Leala "Grace" Sturm

Leala “Grace” Sturm, age 85, passed away, in her sleep, June 23, 2025, after a twelve plus year battle with Alzheimer's. Born, October 21, 1939, in Canton, Ohio, to the late Merle and Alice Mercer.

Grace served on the PTA until her last child was out of elementary school. In the late 70’s she and dad made the decision to find a church and never looked back. A member of Forest Hill Community Christian Church, mom accepted Jesus as her savior and as a church member she served in the nursery, church choir, was Ladies Guild President, Church Secretary, and Awana Secretary over the years. Evening hymn sings were one of her favorite times at church.

She enjoyed attending all the activities her children and grandchildren participated in. Hot or cold, rain or snow, mom and dad never missed a football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, or softball game, nor did she miss cheerleading, baton, ballet, talent shows and other school activities.

Later in her 70’s she was a volunteer for Child Evangelism Fellowship as a helper at Good News Club at Forest Hill CLC, the very elementary school her children attended.

She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend. She is survived by her loving husband, of 67 years, Francis “Sonny.” Her children David (Brenda), Mark, Denise, and Sandy. Grandchildren; Tony (Tara), Shayne (Shyra), Bethany, Sarah, and Brandon (Katie) as well as eight great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents Merle and Alice Mercer, brothers Harry and Bernie Mercer, and sisters, Mary Gallo and Jean McKee and nieces Susie, Janet, Shelly, and nephew, Jeff.

Memorial Service will be held at 4 pm, Thursday, July 10th at Forest Hill Community Christian Church, 724 Damon St, Akron, OH 44310. Pastor Roy Durieux officiating with the assistance of Pastor Clyde Votaw and Pastor Richard Bowman.

Grace and the family kindly request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to support three nonprofit organizations that were meaningful to her:

Hickory Ridge Nursing & Retirement Center, the nursing home where she resided the last two and a half years.

Forest Hill Community Christian Church, where Grace and Sonny were longtime members.

• First Baptist Church of Tallmadge, where Sonny is currently a member.

Donations may be mailed to Sturm Family Irrevocable Trust at 848 Southeast Ave, Tallmadge OH 44278. Please mark the envelope “Grace Sturm.” All contributions will be evenly distributed among the three organizations.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home, 330-535-9186.