LITTLE Patiya May loved pink and purple and colourful “pretty flies,’’ so it was fitting that her final resting place would be in a Rainbow Garden surrounded by butterflies and balloons.

More than 300 friends and family today joined Patiya's parents Kyle Schreiber and Kristy Thomson to farewell the beautiful four-year-old during an emotional service at William Farmer Funerals in Eaglehawk.

A sea of balloons turned heads to where Patiya will now become the brightest star in the night sky to her beloved family.

She was remembered as a pretty little girl with a gorgeous smile and infectious giggle.

A little girl who was “strong-minded and determined, but always happy’’.

Her poppy, Geoff Dudley, spoke of a little girl who loved bubbles and fairies, singing and reading.

“She loved “pretty flies’’ otherwise known as butterflies … and her dog Boris was her second best friend,’’ Geoff said.

“Patiya only had one boyfriend, and that was her dad.’’

Geoff remembered a cheeky little girl who would quickly win people over with her warmth and facial expressions.

He spoke of youngster who could avoid being reprimanded by saying ‘but I want a cuddle’ and who moved at lightning speed, but always stopped to say ‘I love you’.

A little girl was who was popular at Good Start Early Learning and getting excited about ‘big girl kinder’.

A little girl who always promised to clean up after herself, but never did.

Patiya’s Aunty Courtney told stories of a cheeky but loving little girl who often complimented others on their hairstyle, or clothes.

“You loved when we dressed the same,’’ Courtney said.

“I’ll miss fighting with you about brushing the knots out of your hair.

“I’ll miss hearing you read.

“You were too young and too beautiful to be taken from us.’’

Patiya died when a tree fell in Rosalind Park on December 30.

Her mother Kristy Thomson suffered serious spinal injuries and is unlikely to walk again.