Starla McDonald Simeon

MOORHEAD, Minn. -  Starla was born on May 19, 1969, in Frankfurt, Germany, to John D. McDonald and Starla Wight McDonald. Upon return to the United States, the family moved to Laurel, Mont., where Starla was raised. She graduated from Laurel High School in 1987. Starla was active in the cross country running team as well as a saxophone player in the Laurel High School Band.

Starla was a very special and unique person to all the individuals she knew. Starla had an incredible love for all animals, the color purple and the SyFy channel, which never could be turned off. Starla was a beautiful woman who loved her makeup, hair and clothes.

Starla left this world on the wings of an angel on Nov. 21, 2013, after a long, courageous battle with Huntington's disease, with her mother and family by her side.

Starla leaves behind a daughter, Jayla, and a son, Jordan, both of Moorhead. Starla was loved by her family including her mother, Star Rolison; stepfather, Guy Rolison; three sisters, Krystal McDonald, Jonnie (Dave) McLeod and Samantha (D.J.) Ecker; step-sisters Ashley and Charlie Rolison; grandparents Harold and Nelda Clinger; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Starla was also surrounded by the wonderful staff members of REM House in Moorhead and special friend Henry Koop. Starla was preceded in death by her father, John D. McDonald; grandmothers, Mary Lofing and Kathryn Rolison; and her uncle, Bill McDonald.

A service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Laurel United Methodist Church at 404 Third Ave. Cremation has taken place. Starla will be put to rest with her father at the Lewistown Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Red River Valley, 1701 38th St. S., Fargo, ND 58103, or the Huntington Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Ave., Suite 902, New York City, NY 10018.