Rita Collins of Fundy Road, Falmouth passed away on October 11, 2016 at Maine Medical Center, surrounded by her family.

Rita was born November 12, 1929 in Bethel to Raymond and Mona (Currier) Harthorne. She spent her early years in Norway before moving to Portland during World War II.

On August 30, 1946 she married Merwin Collins and moved to Moscow, where they lived for many years. They eventually moved to Belfast to be close to the ocean that she loved.

Rita was a very artistic person who saw the beauty in everything, and preserved the beauty in all of the paintings that she did. She loved music and spent many hours teaching herself to play the keyboard.

Rita enjoyed puttering in her flower garden and spent quiet time out on her patio among the roses, watching the birds. In her later years, she became quite the traveler. On various trips, she visited Alaska, Hawaii, the Bahamas, and Arizona, just to name a few.

More than anything, Rita loved spending time with her family, whether it was a day of shopping and lunch or a quiet visit with her at home. She felt that her children were her biggest accomplishment and brought the most joy to her life. She raised 13 and then had some very special foster children who shared her home. Rita especially treasured her time with all of the grandchildren. She was so loved, and touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Rita is survived by her beloved brother Lee and his wife Sarah Harthorne, seven daughters: Linda Collins and fiancé John Woollacott, Mrs. Ken (Anita) Rocksvold, Mrs Ed (Dianne) Duvault, Donna Norris, Mrs Tom (Lois) Bean, April Collins and fiancé Dana Kern, and Lisa Merrill, three sons: Merwin and Melissa Collins III, Wayne and Vicki Collins, and Jason and Ann Merrill as well as over 100 grand-, great-grand- and great-great-grandchildren.

Rita was predeceased by her parents, husband Merwin Collins, two sons: Raymond L and Michael M Collins, and a daughter: Sue Ann Collins.

There will be a viewing for family and friends starting at 10am at Giberson Funeral Home, 18 River Street in Bingham, followed by a Celebration of Life at noon. Committal service to follow at Pierce Cemetery in Solon. Please come share some memories and lunch with us after the services at the Legion Hall Post 99 on Meadow Street in Bingham.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home, Bingham.