DEVILS LAKE (AP) - Co-workers and students crowded into the gymnasium at the North Dakota School for the Deaf on Thursday to mourn a beloved teacher who was found stabbed to death in her home.

Hundreds of people attended the memorial service for Paula Hartze, 43, who was found dead last Sunday. She had taught English at the school for 13 years.

"How she loved life, how she loved cats, how she loved the students she worked with," said the Rev. Leon Hardt.

Students and co-workers were shocked by her death. Co-worker Dalen Green said he remembered Hartze as "very thoughtful and just fun-loving."

Dennis Fogelson, the superintendent of the school, said the healing process will take time.

"I know we are all hurting. Each of us are trying to deal with it in our own way," he said.

Hartze's funeral is scheduled for Saturday in Dickinson, where she will be buried.

Police have made no arrests in her death, but Police Chief Bruce Kemmet said the investigation is continuing. He said he believes the public is not at risk.

"Without giving any details about the homicide, I guess I'm basically telling the public that from what I've seen and what I know, that I don't feel they're at any more of a risk than they were before," Kemmet said.

Solving the case may become harder as time passes, he said, and officers encourage people to come forward with any information that may help.