Amber Otto lived with faith, love and enthusiasm in her short life

She had aspirations of becoming a lawyer or working with children.

She could tame an unruly horse, connect with troubled youths, easily master artistic endeavors and inspire those who knew her.

Though Amber Otto's time was abruptly cut short Dec. 29 by melanoma cancer, friends and family say she lived a full life and touched many in her 23 years.

"There was nothing that didn't interest her," said her mother, Judi Otto.

And even toward the end, Amber kept her sense of humor and rarely complained. Friends who came to visit her would leave with spirits lifted.

"She encouraged the people who were trying to encourage her," said Rod Wilgus, one of Amber's spiritual mentors and the pastor at Elkton Baptist Church.

The family has set up a fund to provide a scholarship each to North Douglas and Elkton high schools. People can donate to the Amber Hope Otto Memorial Scholarship in the U.S. Bank in Drain.

We lost Amber's Pearl Nov 20, 2006 in welping problems. We sure were sad to lose her but kinow where she is and that is with Amber.