AUGUSTA - Frances E. Barter, 87, of Augusta died Wednesday, July 13, 2005, at Glenridge Nursing Facility, after a brief illness. She was born in Sidney on March 22, 1918, the daughter Ella Riggs. She was raised in Sidney and moved to Augusta after marrying her love, Silas H. Barter, in June 1937. Frances worked as a nanny for the Burleigh family, was a local police matron and a school crossing guard, and was best known for her job as the 'elevator lady' at Adams Department Store. Her greatest gift to the community was her many years of volunteer work. She contributed her time to caring for the ill at MaineGeneral Medical Center for 17 years and serving at the Bread of Life Kitchen for 10 years. She touched many lives through her love and graciousness. Over the years, she received many awards for her volunteerism, including the Saunders Patterson Award; Maine Association of Retirees outstanding volunteer; from the Cushnoc Senior Citizen Club, for her years of contribution to the advancement, growth and development of the club; performed more than 18,000 hours of service as a volunteer at MaineGeneral Medical Center; and was recognized by Modern Woodmen of America for conscientious and dedicated community services. For more than 60 years, Frances had been an active member of Green Street United Methodist Church in Augusta. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Silas H. Barter, in May 1967. She is survived by her daughter, Marcia Bell and her husband, Bruce; a son, Carleton Barter and his wife, Rose; five grandchildren, Kimberly J. Bell, Lisa Sullivan and her husband, David, Scott Bell and his wife, Lynette, Beth Whaley and her husband, Matt, and Ellen Towne and her husband, Jim; and 12 great-grandchildren, Brandon, Kyle, Taylor, Kate, Amber, Jack, Cameron, Jake, Lindsey, Connor, Alex and Mia. Visiting hours will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Green Street United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Glenside Cemetery, Winthrop. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to benefit the Cancer Center at MaineGeneral Medical Center, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04901.