1934 – 2015

AUBURN  — Reta J. (Owens) Herrick, 81, of Poland, passed away peacefully at Clover Manor, Auburn, on Tuesday, Dec. 8, with her family by her side.

She was born in Wilton on Jan. 24, 1934, to Austin and Margaret (Williams) Owens, the oldest of five children. She attended schools in Canton, Lisbon and Wales, graduating from Oxford High School in 1952. She married her high school sweetheart, Francis L. Herrick, on June 20, 1952. They lived in Welchville, Rumford and then in Canton where they continued to raise their four children.

She worked at Livermore Shoe Company, Wainwright Farms and the Victorian Villa in Canton. After moving to Florida, she did some baby-sitting for friends.

She was a member of the Canton Baptist Church where she taught Sunday and vacation Bible school. In the late 1970s, Reta and Francis moved to Hobe Sound, Fla., where they made their home for 30 years and belonged to the Stuart Community Baptist Church where she had many dear friends.

She is survived by her son, Bradley Herrick and wife, Bonita, of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; her son, Douglas Herrick of South Paris; her daughter, Cindy Arsenault and husband, Brent, of Poland; her son, Brian Herrick and wife, Helen, of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; her sister, Alice Linscott and husband, Sidney; and her sister, Patricia Fry of Oxford. She had nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

She was predeceased by her husband, Francis, of 63 years by just 10 days; her parents, Austin and Margaret; her brothers, Everett and Robert.

She will always be remembered with love for the wonderful, loving, kind and caring person she was. We will miss you, Mom, until we meet again; rejoice in Heaven with all of your loved ones.

The family would like to thank the staff at Clover Health Care Facility and the Androscoggin Hospice team for the care that was given to her while there.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.