BIDDEFORD — Rita Jeanine Huntley, 65, of Biddeford, died Monday Oct. 12, 2015, at her home after a lengthy illness.

She was born March 10, 1950 in Biddeford, daughter of Raymond and Gertrude (Provencal) Bellefeuille.

Rita graduated from University of Maine in 1971 and received her master’s degree in Education from University of Maine.

On Nov. 26, 1970 she married Orson “Butch” Huntley in St. Andre’s Church in Biddeford, they remained in Biddeford for their entire marriage and enjoyed traveling to destinations throughout the world together, in later years enjoying time in Pennsylvania, where they hoped to one day retire.

Rita had been a teacher of both Math and English at Mahoney Middle School in South Portland for over 25 years until her illness ended her career. She was a member of the National Teachers Association and the Maine Teachers Association and loved being a part of the profession. Even after her time in the classroom she continued to educate her children and grandchildren with fun activities and strategic games.

She enjoyed crafting, quilting, knitting, sewing, embroidery and card making .

Her most favorite times were spent with her grandchildren playing for hours and enjoying family time at home.

Rita is survived by: Orson “Butch” Huntley, her husband of nearly 45 years of Biddeford; one daughter, Crystal Huntley of Biddeford; Crystal’s two children, Jasmyn and Noah Grady; one son, Christopher Huntley and his wife Maureen of Farmington, Connecticut; and one brother, Raymond Bellefeuille of Casa Grande, Arizona.

There will be no visiting hours. Private family services will take place at a later date. Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. To share condolences online, please visit www.HopeMemorial.com.