LIBERTY — Steven Wayne Jewett, 76, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2016, at his residence, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Liberty on May 29, 1939, to Forrest and Lyndia (Fuller) Jewett Sr. He felt fortunate to have raised his family and spent most of his life in Liberty.

Steven was a 1957 graduate of Walker School, where he excelled as a basketball and baseball player along with other activities. After a short stint in college in Gorham, exploring the possibility of becoming a physical education teacher, he married his high school sweetheart, Janice Rhodes. Following a brief move to Massachusetts, they returned to Liberty to purchase the farm that became the center of their family life.

Steve was an early riser and enjoyed farm life and the tasks that came with it, such as cutting wood, haying, and taking care of his cows and fences. He was a hard working man who enjoyed being involved in the community. He sold Christmas trees in Augusta for more than 23 years and looked forward to seeing his repeat customers every season.

He was predeceased by his parents; six siblings; and his son, Matthew S. Jewett. Steve is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janice Rhodes of Liberty; his children, Duane Jewett and his wife, Kimberly, Camilla Jewett, and Darrell Jewett and his wife, Coleen, all of Liberty, and Nathan Jewett and his wife, Elayna, of Connecticut; his daughter-in-law, Gale Light of Jefferson; his sister, Ernestine Hooper and her husband, Earnest, of Washington; his sisters-in-law, Beverly of Jefferson and Marilyn of Liberty and Florida; his grandchildren, Rachel and her husband, Shane Pezzullo, Erica and her fiance, Joel Hill, Abby, Manda and her husband, Dan Cushman, Gavin, Sonoma and Tonika; his great-grandchildren, Kale and Oliver; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friend are invited to call on Wednesday, May 4, from 4 to 6 p.m at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave. in Belfast. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 5, at 4 p.m. at Liberty Community Hall.

Those who wish may make donations in Steve's memory to Waldo County Hospice.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the many caregivers who assisted Steve and provided comfort for him and his family over the last few months of his life.