BROOKINGS, S.D (KELO) — The Brookings community is rallying behind the family of 16-year-old Molly Yoder. She passed away after a bus crash last Friday.

The family says they want Molly to be remembered for her art, love for animals and her faith.

It’s been less than a week since Molly passed away, five days since the Yoder family saw her smile.

“This is the most crushing time that we’ve ever experienced in our family,” said Ivan Yoder, father and pastor.

Or heard her laughter.

“She was very special. And I know you hear that a lot with things like this when people pass away, but she was special,” Sarah Gossett, older sister.

Molly was the youngest of six kids. Her older sisters Sarah and Barbra say Molly was close friends with all her siblings.

“We were always together we always group. And me and Molly were just really, really close in that way,” Barbra Yoder, older sister, said.

“She was just that way and she was close to me in a way that’s special to me. And she was close to every one of us in a way that’s special to us, you know, in what we related over and what we loved,” Sarah said.

Molly worked as a barista at Cup-A-Tea. She was on her way to pick up a shift when she died.

Her coworkers say “Molly was always there to help. She would cover shifts whenever she could. She always greeted customers with a cheerful hello and a smile on her face. Molly always made your day better. She took time to get to know the customers and her coworkers. Molly will be missed immensely by her coworkers and regular customers.”

Molly’s father Ivan is a pastor at Bible Baptist Church. He says Molly was an active member of the congregation, was a compassionate person who was loved by many in the community.

“She loved animals, she had a soft heart. For the less fortunate. She was always would- was never the kind of person to laugh at someone in misfortune. She was just a very compassionate person,” said Ivan Yoder, father.

While her passing is difficult, Ivan says the support they’re receiving means so much.

“It’s just been incredible. And then outpouring from really all across the country, of people calling donating to, to her charity, and it’s just been a real blessing to see people pull together. And we feel very blessed with the community and the church and the friends that we have,” Ivan said.

The family plans to create a memorial fund in Molly’s name after receiving an outpour of donations from the community.

Molly’s service will take place on Friday at 11 am at Bible Baptist Church in Brookings.