Rita l. Barber

SOUTH CHINA/NORTH PORT, Fla. – Rita went to be the Lord unexpectedly on May 18, 2026, as the result of a cardiac arrest. Rita was born in Gardiner, Maine, on June 17, 1946, to Lee and Phyllis Babb. She was a graduate of Hall Dale HS.

Rita was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Tom; her parents; her sister Judy; as well as her godmother, Josephine McCaslin.

Rita is survived and greatly missed by her loving son Thad and wife Darlene, her bonus children, Roxanne Larson, Scott Cheramie and wife Marie. Rita was blessed with nine grandchildren, Taylor, Tanner, Tate, Blaike, Johnny, Sydney, Nick, Julia and Tyler; three great-grandchildren, Lauren, Warren, and Madelynn; and Rita’s best friend and cousin Carol Allen and husband Dick.

Rita was an organ donor, and her last gift was the gift of life upon her passing.

“Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

Rita’s family invites her friends and family to a short service at the VA Cemetery Chapel at 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta on Tuesday, July 7, at noon, followed by a celebration of life at Central Church, 627 ME-3, South China, Maine.