3 display strength as they say farewell

CEDAR HILLS — As three members of the Ceran family marked the passing of three of their loved ones, the survivors found the strength to stand in front of hundreds and reaffirm their faith in God.

In a small but steady voice, Caleb Ceran, 12, bore his testimony Saturday at the funeral for his mother, older brother and younger sister, who were killed in an automobile accident in the pre-dawn hours of Christmas Eve. Five other Ceran children had preceded them in death.

"I'm so grateful that I'll get to see my family again," he said at a packed stake center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "They are so happy now."

Cheryl Lynne Smith Ceran, 47; Ian James Ceran, 15, and Julianna Janae Ceran, 7, were killed when an alleged drunken driver of a pickup truck ran a red light and slammed into the Cerans' car. Carlos Rodolfo Prieto, 24, now faces multiple felony charges, including three counts of automobile homicide.

The Ceran family was headed home about 2:30 a.m. Dec. 24 after doing some late-night shopping and attending a cast party for the Hale Centre Theatre production of "A Christmas Carol."

The Charles Dickens classic is loved by President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the LDS Church's First Presidency, who spoke at the funeral. Borrowing from one of the story's characters, Tiny Tim, President Monson said, "May God bless us, every one."

President Monson read a letter to Gary Ceran from the LDS First Presidency, reminding Ceran and his remaining two children that death is an essential step in the journey to exaltation. He also told everyone that the time for tears had passed and that Saturday was a day to smile and learn from the Cerans as they "look to God and live."

Gary Ceran's brother, Erol Ceran, read from each of the three Ceran obituaries, which were written by Gary.

Julianna was remembered as a source of strength, joy and comfort to her mother. Gary said later during the service that his youngest daughter had a sweet innocence and soft laughter and that her death will leave a "gaping" hole in the Ceran home.

Ian was known for his musical talents, creating songs others have called "heavenly" and "not of this world." The "boyish giant" was a leader in his church and, in his father's words, an extraordinary teen.

Cheryl Lynne's obituary described her as a selfless person who loved the things her husband loved. She was called the "sun" that brought light into her husband's life.