Emotional farewell — Cultures mingle in tribute to young girl

SOUTH SALT LAKE — In a unique blending of cultures, people from a wide span of races and nationalities bid an emotional farewell Monday to a 7-year-old girl who captured the hearts of a community after she disappeared one week ago.

Services were held for Hser Ner Moo at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Haven Ward, 2280 S. 300 East. It was the same building used just a week ago as the command post in the search for the missing girl. Her body was found a day later in an apartment just 50 yards from her own.

Moo and her family moved from a refugee camp in Thailand in August to live in Utah and start a new life. The family is still learning how to speak English.

On Monday, both English-speaking and non-English-speaking people shared a common bond in mourning the loss of Moo. Hugs and tears were understood universally.

Members of Moo's family and other ethnic Karen people sat near the front of the chapel, many wearing traditional clothing called "Keka Soy Bloh," a colorful, poncho-like garment considered to be dressy among the Karens, who originate from south Myanmar and Thailand. Moo's family all wore red Keka Soy Blohs.

The rest of the congregation, some sitting in several overflow areas, included a mix of Bikers Against Child Abuse members in their leather jackets, LDS missionaries in suits and ties, and members of various law enforcement and fire agencies and others who helped search for Moo.

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and his wife attended Monday's funeral as well.

Cartoon Wah, Moo's father, was scheduled to speak at the service. But as he was walking toward the podium, Moo's mother, Pearlie Wah, stood up, briefly talked to her husband, and then took his place to address the congregation. It was the first time she had spoken publicly since her daughter disappeared.

"When she was alive, she was a very bright, beautiful girl," Pearlie Wah said. Wah spoke in Burmese, and an interpreter then repeated what she said.

"All her parents and brothers loved her the most," she said. "This time the Lord loves her most and asked for her back."

Wah called her daughter's kidnapping and slaying the "first bad thing that has happened to our family (since coming to America) and the worst." She also thanked all who worked to find her daughter and bring the case to a quick resolution.

Moo's uncle, Say Bloh, also addressed the congregation, saying that the Lord created both night and day.