OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) — The family and friends of Keriann Beach, who was killed in a murder-suicide on Saturday, September 22, focused on her memory while making preparations to lay her to rest.

Funeral services for Keriann were held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday in the Atlantic Avenue United Brethren Church, in Franklin, and while the family is mourning their loss, they also have to deal with concerns about the funeral expenses.

“Everyone (wanted) Keriann to have the beautiful service that she deserved, and our family doesn’t have much money,” Keriann’s niece Emily Edmondson told exploreVenango.com.

“Keriann was the light. She was the sun. When she walked into a room, you knew it. She was kind-hearted and loved fiercely. She cared about everyone and went out of her way to make people feel like they weren’t alone. She was my best friend.”

Keriann’s sister Jamie Cramer added that “she had a big heart, always worried about making others happy. She was fun-loving and caring. She would have done almost anything for anyone in the need of help.”

With concerns about Keriann’s funeral arrangements in mind, Jamie started a GoFundMe campaign on Monday, September 24, to help the family with expenses.

As of Wednesday evening, the campaign had already exceeded its goal of $1,800.00 by raising over $2,500.00 in just three days.

According to Jamie, the fundraising helped them plan for a full funeral service, rather than the simple cremation she had thought they would have to have when she first set up the account.

“It was nice to see so many people donate,” Jamie said. “I was really surprised because there’s so much hate and anger around now. I just didn’t expect so much support.”

Jamie also noted that Home Depot, where Keriann had worked, also offered to help with funeral expenses.

“Then, if there’s extra from the GoFundMe, my mom wants to donate whatever is left to PPC Violence Free Network, and I agree completely.”

Keriann’s friends are also seeking to help her family cover expenses, while also raising awareness about domestic violence in Venango County.

Dylan Confer came up with the idea of a car show in memory of Keriann and reached out to Colton Kemmick, another of Keriann’s friends who also manages the Franklin Dairy Queen.

Colton agreed to host the event at the Dairy Queen, and Confer began getting the word out to the community.

“She was a true friend, and that’s how she was to all of her friends. Her smile and laugh are burned into my memory,” said Dylan.

“I’ve received an overwhelming response. It’s been amazing to see the community respond the way it has.”

“When I saw how many people shared this, I was floored. So many people have come to my aid without me having to go to them; they sought me out. I didn’t realize I’d get so much support.”

The car show is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 29, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Franklin Dairy Queen, with proceeds to benefit her family.

Any motorized vehicles will be welcome. There is no donation required; however, donations will be accepted and appreciated. In case of rain, an alternate date will be announced at a later time.

Dylan noted that although the event is in honor of Keriann, and will probably include some people saying a few words in her memory, it is also about much more.

“This is for anyone affected by domestic abuse or domestic violence,” explained Dylan.

Representatives from PPC Violence Free Network will be at the event with a booth and literature about help available for those dealing with domestic violence, according to Confer.

Dylan said that any donations that go beyond what the family needs to help with funeral expenses will go in part to help Keriann’s mother with living expenses while she recovers from her loss, and in part to local organizations like PPC Violence Free Network that help people who are dealing with domestic violence.

“She was absolutely the most kind, loving person you would ever meet,” her cousin Bev Whitman said. “She had a heart of gold. Loved her family with her whole heart and was just breathtakingly beautiful. She was loved beyond what words could ever describe. She touched so many people and was loved by so many.”