Replies

From the AP Funeral held for slain, pregnant Ohio Marine

"Family and friends wept and prayed at a funeral Mass this morning, honoring a pregnant Ohio Marine found dead in North Carolina.

The service for Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach drew hundreds to St. Christopher Catholic Church near Dayton. U.S. authorities have said the man suspected of killing her in December, Marine Cpl. Cesar Laurean, has likely fled to Mexico.

Four uniformed marines wheeled Lauterbach’s coffin down the aisle to the strains of “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory.” A small silver casket bearing Lauterbach’s unborn child, who she had named Gabriel, was placed next to it.

The Lauterbach family sat together in the front row. Lauterbach’s mother, Mary, dabbed her eyes with tissues and her father, Vic, comforted Maria’s young brother, putting his arm on his shoulder.

The full church included uniformed Marines and military veterans. Also in attendance were students from Lauterbach’s former high school — Vandalia-Butler — in purple and gold letter jackets.

During his sermon, the Rev. Francis Keferl paid tribute to Lauterbach, saying she had a strong spirit. “We remember her athleticism and her competitive spirit. We remember that she wanted to serve her country as a Marine.”

“Our sister and brother, Maria and Gabriel, were suddenly violently from taken from us. Lord, come swiftly to their aid,” he prayed. Outside the church, about 200 members of the Patriot Guard, a veterans group who ride to military funerals on their motorcycles, lined the drive and stood at attention as the hearse bearing the casket arrived. A makeshift sign made of plastic foam cups read, “We Miss You, Maria.”".....