrokes. Students who learned from her said she had a soft teaching style. She did not rush anyone. She made people feel safe to try new things. She believed art was not about being perfect, but about expressing yourself.
Her own art never became famous, but fame was never her goal. Vivian painted because it brought her peace. She taught because she wanted others to feel the same joy she felt when she held a brush. Her artistic life may have been small, but it touched the people around her in gentle ways.
The Mystery of Vivian Ridge’s Death
One of the most surprising things about Vivian Ridge is how little we know about her final years. There is no confirmed public record of her exact death date. Some sources say she died soon after her divorce. Others say she passed away much later, possibly in 2018. No one knows for sure.
The cause of her death is also unknown. Vivian lived quietly, and she passed away quietly too. Her family did not share details with the public, and that choice must be respected. She always protected her privacy, even during her life with Bob. It makes sense that her final years stayed private as well.
This mystery adds to her story. It reminds us that some people choose to keep their lives simple and hidden. Vivian Ridge was one of those people. Even though she was once married to a man the world loved, she kept her own world small, private, and safe.
Vivian Ridge’s Role in Bob Ross’ Success
When people think about Bob Ross, they often picture him alone in front of a canvas. But in his early years, he was not alone. Vivian Ridge was beside him. She believed in him long before the world did. She supported him during difficult times. She gave him a stable home when he needed it most.
Vivian’s background in art helped Bob understand new ideas and techniques. She knew how art worked. She knew how colors spoke. She knew the history behind great paintings. Her quiet advice may have helped Bob find his own teaching style — the calm, gentle tone that made him famous.
Even after the divorce, the years they shared shaped Bob’s life. Without the early support of Vivian Ridge, Bob Ross’ journey might have looked very different. She was a small but important part of his story, even if she never received public credit.
Where Is Vivian Ridge Remembered Today?
Even though Vivian Ridge did not seek fame, she is still remembered today in small but meaningful ways. Her son, Steve Ross, carries her spirit. He has a gentle voice, a calm style, and a deep love for art — all things Vivian helped shape. When you see Steve teach painting, you can feel her influence.
Vivian is also remembered through the early years of Bob Ross’ life. She was there during the time that shaped him. She helped him through struggles. She supported him when he was still learning. That support became part of the foundation that helped Bob become the artist the world loves today.
And finally, Vivian is remembered by people who learn about her now — people like you who want to know the full story behind Bob Ross’ early life. Her story teaches us that even quiet people can have a powerful impact. You do not need to be famous to shape someone’s future.
Final Thoughts
The life of Vivian Ridge shows us that some of the most important stories are the quiet ones. She lived softly. She loved deeply. She supported Bob Ross before anyone knew his name. And she raised a son who grew into a talented artist.
Vivian Ridge was more than Bob Ross’ ex-wife — she was a real person with dreams, emotions, and a gentle heart. She did not want the spotlight. She wanted peace. And she lived her life her own way. Her story is simple but beautiful, and it reminds us that not all heroes stand in front of a camera. Some stand behind it, offering love and strength when it matters most.
Today, when we think of Bob Ross and the joy he brought to millions, we can also remember the quiet woman who once shared his life. Vivian Ridge may have lived in the shadows, but her story still shines in its own soft way.
(FAQs)
Was Vivian Ridge a real artist?
Yes. Vivian Ridge was a real artist who painted calm landscapes and soft nature scenes. The shocking part is that almost none of her artwork was ever shared publicly, so her paintings remain unseen and lost to time.
What was Vivian Ridge’s age and birthday?
Vivian Ridge was born on July 2, 1946, but the shocking truth is that no one knows her exact age at death because her final years were kept completely private, with no public records at all.
Did Vivian Ridge really own a farm?
Some reports claim she lived on a small private farm after her divorce, but here’s the surprising part — no official documents confirm it. Her quiet lifestyle makes this “farm story” one of the mysteries around her life.
What was Vivian Ridge’s height?
Her height is unknown. Unlike most celebrity spouses, Vivian never shared personal details. The shocking thing is that not a single verified source lists her height, which is extremely rare for someone connected to a global icon like Bob Ross.
What happened to Vivian Ridge’s farm boarding business?
There are rumors she offered small pet boarding on her property later in life, but nothing was ever proven. This adds to the mystery because no one knows if the farm boarding was real or just a story created after she died.
Where did Vivian Ridge live in her final years?
Vivian Ridge lived a quiet life, possibly in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, but her exact residence today is unknown. The shocking part? No confirmed record shows where she lived, how long she stayed there, or where she passed away.
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