When people hear the name Bob Ross, they usually think of his soft voice, peaceful smile, and those “happy little trees” on The Joy of Painting. But long before the world fell in love with Bob Ross on TV, there was someone very important by his side — Vivian Ridge, his first wife.
Vivian’s name may not be known by many, but her story is deeply connected to Bob’s early life and journey. She was there before the fame, before the big hair and gentle words became famous.
In this article, we’ll explore who Vivian Ridge was, what her life was like, how she met Bob Ross, and what happened to her later on. It’s a quiet but touching story — one you won’t want to miss.
Vivian Ridge Quick Bio
| Full Name | Vivian Ridge |
| Birthdate | July 2, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA |
| Death | 2018 (age 71 or 72) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Art History, Wake Forest University |
| Profession | Artist |
| Famous For | Bob Ross’ ex-wife |
| Marriage | Bob Ross (1965–1977) |
| Children | One son – Steve Ross |
| Life After Divorce | Lived privately, never remarried |
| Residence at Death | Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA |
| Net Worth | Unknown |
| Social Media | None |
Who Was Vivian Ridge, Bob Ross’ Ex‑Wife?
Vivian Ridge was an American artist and the first wife of Bob Ross. She was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1946, and from a young age, she had a deep love for painting. While Bob Ross became a household name, Vivian lived most of her life away from the spotlight.
Vivian became known to the world not for chasing fame, but because of her connection to one of the most peaceful and loved painters in history. She and Bob were married long before The Joy of Painting ever aired, and their love story began when both of them were still trying to find their place in the world.
Even though she stayed out of the public eye, Vivian’s quiet presence and support during Bob’s early years meant more than most people realize.
Vivian Ridge’s Early Life and Childhood
Vivian was born on July 2, 1946, in the small but culturally rich town of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Not much is known about her parents or siblings, but we do know that she had a calm and creative spirit.
As a child, Vivian loved painting. Imagine a 12-year-old girl sitting outside with a sketchbook, capturing the trees and flowers in front of her. That was Vivian. Her love for art started early, and it never left her. While other kids might have been watching cartoons, she was learning how to express herself with a paintbrush.
Her quiet personality and love for beauty would stay with her throughout her life.
Vivian Ridge’s Love for Art
Vivian didn’t just enjoy art — she lived and breathed it. Painting wasn’t just a hobby for her, it was a way to feel peaceful and happy. She especially loved calm, natural scenes — much like the ones Bob Ross later became famous for.
By the time she was a teenager, her talent had grown, and she was already showing signs of being a thoughtful and skilled artist. Art gave her a sense of purpose and joy. She wasn’t chasing awards or attention — she simply loved creating something beautiful with her hands.
This quiet, deep love for art helped shape everything else in her life — including who she would one day fall in love with.
Vivian Ridge’s Education at Wake Forest University
After finishing high school, Vivian went on to study at Wake Forest University, a respected school in her hometown. There, she chose to study Art History — a subject that allowed her to understand not just how to make art, but also how art had shaped the world.
She spent her college years learning about famous painters, ancient styles, and modern trends. But at the same time, she kept painting her own work on the side. It was a beautiful balance — learning about the world’s great artists while still growing her own quiet style.
It was during this time, while she was focused on learning and creating, that she would meet someone who also loved art just as much: Bob Ross.
How Vivian Ridge Met Bob Ross
No one knows the exact moment they met, but it’s believed that Vivian met Bob Ross sometime in the early 1960s, possibly during her time in college. Bob Ross was a young man serving in the United States Air Force, and he had not yet discovered his full passion for painting.
Vivian and Bob were both young, hopeful, and creative. They shared a love for peaceful things — nature, painting, and simple joys. It’s easy to imagine them walking together, talking about dreams, and supporting each other’s goals.
They may not have had much money or fame, but they had something else: a shared love for art and a belief in each other.
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross’ Marriage
In 1965, Vivian and Bob Ross got married. It was the start of a new chapter for both of them. At that time, Bob was still working full-time in the military. He was a medical records technician stationed in Alaska. Life wasn’t easy, but they worked together to build a simple, happy home.
Vivian painted in her free time. Bob was still learning about art, and it’s possible that Vivian’s love for painting inspired him even more. They were partners in every way — supporting each other through military life and long work hours.
Together, they dreamed of better days — maybe owning a home, maybe raising a child, and maybe, one day, painting full-time.
