Greta Green

Greta Green, 81, passed away peacefully on Aug. 23, 2025-flanked by loved ones, and in keeping with the fearless style of living she embodied. It's not that she lacked fear. She just didn't let it get in her way.

Her cause of death was cancer, but Green lived to the end with passion and devotion to her family, friends, community, and the natural world.

Born in 1943 to Garner and Helen "Bennie" Green, she was raised in La Jolla, California-the middle child, alongside older sister Linda, and brother Tim. The family lived near Windansea Beach, then moved to the Shores in the mid-1950s.

Green's tenacity manifested early. A tomboy, for a time she refused to wear dresses and preferred climbing trees and catching snakes with boys. She grew up at the beach, and by the time Green graduated from La Jolla High School in 1961, she was one of the few women to pick up a surfboard and ride the waves.

Green attended UC Berkeley, but famously enjoyed her freshman year so much that she finished several grade points short. She transferred to San Francisco State, and graduated in 1965 with a degree in anthropology, and a lifelong interest in cultures and peoples.

After taking her degree, Green declined a Peace Corps posting in Brazil to marry a young lawyer named Gerry McManigal, and in 1969 moved to Delano, California, where she taught sixth grade. During that time, Green took an active interest in Cesar Chavez' grape boycott-attending union meetings and social gatherings.

She arrived in Santa Barbara in 1972, put down deep roots, and raised three sons in the San Roque neighborhood, staying for 24 years-her longest chapter in life. She explored every corner of the South Coast, strolling its shores and canyons, walking in the Solstice parade, and playing volleyball with friends at MacKenzie Park and East Beach.

Green volunteered at the Westside Clinic, and later joined a women's soccer team called the Goal Rushers, before returning to work-landing a job at the Fisherman's Wharf Market, the erstwhile collective tucked below what is now Brophy Brothers, at the harbor. She was soon managing the store.

While selling fish, Green met her second husband-the love of her life-Michael Rouse, of Sierra Madre. As the kitchen manager of the now-shuttered Second Story restaurant in Victoria Court, Rouse arrived at her counter in December 1981, seeking seafood. But he found something else. They both got the hook.

A nurturing caregiver to humans and animals alike, Green later entered nursing school at Santa Barbara City College, and spent more than two decades as a registered nurse, including at Cottage Hospital.

Green spent many years selling at the Santa Barbara Farmer's Market, alongside Rouse-a Montecito grower and market president. She also canvassed the market for her favorite political causes.

She described motherhood as her most important role in life-and there was nothing she wouldn't do for her kids. Most of all, she imparted chutzpah: "Go in there like you own the place," she was known to advise.

After her youngest child left the nest, Green embarked on new adventures. Although she loved her years by the coast, she craved the beauty, freedom, and solitude of rural life. In 1996, Green and Rouse purchased a 125-acre farm in Hermann, Missouri, and relocated to the Midwest wine country.

Green worked as a nurse at Hermann hospital and then two residential care homes, while Rouse found work in Hermann's cellars-first at Stone Hill, then as head winemaker at Adam Puchta Winery. They spent time with nearby family, and a wide circle of friends known as "the Expats."

Rouse designed and built their home on a hill overlooking pastureland surrounded by forest, off Highway J near Sugar Creek. The home had two wings: one for Green and Rouse, and the other for the kids-and all the grandchildren Green reminded them that she wanted. Thanksgiving on the farm was the high point of her year.

Green threw herself into life in the "Show me" state. She attended and hosted regular revels, enjoyed float trips on the Gasconade River, and tended her thriving vegetable garden-while also caring for her horse, mules, chickens, and evolving retinue of dogs and cats.

Two decades later, Green transitioned to her final act, relocating to Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, in search of sunshine, sea, and her beloved Mexican culture. In Baja, Green befriended locals of all types, and supported numerous causes, including the protection of endangered sea turtles. She loved turtles-and their likeness appeared on her jewelry, clothing, furnishings, and more.

A woman who trusted her instincts, Green had a knack for living in the moment, and she took others with her. Throughout life, she was never without a dog, and was happiest by the sea. In recent years, she and Rouse started each day walking their dogs at Las Palmas, a spectacular locals beach south of town.

Green was also a reliable source of fun, fresh air, and laughs-rolling her eyes at the pompous, and suffering no fools. And she swore by her daily mezcalita. She loved the music of Joan Baez, the Gipsy Kings, and anything involving mariachis-but especially "Besame Mucho." She also loved to dance, and made it her mission to coax others to join, becoming queen of the impromptu dance party somewhere in middle age.

In mid-2023, Green was diagnosed with an aggressive Leukemia. But her response was characteristic. "I've had a great life," she said. Cancer loomed, but it stood no chance of dimming her spirit. She continued to live her way-so much that in May 2024, when a specialist gave her less than two months to live, Green responded by staying for a full 15. Even as the end approached, she remained steadfast. When her Canadian death doula observed her struggling to drink water from a cup and offered a straw, Green refused it. "Straws are not good for turtles," she insisted, barely able to speak.

Green is survived by her husband Michael Rouse of Todos Santos, Mexico, and sons Jason McManigal of Granite Bay, Bret McManigal of San Francisco, and Barney McManigal of Oxford, United Kingdom-and their spouses, Lindsey Huff McManigal, Kimberlea Offner McManigal, and Mark Bainbridge, respectively. Green is also survived by five grandchildren: Gavin (19), Garner (18), Ryan (16), Giulia (16), and Cole (15) McManigal; and, by her sister Linda Green Moscarella of Taos, N.M., and her children Raphael and Rachel; and, by her brother Tim Green of Big Sur, his wife Laurie, and their daughter Mariah. And Green is survived by many loving relatives and cherished friends. She leaves behind two dogs, Pant� and Brindle, but will also be missed by countless other Todos Santos canines, who flocked regularly upon hearing her voice.

We will miss her radiant sunshine, but are still illuminated by its power.