Community bands together for Baby Madison memorial

LANCASTER – Members of the community got together this Friday morning for the memorial service for 2-year-old Madison Ruano and to show their support for the Ruano family. The service was held at Lancaster Baptist Church at 10 a.m., followed by a lunch reception, and graveside service. In attendance were members of the Ruano family, neighbors, friends, public service members, and all who were affected by the tragedy.

“I think the presence of everyone is overwhelming,” said Reya, a local resident. “I’m so happy that the community is really coming together and it’s so nice to see all of the service men and women here.”

Mike and Tina Ruano, the parents of Madison, say they are extremely thankful for the community coming together at this time. People from all over the Antelope Valley are investing their time and efforts to the family.

“I know many of you feel like what you have done is somehow ‘insignificant’ or ‘not enough’,” wrote Tina Ruano, “But I am going to attempt to convince you that it has meant the world to Mike and myself.”

According to the Baby Madison Ruano Facebook page, residents have been leaving their Christmas lights on all day as a memorial to Madison. This stretches from the Antelope Valley, Nevada, Kentucky, and Texas. This show of support is evidence that the entire community, whether local or across the nation, has been affected by the death of Madison.

“I think this has really pulled people together in a really refreshing and amazing way,” said Olivia, the Ruano’s next-door neighbor. “I think that it has shown that people are still really good, not only out for themselves, and pull together in times of need.”

The service was led by Pastors Jerry Ferrso, of Lancaster Baptist Church, and Pastor Joe Sweet, of Shekinah Worship Center. A balloon release immediately followed the closing prayer. After the luncheon, the burial took place at Joshua Memorial Park.

Madison and Tina were hit by a car fleeing the police on Dec. 6 around 4:56 p.m. The fleeing car’s driver was going near 100 mph at the time of the accident. Since then, the driver has been charged with one count of murder and one count of evading an officer and causing injury. The preliminary hearing has been postponed until Jan. 17, 2013.

Related stories:

Hicks charged with murder in crash that killed toddler

Memorial established for toddler killed in crash

Lancaster toddler killed by driver fleeing police

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