Bessie Vlahos, age 93 of Canton, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. She was born in Canton on January 26, 1932 to the late Nick and Simela (Keloglou) Paul. Bessie graduated from Timken High School, and after worked various banks in the area including Dime Bank, Central Trust, and People's Merchants Bank. Bessie was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and the Greater Canton Writers' Guild, Inc.

She spent twenty five years as a dancer, being one of the original dancers, and co-founder, of the Canton Ballet Company. Bessie was also a dancer for the Civic Opera for ten years, performing in shows such as Carousel, Oklahoma, Song of Norway, Brigadoor, Music Man, Merry Widow, and Where's Charley. For the Canton Players Guild she danced in Annie Oakley, and for the Art-Fare Summer Theater, she danced in Flower Drum Song and Oklahoma once again.

In addition to her parents, Bessie was preceded in death by her husband Harry Vlahos; sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Angelo Venditti; brother and sister-in-law Paul and Angie Paul.

Bessie is survived by her son Denny Vlahos of Canton; sister Georgia (John) McDonald; brother Harry (Sharon) Paul; cousin George (Jill) Tsaftarides of George's Menswear in Canton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Private family services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Interment to be in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations, in Bessie's name, may be made to the Canton Civic Ballet or the Canton Museum of Art.

ROSSI (330) 492-5830

www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com