Their Son, Steve Ross
In 1966, a year after getting married, Vivian and Bob had a son. His full name is Robert Stephen Ross, but the world knows him as Steve Ross. He would later become a painter himself and follow in his father’s artistic footsteps.
Steve grew up surrounded by art. His mother, Vivian, and his father, Bob, both loved painting. It was part of their daily life. He often watched them create quiet beauty on canvas, and it left a lasting mark on his heart.
As he got older, Steve became a skilled painter. He even appeared on The Joy of Painting, standing beside his father and sharing the magic with the world. But it all began with those quiet years with Vivian and Bob.
Why Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross Divorced
At first, Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross looked like a strong couple. They shared art, raised their son, and supported each other during hard years. But real life is not always as peaceful as a painting. Over time, things slowly began to change.
Bob’s life became more demanding. His career started to grow, and he spent more time away. Reports later suggested that Bob was not always faithful, which caused deep pain in the marriage. Even though neither Vivian nor Bob spoke publicly about the details, many believe this played a big part in their split.
In 1977, after 12 years of marriage, Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross divorced. Their son Steve was only 11 years old at the time. It was a quiet breakup. No public fights. No interviews. Just two people going their separate ways.
Vivian Ridge’s Life After the Divorce
After the divorce, Vivian Ridge made a clear choice. She stepped away from public life completely. She did not talk to reporters. She did not attend events. She did not use Bob Ross’ growing fame to gain attention.
Vivian focused on living a calm and private life. She never remarried. She spent time on her own terms and stayed close to her roots. Painting still mattered to her, but peace mattered more.
While Bob Ross later married again and became world-famous, Vivian stayed quiet. She chose privacy over attention. That choice says a lot about who she was as a person.
What Happened to Vivian Ridge Later in Life
Vivian Ridge continued living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the same place where her story began. She stayed out of the spotlight until the very end of her life.
She passed away in 2018, at around 71 or 72 years old. The exact cause of her death was never shared publicly. Just like her life, her passing was quiet and respectful.
There was no big announcement. No headlines. And that fits perfectly with how Vivian Ridge lived. Calm. Private. Gentle.
Vivian Ridge’s Legacy Through Steve Ross
Vivian Ridge lives on through her son, Steve Ross. Steve became a painter, just like both of his parents. He learned the wet-on-wet painting style and later became a certified painting instructor.
After Vivian’s death, Steve spent more time with his father. Bob Ross raised him as a single parent. Steve even appeared on The Joy of Painting, painting beside his dad and sharing that calm joy with viewers.
Today, Steve Ross continues teaching and painting. Every brushstroke carries a piece of Vivian Ridge’s love for art. Her influence never disappeared. It simply continued quietly.
Vivian Ridge’s Role in Bob Ross’ Story
Vivian Ridge was there before the world knew Bob Ross. Before the TV show. Before the fame. Before the millions of fans. She supported him when he was still in the Air Force and still discovering his path.
Not everyone who helps build a dream gets to stay for the final chapter. But that does not make their role less important. Vivian helped shape the early years of a man who later brought peace to millions.
Without Vivian Ridge, Bob Ross’ journey might have looked very different.
Final Thoughts
Vivian Ridge was more than just Bob Ross’ ex-wife. She was an artist. A mother. And a quiet force behind a famous story.
She never chased fame. She never asked for attention. And yet, her life mattered deeply. Her love for art lived on through her son. Her presence shaped Bob Ross long before the cameras arrived.
In 2026, as people still watch The Joy of Painting, it’s worth remembering the woman behind the early years. Vivian Ridge’s story may be quiet, but it is meaningful, human, and real.
(FAQs)
Is Vivian Ridge still alive?
No. Vivian Ridge passed away quietly in 2018. Her death shocked many fans because it happened with no public notice or news.
Did Vivian Ridge have any children?
Yes. She had one son, Steve Ross, with Bob Ross. He later became a painter and carried on his parents’ art legacy.
What was Vivian Ridge’s relationship with Bob Ross really like?
Vivian Ridge was Bob Ross’ first wife and his partner before fame. They shared art, marriage, and a child long before TV made Bob famous.
Did Vivian Ridge live on a farm like Bob Ross?
No confirmed records show Vivian Ridge lived on a farm. After her divorce, she chose a very private life, far from cameras and public places.
What was Vivian Ridge’s work and net worth?
Vivian Ridge was an artist, but she avoided fame and business. Her net worth was never made public, making her life one of quiet purpose, not money.
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