Remembering a Little Angel

Posted by Arlyssa Becenti | May 12, 2016 | News |

Thousands attend funeral, Mike remembered as kind and sweet

Navajo Times | Donovan Quintero
New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez addresses those who attended Ashlynne Mike’s funeral on May 6 in Farmington.

FARMINGTON

Ashlynne Mike’s little white casket was placed in the center of the Farmington Civic Center stage Friday morning surrounded by colorful, bright flowers.

Navajo Times | Adron Gardner
Balloons drift to the Window Rock during a memorial service for Ashlynne Mike at Window Rock Tribal Park & Veteran’s Memorial Friday.

With slideshows on either side of the civic center showing pictures of her playing the xylophone, as well as her artwork she had drawn, her family stood up and spoke about their unique and talented daughter and sister.

“How do I begin a farewell, when I still can’t believe you are gone?” said Pamela Foster as she gave her daughter’s eulogy. “Our little angel, whose life was short-lived. However, her beauty and magic will linger forever in our hearts and in those whom she’s touched.”

Before the beginning of the services it was announced that there were 3,000 people waiting outside wanting to attend the service.

Since Mike’s abduction was first reported last Monday, there had been widespread support throughout the Navajo Nation and New Mexico to help find her. Mike’s body was found not far from the Shiprock Pinnacle the next day. Afterward, an even greater number of people came together to show their grief and outrage.

“I’m heartbroken as I stand here today,” said New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, who spoke at the funeral. “The many people who loved Ashlynne described her as fun-loving and always smiling. She was kind and quiet. She would’ve gone on to make a much better place.”