Overflowing crowd remembers Kyra

First it was tears.

Then giggles.

Then, hands tucked in the sleeves of their hoodies, the wiping away of more tears.

Then a smile - each time one of the half-dozen Carson Middle School friends of Kyra Conway, the 11-year-old Carson girl who died suddenly last Tuesday after contracting influenza B and pneumonia, heard another take the stage and recall a "Kyra story."

Tales of Kyra's strong will and endearing quirks lit up the Brewery Arts Center Ballroom as hundreds gathered to remember the little girl who touched the life of "everyone she met."

Those words were spoken by brother, Mitchell, 18, who eulogized his sister before mourners who overflowed the ballroom into the lobby, where dozens more watched the memorial on a closed-circuit television.

"Kyra ... wow," he said clearing his throat from tears. "She was truly one-of-a-kind; unchanged, untouched ... her smile ... the glint in her eye; she touched so many people with a glance - (she had) a spirit that kicked and kicked and never quit.

"She was taken from us early - but I feel like she'll always be guiding me."

Jorie Buckner, a family friend who knew Kyra "before she was born," shared with attendees a fond memory of a recent trip to Disneyland with her best friend.

"I'm looking at this doll she got there," she said. "I remember she just wanted it so bad. And it was weird, it looked funny - it scared me.

"Kyra got it and then brought it home and kept scaring me with it. I hate that thing ..."

The audience laughed appreciatively, as Jorie paused: "But I love you Kyra. I don't know how to say good-bye."

Outside the center, pre-teens and teens, many of whom were active in local youth groups and the performing arts community with Kyra, held their own impromptu eulogies, laughing about their friend's impromptu improv sessions and playful spirit.

"I met Kyra last summer at an improv (camp)," said Jacob Linstorm, who also sang a song in memory of Kyra. "She was the one you always wanted to be partnered in a (scene) with, because you knew it'd be memorable."

Brother Mitchell recalled his sister's tendency to fill rooms with laughter from an early age.

"She would just make up these little plays, right off the top of her head, and have everyone screaming," he said.

Drama coach Carol Scott said Kyra "was never afraid to share her ideas."

"Whether it was costuming or her part, she never held back," she said. "Her last play with (Wildhorse Children's Theater) was 'High School Musical' - and I looked at her (in costume) her hair curled, make-up on and I realized how much she'd grown up."

Rev. Pat Hardy, a family friend, said Kyra's hand was offered back to God last week, but it's that same hand her family, friends and the Carson community will "never, never, ever, ever let go -never."

• Reporter Andrew Pridgen can be reached at apridgen@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-7219.