Video: Watch KCCI's Report Evelyn disappeared from her home July 1. Her body was found days later in the Cedar River.
The Rev. Phil Corr tried to focus on the positives of Miller's short life. But even he acknowledged that it's very difficult when something like this happens to someone so young.
Candy necklaces greeted attendees at the front door of the First Congregational Church in Charles City. They were her favorite candy.
Evelyn played with friends, laughed and grinned like any other child.
In the church sanctuary, a tiny urn with candles behind it was surrounded by teddy bears and dozens of flower arrangements. There was also a picture of a happy, smiling girl who's now gone.
"She was so, so precious and bright. And I don't understand how someone could be so cruel and selfish to do this to so many who loved and cared for Evelyn. So much I can't even explain. She hadn't even experienced life at her age," said Noel Miller, Evelyn's mother.
Noel Miller tries to come to terms with losing her daughter, who she called Evey.
Evelyn's father didn't live at home with her, and it now haunts him that he wasn't around when she disappeared in the night.
"I hope that you understand how much I love you and how much I miss you, how much all of us love and miss you. Yet I feel as though I have failed as your father. I was not there to protect you, to keep you from harm. And I was not there in your most desperate time of need," said Andy Christie, Evelyn's father.
During the family's time of need when Evelyn disappeared, hundreds of people searched for Evelyn. Some of those same people joined Evelyn's family and friends, to remember her.
"It seems like yesterday she was in my arms and I was rocking her to sleep. Taking her first steps and telling me how much she loved me," Noel Miller said.
Previous Stories:
- July 14, 2005: Governor: DHS Responded Properly To Tips About Miller
- July 14, 2005: Family, Community Encouraged To Celebrate Miller's Life
- July 14, 2005: Miller's Funeral Takes Place Thursday
- July 13, 2005: $5,000 Reward Offered In Miller Case
- July 13, 2005: Evelyn Miller Criminal Probe Continues
- July 12, 2005: Governor Speaks About Request For Miller Case File
- July 12, 2005: Vilsack To Review Files In Miller Case
- July 12, 2005: DHS Had Contact With Evelyn Miller's Family Before Child's Death
- July 11, 2005: Miller Case Now Called Homicide
- July 11, 2005: Miller's Funeral Scheduled For Thursday
- July 10, 2005: Men Who Last Saw Miller Speak Out