Mrs Webb's funeral took place at Weaverham Road Methodist Church in Sandiway on Monday, October 5.

Among the 200 mourners were her husband John, her father William, and her sons, Chris and Nick.

The family laid an arrangement of yellow carnations around the coffin in the shape of a golden retriever - like the Webbs' family labrador, Rosie.

Methodist minister Rev Margaret Trickett led a 20-minute service in memory of Mrs Webb, who was killed three months ago as she walked with Rosie in Kennel Lane.

"This was a very sad occasion for the whole community, and for the Webb family," said Rev Trickett.

"Particularly as the matter of Mrs Webb's murder remains unresolved. My hope was to inject some love and comfort into a terrible situation."

In the service, Rev Trickett paid tribute to Mrs Webb's character, and said that the manner of her death would never affect her memory.

Speaking to the Guardian later, Rev Trickett added: "The violence of her death is something that cannot be ignored," she added.

"But there is no way that the violence of Julia Webb's death could diminish the kind of person that everyone knew her to be."

She added that, while she had only met Mrs Webb once, her character shone through.

"I spoke about her invisible qualities," said Rev Trickett.

"Things like her capacity to give, and the love which was so abounding in her family, between her and her husband, and her father, and her children.

"That love is of the utmost value to us all."

Rev Trickett also thanked Pat Betts, a neighbour of Mrs Webb's, who read a short passage in tribute to her friend.

And she also praised the men and women of Northwich police, who have tirelessly - but sensitively - worked to find Mrs Webb's killer.

"To do the job they do with such care and sensitivity isn't easy," said Rev Trickett.

"They have been with the family since the murder, and they have taken the greatest of care with each member of the household."

DCI Peter Rigby, in charge of the case, was at the funeral. Afterwards, he too paid tribute to the work of his Family Liaison team.

"My team know their job very well, and the relationship they have set up with the Webb family has been very encouraging," said DCI Rigby.

"They have essentially become part of the family. They will stay with them until the family are ready to get on with their own lives."

Mrs Webb was buried in a private cemetery near Gorstage.

It is the policy of the Northwich Guardian to respect the private grief of families at funerals. As a result, we do not take photographs at funerals.

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