UNION — Barbara Morton Rich, of Union, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, joining her husband Walter, who passed away July 17, 2016 and her beloved daughter, Bonnie who died November 9, 1991. Barbara's son, Larry and daughter-in-law, Michelle, were by her side, comforted by the knowledge that Mom had received many prayers and best wishes from all her family and friends so that her departure could be complete. Even though she will be greatly missed, everyone who knew Barbara knew she was ready for this next chapter in life.
Born on the last day in 1924, Barbara was the youngest daughter of Lawrence and Lilla Morton of East Union. She survived her sisters Dorothy and Shirley and brother Philip, who all passed away in prior years.

Throughout the years, Barbara stayed in contact with family from both sides of her marriage and often visited or was visited by Mortons and Riches from all generations. She is survived by many nieces and nephews and their families as well as Walter's youngest brother, Harry Rich, still living in Brunswick. Granddaughters, Jennifer and Amanda, knew their Grandmother as "Mamie", as did Michelle's children, Ferah, Sera, and Erol, who expanded Barbara's family over twenty years ago. Without a doubt, Barbara always seemed happiest when she spent time having adventures with Jennifer and Amanda or family gatherings that included everyone and created so many wonderful memories.

Young Barbara first attended school in a one room school house in East Union, along with her brother and sisters until the new school in Union was built in 1934. She graduated from Union High School as class Salutatorian at the age of 16 and attended Gates Business College prior to World War ll. Upon completing her secretarial courses, Barbara left Gates and immediately started working for the OPA (Office of Price Administration) in Augusta in the Rationing Department, handling the distribution of rationing cards and stamps used to purchase commodities such as gas, groceries, and shoes during the War.

When World War ll ended, Barbara Morton married Walter Rich on August 11, 1945, beginning a full and rewarding life together for nearly 71 years, all in the town of Union. Throughout their long marriage, they often served the community they loved so much in a variety of roles and capacities. Barbara, volunteered for many functions at the United Methodist Church, belonged to the Woman's Auxiliary, and was a ballot clerk for the town on election day.

Barbara enjoyed joining close friends Bud and Christine Savage for many years working in the Treasury Office at Union Fair. While husband Walter (longtime Secretary) had the flare for the loudspeaker, Barbara was content to quietly help crunch out the numbers!

Few will soon forget Barbara's deep love for Christmas, spiritually and traditionally, keeping the season so alive with her passion for her thousands of Christmas tree decorations that provided her with a different theme every year. She loved to read and was a very popular face at Vose Library. Always busy and active publically, Barbara still found the time in retirement and between her travels with husband, Walt, to work on her books of family history.
Her close friends and family will remember Barbara's strength in handling family crisis head on and tirelessly. She did so much in providing care for her loved ones that saying a thousand Thank You's cannot begin to express the gratitude we all have for her. Her entire family feels truly blessed for all the years we shared together. Barbara was "truly one of a kind."

A small graveside ceremony will be held in Barbara's honor on August 19th at 11:00am at the East Union Cemetery. Per Barbara's wishes, no formal reception is planned before or after.
Hall's of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, visit her Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.