Artha Jean Ristow
March 21, 1924 ~ May 9, 2015
Artha Jean Ristow
Artha Jean Ristow, Orange native, lifelong body surfer and swimmer died peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, May 9, 2015.
Artha was born March 21, 1924 to the late Viola Marie (Truempler) and Otto Paul Ocar Ristow. She grew up on the family's ranch on South Tustin, surrounded by orange and avocado orchards, and bordered by the Santiago Creek. It was the perfect playground for a child that adored nature. She and her dog Teddy were quick to climb the picking ladders to the top of the barn, run throughout the groves, and found quiet places to read her favorite Sister Prudy books.
Artha was confirmed and graduated from St. John's Lutheran School and Church before attending and graduating from Orange Union High School, class of 1942. Two years after graduation, Artha married John Price Wilber, also an OUHS Class of 42' graduate. They moved to the Bay Area to attend and graduate from San Jose State. Artha received her Bachelors in Art and Music and began to work in Interior Design before having her only child, Susan.
Artha returned to Orange with Susan after she and John divorced. Artha was hired by the Anaheim Public Library as Staff Artist creating book displays for adult and children's sections. While Staff Artist, she began night classes at Cal State Fullerton for her Master's in Library Science. She often shared that her "Graduation ceremony was one of her proudest days of her life." She worked 20 years with the library before joining the Orange County's Sheriff Department for 25 years.
During her first few years of retirement, Artha enjoyed her home, the beach, downtown Orange, and the public library's book selection. After having difficulty living alone, she moved to Northern Virginia to be close to family. For the last 5 years, Artha has enjoyed reading, the Atlantic coast beaches, sightseeing drives into Washington, DC and the beautiful Virginia countryside, her home at Sunrise Assisted Living, and being with family.
Ms. Ristow is loved, missed and survived by her family; daughter Susan Hurley, son-in-law Michael, grandchildren Emelia and Patrick, and nephews; Charles, Robert, Thomas and William Dews and their families.
Charitable donations may be made in her name to The Nature Conservancy, nature.org/donate
Inurnment services will take place at the Fairhaven Cemetery, Orange, CA at a later date.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Artha Jean Ristow, Orange native, lifelong body surfer and swimmer died peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, May 9, 2015.
Artha was born March 21, 1924 to the late Viola Marie (Truempler) and Otto Paul Ocar Ristow. She grew up on the family's ranch on South Tustin, surrounded by orange and avocado orchards, and bordered by the Santiago Creek. It was the perfect playground for a child that adored nature. She and her dog Teddy were quick to climb the picking ladders to the top of the barn, run throughout the groves, and found quiet places to read her favorite Sister Prudy books.
Artha was confirmed and graduated from St. John's Lutheran School and Church before attending and graduating from Orange Union High School, class of 1942. Two years after graduation, Artha married John Price Wilber, also an OUHS Class of 42' graduate. They moved to the Bay Area to attend and graduate from San Jose State. Artha received her Bachelors in Art and Music and began to work in Interior Design before having her only child, Susan.
Artha returned to Orange with Susan after she and John divorced. Artha was hired by the Anaheim Public Library as Staff Artist creating book displays for adult and children's sections. While Staff Artist, she began night classes at Cal State Fullerton for her Master's in Library Science. She often shared that her "Graduation ceremony was one of her proudest days of her life." She worked 20 years with the library before joining the Orange County's Sheriff Department for 25 years.
During her first few years of retirement, Artha enjoyed her home, the beach, downtown Orange, and the public library's book selection. After having difficulty living alone, she moved to Northern Virginia to be close to family. For the last 5 years, Artha has enjoyed reading, the Atlantic coast beaches, sightseeing drives into Washington, DC and the beautiful Virginia countryside, her home at Sunrise Assisted Living, and being with family.
Ms. Ristow is loved, missed and survived by her family; daughter Susan Hurley, son-in-law Michael, grandchildren Emelia and Patrick, and nephews; Charles, Robert, Thomas and William Dews and their families.
Charitable donations may be made in her name to The Nature Conservancy, nature.org/donate
Inurnment services will take place at the Fairhaven Cemetery, Orange, CA at a later date.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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So sad to read Artha’s obit in the O.C. Register today. Condolences to the family, especially you Susan. As a lifelong friend of Artha’s I hope to attend any service you may have here in Orange. We went to school together at St. John’s and Orange High, and the Zech’s and Ristow’s were often together over the years. You may remember that we last met at the estate sale you held. We still cherish the memories we have of her when we see the mementos purchased that day. God bless and keep you.