Nearly 400 people attended today’s (Thursday) memorial service in Charles City for Evelyn Miller. The five-year-old girl was found last week in the Cedar River after disappearing July 1st from her mother’s apartment in Floyd. Noel Miller told those gathered for the funeral that her daughter, Evelyn, always was able to steal the hearts of those who knew her. Miller said the girl enjoyed dressing up, swimming, going to the park, being with her family and playing with her little brothers. “She was so precious and bright and I don’t understand how someone could be so cruel and selfish to do this,” she said. Noel said she was looking forward to seeing Evelyn go to middle school, prom, and all the things kids look forward to. Evelyn’s father, Andrew Christie, wrote a letter to his daughter which he read at today’s service. “I feel as though I have failed as your father,” he said. “I was not there to protect you from harm.” He says Evelyn will always mean the world to him. Reverend Phil Corr said Evelyn was not your typical five-year-old girl. The pastor called Evelyn smart, gifted and “everyone’s friend” who had a wisdom beyond her years. Evelyn’s death has been ruled a homicide. No suspects have been named and officials have remained tight-lipped about the investigation.