Vivian VanDevender, master of the Dewey Decimal System, quilting extraordinaire, lover of old western films, and the most selfless and resilient woman you could ever meet, passed peacefully and transitioned to her next adventure on May 15, 2024 (hopefully riding on a scooter with flame decals and an “I Do Donuts” bumper sticker).
Vivian VanDevender was born to Leslie and Jennie Hansen on Flag Day, June 14, 1928, in Pasadena, CA.
Vivian loved this desert and visited often with her parents, who owned 300 acres of property now located on the north range of NAWCWD. She saw the paving of Hwy 6 (now Hwy 14) and watched the IWV valley grow from very little to what we have today.
Vivian attended Pasadena City College during WWII. She married Russell VanDevender in 1950 and had six children. In 1964, they moved to China Lake, CA, when Russell accepted a position at NOTS (NAWCWD). Vivian was a homemaker and later the Librarian at Murray School until she retired.
They lived at China Lake until moving to a property in Inyokern with a beautiful view of Owens Peak. She loved the sunrises and sunsets, taking several photos over the years. She lived in Inyokern for 43 years.
In 2016 Vivian moved in with her daughter in Ridgecrest until her passing.
Vivian is preceded in death by her husband, Russell, her two sons, Mark and Denis, and her sisters, Ruth, Marian, and Esther.
Vivian is survived by her son Jim, daughters Joyce, Gail, and Diane, six grandchildren Janene, Matt, Sam, Dena, Tiona, and Riley, and eight great-grandchildren Kieran, Sydney, Zachary, Chloe, Karsen, Russell, Dillon, and Colin.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of our local museums, purchase a book at Red Rock Books, or stop by Crest Donuts and enjoy a tasty treat in her honor.
Graveside cremation burial will be held at Desert Memorial Park, Ridgecrest, on June 14, 2024, at 09:00 a.m. A celebration of life will follow—limited seated space at Desert Memorial Park.