Oresta "Rusty" Hale

Oresta "Rusty" Hale, 82, went peacefully into the arms of our Lord on March 16, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky. She was born on June 20, 1943, in Przemyśl, Ukraine. After WWII, Oresta and her family sought refuge in a displaced person's camp in Germany. In 1949, the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Chicago. There, she was an active member of the Ukrainian community where she participated in several activities, including serving as a troop leader for Plast, a Ukrainian Scouting Organization. Oresta was presented as a debutante at 18 and volunteered at various organizations.

Oresta pursued her education with dedication and excellence. She graduated from Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart in Chicago in 1961, and earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Kentucky in 1965. In 1982, Oresta achieved a master's degree in education with a Rank I certification from Eastern Kentucky University. Her passion for learning translated into a remarkable career as a teacher at Morton Middle School in Lexington, where she inspired countless students over more than three decades.

Retirement from her teaching career didn't slow Oresta down at all. She was very active in several organizations, including the Suburban Woman's Club, Lexington Philharmonic Guild, American Association of University Women, and the "Let's Go" group of the University of Kentucky Women's Club. If you needed a member on your committee or someone to organize and plan your events, Oresta was your woman!

Oresta cherished time spent with her family and friends above all else. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, John David, and a loving mother to Brian (Lara) and Mira (Ron). Oresta balanced a busy career as well as family life and was able to attend all her children's school and sporting events at Lexington Catholic High School and Spindletop Club, then come home and share a lovely dinner and evening with her husband whom she loved very much.

Oresta's grandchildren, Josie and Nathaniel, brought immense joy to her life. She shared a special bond with them, often cooking traditional Ukrainian dishes together or reminiscing about her childhood and adolescence through funny stories. She and her granddaughter had a yearly tradition of attending Afternoon High Tea together, and her grandson will never forget helping his Chabba (grandmother) navigate while driving around Washington, D.C.

Oresta's faith was a cornerstone of her life. A devout Catholic, she was an active parishioner at The Cathedral of Christ the King. Her commitment to her faith provided strength and guidance throughout her journey.

Oresta embraced life with grace, intelligence, and an outgoing spirit. Her warmth extended beyond family; she was known as a kind friend who touched the lives of many.

Oresta was predeceased by her parents, Mira and Julian Maly; and her brothers, Larry and Jerry Maly. Her legacy lives on through those who loved her dearly.

May Oresta "Rusty" Hale's memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at a visitation on Thursday, March 26th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Milward - Southland located at 391 Southland Drive, Lexington, KY. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 27, at The Cathedral of Christ the King at 9:00 a.m., 299 Colony Blvd, Lexington, KY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Oresta's memory to United Help Ukraine (www.unitedhelpukraine.org).

To share a remembrance of Oresta or to offer condolences to her family, please visit milwardfuneral.com to sign the tribute portion of her obituary page.