AUGUSTA - Rita J. Barter, 76, of Augusta died Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Augusta on March 5, 1932, the daughter of Bernard and Ida (Bonenfant) Preo. Rita lived in Augusta all her life. She was educated at St. Mary's School, Smith School and graduated from Cony High School. She was employed at the Augusta State Hospital, now Riverview Psychiatric Center, in various positions, retiring as a seamstress. Rita's talent as a seamstress went beyond her job at the hospital when she and her husband ran a custom drapery shop. She was also known by her family and friends as a wonderful cook. Rita and her husband, Charles Barter Jr., enjoyed traveling to Florida for 12 winters. They also enjoyed many outdoor activities, including camping and riding snowmobiles. They were members of the Good Sam Club, the North American Family Campers, Pine Tree Chapter 33, the AARP and the Maine State Employees Association, Region 2 Retirees. Rita also enjoyed her dogs, especially her poodles. Rita was predeceased by her brother, Joseph 'Rudy' Preo. Mrs. Barter is survived by her husband, Charles; her mother-in-law, Gertrude Barter; her daughters, Sharon Mairs and her husband, Steve, of Augusta, and Sandra St. Michel and her husband, Peter, of Chelsea; four grandchildren, Scott Mairs and his wife, Lori, Stacy Mairs, Adam St. Michel, and Ashley Locke and her husband, Joseph; one great-grandson, Christopher Mairs; as well as two aunts, one niece, two nephews and several cousins. A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Friday at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. Spring burial will be at Rest Haven Cemetery in Windsor. Rita's family would like to thank Drs. Magioncalda, Healy and Hertler and their staff at the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care and the staff at MaineGeneral Medical Center for the wonderful care she received. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 80 Elm St., Portland, ME 04101. www.khrfuneralhomes.com