Kimberly "Kimmie" Daily Honored at Memorial, Friends Speak of Warmth, Smile and Love of Life
PUYALLUP, Wash. (CBS/KIRO) Kimberly "Kimmie" Daily's friends and family gathered Wednesday to remember the girl who was always smiling and tried to put the tragic ending to her life out of their minds, if only for a little while.
PICTURES: Kimberly "Kimmie" Daily Murdered
Kimmie disappeared Aug. 17 while walking home from a friend's house, her body was found a week later in a tangle of blackberry bushes. An 18-year-old neighbor, Tyler Savage, has been charged with aggravated first degree murder, he is being held without bail.
The developmentally-disabled girl was remembered as a sweet and friendly young woman who would talk to anybody.
"Kimmie had a way with life that made every day special," family friend Marshelle Rodin said during the service, according to CBS affiliate KIRO. She believed "that hugs do indeed cure most anything that ails you."
More than 600 mourners attended the service, including a contingent from Rogers High School and fellow Special Olympics athletes. Each person was given a single rose as they entered the Calvary Community Church in Sumner, Wash., about 35 miles south of Seattle. Sheri Potter, a volunteer who traveled to Puyallup to help in the search for Kimmie and stayed to help plan her funeral, said Kimmie's father wanted everyone to get a rose to celebrate his beloved daughter's life, according to The News Tribune.
Potter also told the paper that because Kimmie could never choose a favorite color - "she loved them all" - bouquets of a rainbow of colored balloons would adorn her casket at the funeral.
There was no shortage of friends who came forward to talk about Kimmie, the Tribune reported.
A shy teammate on the Rogers High School Special Olympics basketball team, Joshua Wojala, said simply "I love her so much."
"She was the best friend anyone could have," Asha Taft, who had known Kimmie since kindergarten, said. "Your death affected all of Puyallup...The skies are darker without you."
MORE ON CRIMESIDER
August 27, 2010 - Kimmie Daily Update: Was Suspect Tyler Savage Inspired by Game?
August 26, 2010 - Candlelight Vigil Held for Kimberly "Kimmie" Daily, Slain Wash. Teen
August 26, 2010 - Kimberly "Kimmie" Daily Murdered: Suspect Pleads Not Guilty In Developmentally-Disabled Girl's Slaying
