Ethel Rose Halas passed peacefully into the arms of her Creator on April 16, 2026. She was born to life through God’s grace on June 4, 1937 to Stephen J and Anna Ritsey, who preceded her in death, together with her sister, Anna Ritsey.

She was a 1955 graduated from Hoban Dominican High School in Cleveland, Ohio and earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in music and education in 1959, from Sienna Height College in Adrian, Michigan. Ethel loved educating and nurturing children, sharing her teaching and music talents at Cleveland Public Schools, St. Dominic Catholic School in Shaker Heights, Ortega Montessori in Jacksonville, Florida and St. Patrick Catholic School in Gainesville, Florida.

A talented church pianist & organist, she volunteered at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Shaker Heights, San Jose Catholic Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and St. Patrick Catholic Church in Gainesville, Florida. Her deep devotion to the Catholic faith was evident throughout her lifelong journey, guiding her actions, her values, and the love she shared with others.

At St. Paul’s Catholic Church in North Canton, Ethel was a Eucharistic Minister, founded and managed the Funeral Greeters Ministry, was active in the Woman’s Guild, and several other ministries including playing piano for masses at nursing homes. She enjoyed membership in numerous book clubs and the Massillon Women’s Club.

Ethel married Stephen F Halas, Jr. on August 19,1961, and was a loving and devoted wife and mother to her children, Patrice Marie Halas-Paterniti (Joe) and Stephen F. Halas, III (Denise); grandchildren, Stephen F. Halas-Wright (Quinn) and Allison Morrison (Andy); step-grandchildren, Beth and Sara Paterniti; and two great-grandchildren.

She was deeply beloved by her husband of 65 years, creating a lifetime of cherished memories, joy, friendship, and adventure. On their fiftieth wedding anniversary, Ethel surprised Steve by having his 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible restored, and then, was his companion in activities of the Antique Automobile Club of America.

Ethel and Steve enjoyed travelling widely with their children in the USA, and later as a couple, to foreign destinations and cruises. They especially enjoyed visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario, attending plays, visiting wineries and other events, many times together with close friends.

Ethel’s gracious and kind-hearted personality, graciousness and caring nature, effervescent laughter and quick wit, drew people to her quickly, captured by her sparkling eyes and contagious giggle. She lived her life guided by faith, dedicating herself to sharing her time, talents, and treasures in every aspect of her life. These characteristics carried into wonderful loving support for her husband Steve in his endeavors. Ethel took special pride in lovingly caring for her family, curating her beautiful home and colorful bounteous gardens. She walked through life with the soul of a naturalist—listening to birdsong as if it were a hymn and offering compassion to every creature great and small. In all, Ethel was a genuine and beautiful lady.

She found great joy in her life-long friendships and memorable family moments, welcoming them into her home, sharing her love of entertaining and cooking, and creating a lovely setting none were ever in a rush to leave. She was dearly loved. Those who knew her will remember a vibrant woman who was kind and generous, gracious and compassionate, someone who made others feel warmly welcomed into her world, by sharing her love, warmth of heart, generosity of spirit, and profound love for her family and friends.

The family welcomes relatives and friends for visitation on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Lamiell Funeral Home, Canton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Parish, North Canton. Father Simon Mino will serve as celebrant. Interment will follow the Mass at North Lawn Cemetery, Canton.

Ethel will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who have been blessed with the privilege of knowing and loving her. Ethel’s family invites all who knew her to join in honoring her life, offering prayers, and sharing memories of the joy she brought to the world at: www.lamiellfuneralhome.com.

Her Lord said unto her, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou unto the joy of thy Lord.”

-Matthew 25:23