Barbara Anne Ristig

Barbara Anne Ristig (née Motto), of Prescott Valley, Arizona, passed away peacefully in hospice on July 7, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on April 29, 1945, in Jamestown, New York, Barbara was raised on the family farm before moving to Garden Grove, California in 1955. After the death of her mother when she was just a young girl, Barbara grew up in a close-knit household with her father, her brother Robert, and her sister Marion. She remembered Marion fondly throughout her life, even after her sister’s early passing, and carried those memories of a loving childhood with her. In 1964, Barbara moved to Iowa to attend Westmar College, where she graduated with a BA in Elementary Education. It was there that she met Terry Arthur Ristig, sharing many dates going to “breakfast for dinner” and the movies. Barbara and Terry married in 1966 and raised four children together. Barbara worked as an elementary school teacher, finding deep fulfillment in helping children learn to read. She and her husband both taught and lived in his home state of Illinois until 1989 when she and Terry moved to Prescott Valley, Arizona with their family. A passionate and skilled knitter and crocheter, Barbara spent her retirement giving back in a special way: she knitted a baby hat every single day, donating hundreds of hats to local hospitals for newborns. She loved teaching others how to knit and was always eager to share her craft and encourage creativity in others. Barbara enjoyed taking Jeep trips with Terry, embroidering custom gifts for family and friends, and visiting with her grandchildren. She was gentle and sweet, known for her loving heart, patient spirit, and deep devotion to family. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Terry Arthur Ristig; her four children, Johanna Henen (Rich), Dorothy French (Ron), Vicki Dreyer (Barry), and Peter Ristig (Laurie); her brother Robert Motto; ten grandchildren, Megan, Jacob, Emily, Ben, Madalyn, Nathan, Michael, Ciera, Maxwell, and Wyatt; and four great-grandchildren, Walter, Mila, Otto, and Mateo. Barbara’s family will forever cherish the love she gave so freely, her generosity, quiet strength, and the example she set of dedication and kindness.