Marsha S. Stas 1947-2026

Born Dec. 4, 1947, in McKeesport, Pa., Marsha was the eldest daughter of Elmer and Dorothy Soles Haidle. From an early age, she carried the natural sense of responsibility and care that would define her throughout her life.

Marsha began her professional career at Schwebel’s Baking Company, where she worked as a data processor for 17 years. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert T. Stas. Their shared days at Schwebel’s led to a lifetime partnership, and they were married Sept. 10, 1977, in Youngstown. Though they did not have children of their own, they poured their hearts into their nieces and nephews, loving and supporting them as if they were their own. In later years, their beloved dog, Cooper, completed their family and was cherished beyond measure.

After Schwebel’s, Marsha continued her career at the Ohio Utilities Protection Service. What began as a role in customer service grew into a 27-year tenure that culminated in her retirement as operations supervisor — a testament to her reliability, leadership and dedication. Marsha was the kind of person coworkers depended on: organized, patient and always willing to help solve a problem.

Outside of work, Marsha delighted in the things that made life sweet. She was an avid reader who could lose hours in a good book, loved shopping and had an eye for decorating that made any space feel welcoming. She especially delighted in collecting Santa Claus figurines, each one carefully chosen and proudly displayed, reflecting her love of tradition and holiday cheer. She also had a well-known fondness for Handel’s ice cream — so much so that she could happily make a meal out of it and call it a perfect day.

Some of Marsha’s happiest memories were made while traveling with her sisters and niece, enjoying sun-filled vacations to Punta Cana and Mexico. Those trips were filled with laughter, shared stories and the easy companionship that only comes from deep family bonds.

Marsha is survived by her sisters, Marlene Stamp, with whom she resided, and Melanie Vallinger, both of Poland; nieces, Amy (Tom) Hackstedde of Poland and Cheryl (Jim) Mosier of Austintown; nephews, Aaron (Sylvia) Stamp, Tyler (Ericka) Vallinger and Trent (Dee) Vallinger, all of Poland; and her treasured great-nieces and great-nephews, Kelsey (Dom DeToro), Logan and Cameron Hackstedde; Aidan, Constantine, Arianna, Christian, Malena and Markella Stamp; and baby boy Vallinger expected in May. Each of them carries forward her kindness, her humor and the quiet ways she made them feel loved.

Marsha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert; her parents, Elmer and Dorothy Haidle; and her brother-in-law, John Vallinger.

In honoring Marsha’s wishes, there will be no services. Those who knew and loved her are invited instead to remember her in the small joys she cherished — a good book, a beautifully decorated room, time spent with family or perhaps a scoop (or two) of ice cream shared in her memory.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.

(special notice)