FARMINGTON – Barbara Atwood Morton, 86, of Farmington, died on March 11, at her home on Fairbanks Road, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born July 30, 1918, in New Portland, on the family farm near the wire bridge. The daughter of Earl Atwood and Marion Davis Atwood, she was educated in New Portland and then the Farmington Town School before graduating from Farmington High School in 1936. She married Richard G. Morton at his grandparents’ home on Perham Street in Farmington, on March 8, 1941.

Prior to her marriage, she worked in numerous local restaurants, the J.J. Newberry 5 and 10 cents store, and as a New England Telephone Co. operator. Thereafter, she became a devoted wife and mother, who made her extended family her life’s work. Her time with Dick in New Jersey, where he worked as an engineer before World War II, and with her sister, Olive, in Wichita and St. Louis as they waited with their children for Dick to return from the war were special memories for her. She took great pride in the fact her forebears helped to settle New Vineyard, New Portland and Embden, and she spoke often of her youthful days next to the Carrabassett River.

She was a Brownie Scout and Cub Scout leader for her children, and she attended almost every game, concert and performance of her children and grandchildren. She provided child care, long-term or on a moments notice, for all her grandchildren.

She was a longtime member of Old South Congregational Church in Farmington, serving for many years in the Old South Guild and Women’s Fellowship, and cooking to support the many church fairs, suppers and receptions. She was beloved by all for her thoughtful notes, cards and letters. She often accompanied Richard during his service as a legislator and member of the Governor’s Council, and he greatly valued her advice and insights.

She is survived by her husband, Dick; two daughters, Marilyn Hylan and her husband, Dan, of Farmington, and Patricia Larson and her husband, Ed, of North Wayne; a son, Richard M. Morton and his wife, Joyce, of Farmington; grandchildren, Marion Hylan Barr of Hallowell, Daniel F. Hylan of Cannan, Rebecca Larson of Washington D.C., Christina Larson of North Wayne, and John D. Morton and Miles L. Morton, both of New York City; a great-granddaughter, Clio Barr; two sisters, Olive Bailey and her husband, George, of Sarasota, Fla., and Shirley Hawkens and her husband, William, of Derby, Vt.; her sister-in-law, Doris Atwood of North New Portland; and several much loved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two brothers, Donald Atwood of Wilton and Earl “Bussie” Atwood of Farmington; two sisters, Gretchen Bell of Bucksport and Norma Decker of Bucksport; her husband’s sister, Betty Austin and her husband, Nelson “Sonny” Austin.