Draga Risteff

RISTEFF, Draga, 92, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, in her home surrounded by her family. She was born April 22, 1933, in Bolno, Macedonia, the daughter of the late Boris and Pana (Geshtacosta) Nechovski. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Survivors include her five children and spouses, Lily (Larry) Kovaleski, Maria (Doug) Heeg, Kime (Janice) Risteff, Debbie DeWitt and Stephanie Risteff (Jay Patterson); eight grandchildren and several great grandchildren and extended family in Europe. Draga was a member of the Kazan Mother of God Russian Orthodox Church in Urbana, Ohio. She devoted her life to her family, making memories with her grandchildren who referred to her as "Bobbie", keeping the Macedonian tradition alive. She was a model of selflessness, taking time to teach her family Macedonian traditions of cooking and pride. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore K. “Ted” in 2004, a son-in-law, Larry DeWitt in 2002, one sister, Rusa in 1972, and one brother, Nikola in 1993. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Macedonian Patriotic Organization via https://macedonian.org/product/donate/ , Ohio Valley Hospice via https://ohiovalleyhospice.com/donate/ or United Senior Services via https://ussohio.org/donate/