SOUTHPORT - Barbara Cross Butler, 75, of Southport and Zephyrhills, Fla., quietly passed away on Friday, July 9, 2004, at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, surrounded by her loving family. She had been diagnosed with cancer less than four weeks ago. She was born on Dec. 21, 1928, in Augusta to Burton M. Cross and Olena R. Cross. She graduated from Cony High School in 1946 and graduated from LaSalle Junior College in 1948. She worked at the family-owned floral business, Cross Flowers, where she fell in love with her husband, Richard P. Butler. They were married in Augusta on June 26, 1949, and just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. She worked side-by-side with her husband in their floral business, Butler Twins Floral Center. She was Dick's assistant as Mrs. Claus for several generations. Her favorite job was taking care of Dick and raising six daughters. She was a former member of the Koussinoc Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was preceded in death by her parents, former Gov. Burton and Olena Cross, in 1998; and sister Burtina Cross in 1956. She is survived by her loving husband, Dick; her six daughters; 19 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Worthing and her husband, Bob; brother-in-law Father Bob Butler and his wife, Josephine; daughter Mrs. Linda Pekins and her husband, Bob, and grandchildren Ame Drake and great-granddaughter Emily Drake-Michaud; Daniel Roy and his fiancee, Jessica; Rob and Alyssa Pekins and great-granddaughter Alexia; Paul Pekins; and Mathew Pekins; daughter Mrs. Karen Roak and her husband, Don, and grandchildren Jennifer Fielding and her husband, Brian, and great-granddaughter Abbie; Adam Palmer; Kate Palmer and her fiance, Jon; Bob Roak; Becky Roak; and Bill Roak; daughter Mrs. Debbie Sylvester and her husband, Brian, and grandchildren Nate Sylvester and his wife, Nicky Mathieu; and Kara Sylvester; daughter Mrs. Judy Moody and her husband, Ike, and grandchildren Joshua Moody and Matt Moody; daughter Ms. Dee Dee Love and her partner, Jeff, and grandchildren Tina Love and her partner, Dan, and Stephanie Love and her partner, Ryan; daughter Ms. Nancy Butler and grandchildren Anna Adams and Nicole Adams; and her special nieces Cindy, Sherri, Sue and Lori also survive her. Barbara enjoyed reading, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles and watching NASCAR races. She worked hard preparing for Maine Day in Zephyrhills for many years. She treasured sitting on the porch at the Southport homestead and adored the view of the beautiful gardens that Dick lovingly tended. Barbara and Dick enjoyed entertaining family and friends at the homestead and took pleasure in watching the boats go by in Townsend Gut. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held Thursday, July 15, at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. Family and friends may visit with the family from noon to 2 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following. Donations may be made in Barbara's memory to: Mid Coast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick 04011; St. Andrews Hospital & Healthcare Center, P.O. Box 417, Boothbay Harbor 04538; or the Shriners Hospital, 12502 North Pine Drive, Tampa, Fla. 33612-9499. The family would like to thank the professional staffs at St. Andrews Hospital and Mid Coast Hospital for their loving care.