COCHECTON, NY — Funeral services and visitation will be held this week for Delana Marie Weyandt, the 11-year-old fatally struck by a car Sunday night outside of her grandparents’ home in Lava, NY.

“I’m asking everyone to please wear some type of yellow tomorrow for our baby girl’s service and for the funeral,” her mother, Shelby Mootz Weyandt, posted on Facebook, “She loved yellow so in honor of her please wear yellow.”

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., on Wednesday, August 7, and Thursday, August 8, at the Harris Funeral Home on Railroad Avenue in Roscoe, NY. The funeral will be held in the funeral home at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 9.

Carol Röpke Nelson of Narrowsburg started a Meal Train for the grieving family. This online platform provides a way for caring neighbors to deliver home-cooked meals to those going through a challenging time. To contribute a meal or a gift card to the Weyandt family, visit: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/6e5g3k.

The page says meals are needed for 10 adults and 8 children. “This family is close-knit and will more than likely be together a lot over the next few weeks,” it says. “The number of people is an estimate, it could well be more than my estimate. If we could get 2 people to sign up for each day in order to cover the amount of meals that will be needed, that would be great. Everyone’s helping hands can help ease this family’s burden of grief in a small but meaningful way to let them know they are loved, supported and cared for.”

‘A sweet, kind soul’

Delana was born on July 23, 2013, in Harris, NY, to Daniel and Shelby Mootz Weyandt. The family lives in Cochecton, NY.

Delana was a sixth-grader at Sullivan West Central School. Her obituary says she was “active in school affairs where she enjoyed the sport of archery, art club, chorus, and participating with Girl Scouts. Delana will be remembered as a sweet, kind soul who often put others before herself.”

Daniel Parisi, an assistant superintendent at Sullivan West, posted a notice on the school’s website saying grief counselors would be available starting Tuesday.

“This tragic loss has deeply affected our school community, and our thoughts are with Weyandt family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” Parisi wrote.

“We encourage everyone to reach out and utilize these resources as needed,” he continued. “During this sensitive time, we kindly ask that you respect the privacy and emotions of The Weyandt family. If you need support regarding this loss, please reach out to the Main Office in the Elementary School at 845-4824610 ext. 2141 or Middle/High School at 845-932-8401 ext. 1100.  Let us come together as a community to support one another through this difficult time.”

In addition to her parents, Delana is survived by her sister, Sophia Weyandt; her paternal grandparents, Kenny and Darleen Weyandt of Narrowsburg; her maternal grandparents, Scott and Betty Jo Mootz of Roscoe; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Cremation will be provided by Harris Crematorium.