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Mourners follow Olivia “Lynn” Brandise Hyten’s casket to say their last goodbyes. Services for Brandise Hyten, 15, were Wednesday at Palm Mortuary. The Henderson teen was killed in a car crash early Saturday morning.

By Frances Vanderploeg (contact)

Wed, Nov 19, 2008 (2:59 p.m.)

Dressed in a peach-colored party dress, Ajah Brandise Hyten stood in front of a few hundred people inside the chapel at Palm Mortuary in Green Valley today. Classical music flowed from her violin, as friends and family members embraced each other or ran their fingers along pocket-size photos of Ajah's 15-year-old sister, Olivia Brandise Hyten.

She might be a little shaky, Ajah warned the somber audience beforehand, but it would just add to the vibrato of the piece.

"I'm trying to stay strong for my mom and for my family," she said.

The Coronado High School sophomore died in the early morning hours Saturday after a rollover car crash on Grand Hills Drive near Villa Barolo in the Seven Hills community. Police said she was not wearing her seatbelt and was partially ejected from the vehicle.

At the funeral, family members were focused on celebrating her life. Those closest to her wore party dresses, some in peach or plum, others lined with sequins and ribbons. The love she shared with the world was described in every eulogy.

If family members were unaware of how Brandise Hyten had touched everyone around her, it became more obvious beginning with yesterday's visitation. More than 1,700 people traveled to the chapel to pay their respects, Tim Hyten, her father, said.

"That's my little sister," said Ajah Brandise Hyten, 18. "She's everything."

As laughter and smiles crossed the faces of at least some of the mourners, Pat Skorkowsky, assistant superintendent for the Southeast Region and one of Olivia Brandise Hyten's former principals, relayed his wish for her friends.

To honor her memory, be like her, he said.

"When you see someone who needs to be cheered up, honor Olivia," he said. "Make them smile."

At the gravesite, her family gathered around with 21 pink and 21 lime green balloons, which were released as many of the children sniffled and broke into tears. As the pink and green balloons floated away, one white balloon was revealed among it, dancing into the sky as onlookers watched with tear-stained smiles.

Family members said she was always teaching, and this was a lesson to everyone to be careful and live life to the fullest.

"Put your hand over your heart and take a breath," Teresa Brandise, the girl's mother, said, putting her words into action as she placed her left hand on her heart.

"Now be grateful you still can," she said, exhaling.

Frances Vanderploeg can be reached at 990-2660 or frances.vanderploeg@hbcpub.com.