It with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Rita Marie Barnes on December 31, 2025. Rita was born on May 19, 1931 to her parents, Alphonse Xavier Albert and Florence Chiasson Albert of Athol, Massachusetts.

Rita graduated from Athol High School in Athol, Massachusetts and went straight into the work force. She held many jobs over the years but was very fond of her work as a Telephone Operator and Cafeteria Worker. Rita was also a devoted volunteer. She loved going to nursing homes and visiting with the elderly. She often played piano for them to enjoy.

Rita enjoyed being in musicals at Memorial Hall while she lived in Athol. Her favorite musical to be in was "My Fair Lady" and often shared memories from it.

Rita married Thomas George Reynolds in 1955 and they had 5 children together. Rita and Thomas were married for many years before his passing.

Rita met and married the love of her life, Loriston "Lori" Barnes after a class reunion and they spent 15 happy and wonderful years together before his passing.

Rita loved spending time in her garden. She became her own "landscaper" making her garden beautiful with the flowers she grew. Rita always worked hard to make her house a home. She kept it tidy and decorated it in ways that made her happy. She was a devoted mother spending much of her early life taking care of her children. Rita always ensured that they had everything they needed and raised them with the best care she could give.

The last 5 years of Rita's life were spent making Edmond, West Virginia her home. She lived with her son Gary, his wife Laura, and their son Wil on their farm in her own little home near them and called all the wild animals "her neighbors". Rita's final years were with Lori and her family in Edmond were very happy ones.

Rita was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; daughter, Sally Catherine Pollard; and her sisters, Laura Cwartkowsky, Eva Dumas, Florence Casavant, and Clara Kachinsky.

Rita is survived by her children, Gary Reynolds and wife Laura Leigh Davis, Colleen Roberts and husband Wesley, Michael Reynolds, and Denise Reitzel and husband Nicholas; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; special daughter-in-law, Brenda; and many other nieces, nephews, and family members who will miss her dearly.

In accordance with her wishes, Rita will be cremated. Melton Mortuary and Cremation Center has the honor of serving the family. Please visit www.meltonmortuary.com <http://www.meltonmortuary.com/> to leave expressions of sympathy or condolences to the family.