Stella Gries

AUSTINTOWN - Prayers will begin Monday at 9:15 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, for Stella Gries, 92, who died Wednesday afternoon at home, surrounded by her family.

Stella was born March 11, 1922, in Youngstown, to Frank and Katherine (Szpak) Ryzner.

After the death of her mother at the age of 10, Stella helped raise her brothers and sisters. She spent her life as a homemaker who dedicated her life to her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Her faith was of great importance to her, as she was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for many years. She was a member of the retired Steel Workers of America and a member of SOAR.

Stella enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and traveling with her husband, siblings and children. She and her brothers and sisters enjoyed weekly card games and lunch.

She loved to celebrate special occasions, her favorite being the Ryzner Family Christmas and the Mogg's Court Reunions. Stella will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and known for her Polish specialties, pierogies and cabbage and noodles.

Stella's husband, Eugene Gries, whom she married Aug. 17, 1946, died Sept. 11, 1994.

She is survived by three daughters, Barbara (John "Bill") LaRosa of Austintown, Martha (Ish) Lopez of Canfield, and Rosemary (Dominic) Labato of Canfield; a son, Raymond (Gerry) Gries of Girard; a sister, Claire Harmson of Austintown; seven grandchildren, Pam Lang, Ray Gries Jr., Angie Neely, Dave LaRosa, Steve LaRosa, Nick, and Debbie Lopez; and nine great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Jonathan Lang, Kamryn Gries, Eric and Evan Neely, and Nicky and Evelyn Lopez, Zoe and Davey LaRosa.

Stella was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ann Godec and Mary Kowal and three brothers, Joseph (Ike) Ryzner, Anthony Ryzner and John Ryzner.

Family and friends may call Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Stella's children would like to express great appreciation to Aunt Claire for her help and support in the care of their mother and her sister.

The family has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4500 Norquest Blvd., Austintown, OH 44515, or All Caring Hospice, 6715 Tippecanoe Road, Canfield, OH 44406.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences.