Whether they knew her or not, a large group of people convened Sunday afternoon in Earlham to pay their respects to the late Sabrina Ray of Perry.

The ceremony was organized by the Busch family, who are Sabrina’s biological relatives. The family was given the teen’s cremated remains a few weeks ago, after they had been held at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry for more than a year as the Department of Health and Human Services ruled on who had the rights to them. The celebration of life service was held at the Earlham Church of Christ, with a formal memorial officiated by Reverend Michael Walrod. The poignant service included music chosen with Sabrina in mind, and her biological father and brother, Joe and John Busch, lit candles together in her honor.

Following the public service, the family held a private burial for Sabrina’s remains, at long last putting her to rest. Among the group of mourners was a few members of local law enforcement and first responders, who were given special invitations by the Busch family. The individuals were thanked for everything they did during the ordeal on May 12, 2017, when Sabrina was found dead in the home of her adoptive parents, Marc and Misty Ray of Perry.