VENETA, Ore. -- A reward poster for information on the abduction of Brooke Wilberger hung on a coffee stand window in her hometown of Veneta.

"We had been leaving it up, you know, until the family got their closure," said Jennifer Sennett, an employee at Nina's Espresso Inc.

After five and a half years, the poster came down.

"To finally be given the opportunity to know that you'll have your daughter's remains brought back to you, we are so grateful," said Cammy Wilberger, Brooke's mom.

Monday afternoon, Wilberger showed courage at a news conference in Corvallis a few hours after Joel Courtney pleaded guilty to Brooke's murder. The killer provided information that led police to Wilberger's remains over the weekend.

"We just really feel gratitude, even to Mr. Courtney that he could see fit to tell us where he left Brooke," said Wilberger.

Watch Cammy Wilberger's statement:

"I've got two daughters of my own, and I can't imagine what they've gone through, you know? They're a strong family," said Sennett.

Meanwhile, word quickly spread throughout the community Brooke once loved.

"Give him to me for a half an hour. That's my thoughts. I mean, he should get the death penalty, and they should carry it out within 30 days," said Curly Loschiavo, a customer at Nina's Espresso Inc.

The astonishing developments caught Sheryl Braun off guard.

"Oh my gosh! Thank God!" said Braun.

Braun was a friend of the Wilbergers for years through their involvement with 4-H activities. The news brought her solace, and in the same breath: overwhelming grief.

"I just wish they could have found her alive though. It's too bad," said Braun.

For the Wilberger family, this chapter means closure.

"Now (Courtney) can go on with what's left of his life, and we want to strengthen our family and go on with our life," said Wilberger.