GORHAM — Rita Mae Bowman, 85, formerly of Gardiner and of Gorham, passed peacefully Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, with her family by her side at the Barron Center in Portland.

She was born in Augusta on Oct. 18, 1930, a daughter of Ernest O. and Effie (Bray) Knight.

She married Charles A. Bowman in July of 1949. They had three children, Phil Bowman of Naples, Linda Guidi of Gorham, who passed on Nov. 10, 2009, and Pamela Banker of Gorham.

She is also survived by her brother, Eugene Knight of Portland; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

She was predeceased by a grandchild in 1984; and her husband, Charles in 1998.

She had worked at Sebago Inc. as a hand stitcher for many years. Rita was an avid BINGO player. She loved spending time with her family, knitting and crocheting, and traveling in her later years.

Visiting hours were held Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A graveside service followed at the Litchfield Plains Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Barron Center, BC 11, 1145 Brighton Ave., Portland, ME 04102.