Our dear Kris Ridste left this world last week. Kris was a hug in human form. She not only had a natural gift for making people feel seen and comfortable, but she also made a point to be the first to welcome others without judgment into the many families and communities to which she belonged. She had a knack for raising people up, and felt uplifted, herself, by doing so.

Kris lived in St. Helena, California, with her best friend and wife, Sandy Scott. After nearly 30 years together, they were recently married in a magical ceremony full of love, friends, and family in their home.

Though she called St. Helena home, Kris loved to travel with Sandy, going backpacking, taking road trips and going on cruises, and she especially treasured visits to see her dad.

It is no surprise to anyone who knew her that Kris made friends everywhere, as she had a huge heart and loved fiercely. She was part of many communities through her wealth of passions, from books to bocce ball to motorcycles.

She also used her passions to give back in so many ways. She was a part of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, she worked as a computer tech for the Sonoma County Superior Court, she and Sandy loved and supported the Cameo Cinema and ran kids’ backpacking and camping programs, she worked for many years at Copperfield’s Books, and she implemented a project that set up computer labs for a homeless shelter and for children in affordable housing.

Kris had a passion for creativity and imagination, and she loved learning new things. She not only earned a Bachelor of Science degree from USF, but she also was a perennial student of life. From jewelry-making and metal smithing, to drawing and painting, to sculpting and woodworking, to writing and sewing and cooking, if Kris wanted to do something, she ventured out and learned to do it well. She and Sandy loved to take classes together, hike together, sing together, and read together.

Kris was one of those rare and wonderful humans who could make you feel “braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” So many of us were lucky to count her as family and friend, and we will be gathering to celebrate Kris’s life at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at the Native Sons Hall (1313 Spring Street) in St. Helena. All are welcome.

To those who feel so inclined, memorial contributions can be sent to the Cameo Cinema or the Sons and Daughters of Italy St. Helena Lodge Scholarship Fund.