Longtime Anchorage resident Marcella M. Sturgeon, 67, died Sept. 6, 2009, surrounded by her family at Providence Alaska Medical Center. She fought a brave and spirited eight-month battle with cancer; no one questioned her will to live for a moment. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 8427 Jewel Lake Road, with a celebration of life at 4 p.m. at Tanglewood Golf Club. Marcella was born Aug. 26, 1942, in Zelienople, Pa., to LaVon and Zella Myers. She graduated from Zelienople High School and Robert Morris Business College. After graduation, Marcella worked in the Ellwood City accounting department for Mathews Conveyor. She met her husband, Pennsylvania native Ronald Sturgeon, at the local stock car races. Marcella and Ronald's relationship blossomed over long-distance correspondence, and they were married on Oct. 9, 1965. They drove the Alaska Highway with the intent of staying in Alaska for two years. They never left. Marcella first worked in the Anchorage city manager's office and later became Mayor George Sullivan's first secretary. In 1967, Ronald and Marcella opened Ronald's Hair Design, where she served as business manager and accountant for more than 39 years. Marcella and Ronald have two children, Judd Sturgeon and Kirstie Ostberg, who were born and raised in Anchorage. Marcella dedicated her life to the care of her family; she never missed a hockey game or a ski race. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing in the church bell choir, gardening and cooking. Marcella was a wonderful cook and enjoyed getting her family together for a homemade meal. She approached all aspects of her life with meticulous detail and was loved by all for her dedication in doing so. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Ronald Sturgeon; daughter and son-in-law, Kirstie and Erik Ostberg; son, Judd Sturgeon; and grandchildren, Emma, Adam, Annika and Andrew, all of Anchorage. Marcella is also survived by her mother, Zella Myers of Zelienople; sisters, Marjorie Pirie and Sue Ann Alderete of California; and many nieces and nephews. Marcella was preceded in death by her father, LaVon Myers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Marcella Sturgeon to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel. Published in adn.com from September 9 to September 10, 2009