Helen L. (Bednarz) Stevens

Helen L. (Bednarz) Gatts-Stevens

Born September 22, 1929, Helen passed away on May 14, 2023 at the age of 93. She enjoyed a full life with her late husband, her two sons, two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Following her graduation from Canton Lincoln High School, Helen married George “Bud” Gatts and they had two sons, Gary and George. After Bud’s passing at the age of 30, she went to work to support her family, often working two jobs at a time. Years later, in 1966, she married Paul Stevens. They spent many happy years together until Paul’s passing in 2022.

While Helen liked her work at Montgomery Ward, she enjoyed retirement even more - reading, crocheting, needle-pointing and especially visiting and spending time with her family and friends. Helen and Paul often hosted ‘old-friend reunions’ featuring great homemade food and lots of stories.

She always had a soft spot for animals, often taking in strays and helping others find new homes. She was a regular contributor to the Stark County Humane Society.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Julius Bednarz (1943) and Marie (Bednarz) Ruble (1999), and husbands, Paul Stevens (2022) and George “Bud” Gatts (1957).

She is survived by her sons, Gary Gatts (Maryanne) and George Gatts (Sheila); grandchildren, Audra and Geoff; great-grandchildren, Anna, Isaac, Ellen, Maeve, George and Ophelia; one sister, Joan Stage; and several nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved dearly.

Family and friends will be received at the Rossi Family Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Funeral services will begin in the funeral home at 1 p.m., with Rev. Fr. Benson Okpara as celebrant. Entombment to follow at North Lawn Cemetery.

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