Colleen Adams farewelled 45 years after her alleged murder

Forty-five years after she disappeared, Colleen Adams has finally been laid to rest.

The 24-year-old was allegedly murdered by her husband in November 1973, then buried in her backyard in the small South Australian town of Maitland.

Today she was farewelled at a memorial service in Moonta.

Her sister, Heather Johncock, paid an emotional tribute.

"She had a heart of gold and was beautiful inside and out, with a smile that warmed the cockles of your heart," she said.

"Colleen had so much to love and laughter to share with this world."

Police officers brought a floral tribute and detectives from the major crime unit that worked on the cold case paid their respects.

Mrs Adams' husband, Geoffrey, was charged with her murder soon after her body was found last month.

He did not enter a plea during a court appearance last month.

He is next scheduled to appear in court next April.