SUTHERLIN, Ore. -- Hundreds of friends, family, co-workers and former students packed the Sutherlin High School gymnasium April 19 for a memorial service for the Sutherlin Middle School counselor who died in a fire at her home last month.

Lindi Riley, 57, died the morning of March 10 in the fire. Her husband Craig Riley, 56, survived the attack with his throat cut and severe burns.

Craig Riley spoke at the memorial service Saturday at Sutherlin High School and read some of the many letters that former students of Lindi's had sent to him.

Riley told the story about how he and Lindi met and how he asked her to marry him. He told of her religious faith. When he finished, the crowd of about 800 gave him a standing ovation.

Sutherlin High School Junior Tess Bennett said Lindi Riley had a big impact on her life.

"I think she had a huge influence. She always made you smile and she always put you in a good mood," Bennett said.

Craig Riley is back living in Sutherlin while he recovers from the severe wounds he suffered in the attack. He spent about two weeks in serious condition at a Portland hospital.

Lindi was a big animal lover and donations were taken in her name for the Saving Grace Animal Shelter.

The Rileys' son Gabriel is still in the Palm Springs, Calif., jail awaiting extradition back to Roseburg to face murder and arson charges.