Rita Ross Barker

Rita Ross Barker, 66, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, after a lengthy and valiant battle with cancer. Born on September 8th, 1959, to William Andrew “Billy” and Jane Ross in Greenville North Carolina. She was a graduate of J.H. Rose High School and Beaufort Community College where she received her degree in Nursing. Rita lived many years in Pamlico County near Grantsboro where she raised her family of 3 sons with her husband, Ashley Yates Cahoon.

Rita completed a long career as a labor and delivery nurse serving with compassion and providing care and comfort to many patients. After serving eastern NC for most of her career, she decided to become a traveling nurse for a few years in various communities in western states. During this time, Rita and her second husband, William "Bill" Barker, enjoyed traveling in a RV and seeing many beautiful sites in the nearby areas.

In addition to her loving and joyful personality, Rita was very friendly and enjoyed being around others. She enjoyed playing solitaire, putting her feet in the sand at the beach, home cooking, spending time with friends, and exploring new places. She loved and was extremely proud of her three sons; Ross, Tyler, and Jarod.

She is survived by three sons, Ross (Joyce) Cahoon, Tyler (Shelby) Cahoon, and Jarod Cahoon. She was a loving grandmother, "Nana", to her 7 grandchildren; Clementine, August, Ozell, Bayes, Lachlan, Killian, and Vera. She is also survived by two sisters, Tammy Haddock and Sherry Sugg; nephews Drew Haddock, Corey Sugg; nieces Emily Reckenbeil, Kristin Sugg; and many grand nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Andrew and Jane Ross, her husband Bill Barker, and former husband, Ashley Cahoon.

Rita’s love and legacy carries on in the hearts of her family, friends, the strangers she has touched, and all of the patients she cared for. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the many family members, caregivers, and friends who assisted in the care for Rita.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home, located at 52 Bryant St, Grantsboro, NC 28529, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00am.