LEWISTON – Benjamin M. Stevens, 82, of Lewiston, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at Central Maine Medical Center with family at his side. He was born in Farmington and was one of five children born to Milburn and Dorothy (Strout) Stevens. Ben grew up and was educated in New Gloucester. After high school, he went on to serve in the Air Force for four years until he was honorably discharged, and later earned his Master’s Degree in Education Administration from the University of Maine at their Portland-Gorham campus.

On Oct. 2, 1965, he married the former Marilyn Hybers of South Portland. They settled in Marilyn’s hometown and raised their two children there. Ben spent most of his career as an elementary school teacher at the Jordan-Small School in Raymond where he was admired by many. Once Ben retired after roughly thirty-five years of teaching, he and Marilyn moved to Lewiston where they have lived ever since.

In his younger years, Ben enjoyed playing golf and going fishing with his son. In more recent years, he liked staying active by exercising at the CMMC gym and taking walks with his wife on warmer days. Ben developed a real knack for technology and always had to have the latest version of his gadgets. He could solve most technical issues and liked figuring problems out in general, as proven by his love for the game Wordle. He had a terrific sense of humor and was a very social person who easily connected with others.

Over the last decade or so, he especially appreciated getting together with friends from his coffee group at CMMC and reconnecting with former coworkers and students via Facebook. If it wasn’t his distinct chuckle or contagious smile that caught the attention of others, it was likely his choice of footwear. Ben was almost never caught in anything but socks and Birkenstocks, even in the middle of winter. Ben had the ability to make everyone around him feel appreciated, especially his family. He particularly enjoyed visits from his grandchildren, who thought the world of him. He was the most devoted, caring, and patient husband, father, and grandfather his family could ask for. He had nothing but love and pride for his family and made sure they knew it. Ben will be so dearly missed by many.

He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Marilyn Stevens, of Lewiston; his daughter, Inga Stevens, of Portland; his son, Zack Stevens, of Hudson, Mass.; his grandchildren, Lily and Lucas Damon, of Portland; his brother, David Stevens and sister in law, Cindy Tufts Stevens of New Gloucester; his sisters in law Beverly Stevens and Linda Clarke Stevens; and his nieces Tina Goodwin, Tracy Tyree, Tara Harter, and Terri Hawkes.

He was predeceased by his mother and father; his brothers, Jon and Vince Stevens; his sister Narvie Stevens; and his nephew Jonathan Stevens.

A celebration of Ben’s life will take place at The Fortin Group in LEWISTON on Saturday, February 11, from 1-3 p.m.

If you have a pair of Birkenstocks, please consider wearing them to the service in honor of Ben’s signature look.

To leave a message for the family in their online guestbook, please visit http://www.thefortingrouplewiston.com. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 70 Horton St. LEWISTON, 784-4584

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