LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
"We are really going to miss her. It is really a tragedy. We are really going to miss her. They had a beautiful family," Gail Neilson said.
"Dani was great. I think if that's something we can spread. She was a wonderful person and we should all try to be better," added a high school friend, Annie Leavitt.
These were some of the ways the Overton community remembered 30-year-old Dani Fox and her 3-year-old son Zachary at a memorial service in Overton Monday. Both lost their lives on Interstate 15 when their Ford F250 pickup's rear tire came off and caused them to crash.
"I know my sister touched a lot of people, and I know what she meant to us, but it's been eye-opening to see what she meant to everyone else," said Fox's brother, Michael Palmer.
"I think that's the first thing I thought when I found out about her passing was I can't remember when she was not nice," Leavitt said.
Tears and hugs were given out as everyone said their final goodbyes to a mother and son who will be together forever.
"It just seemed real fitting that he wanted to be with his mom. He was a momma's baby. He loved to be with his mom. It just seems very fitting that he enter life with her and he will go out with her and be buried in her casket with her," Nielson said.
Faith and community support are what now keep the Fox family together as they see how one person had a big effect on so many people.
"In my own life I've tried better to be there for my kids and my husband and let all the things that don't matter go and spend more time together," Leavitt said.
The family of the deceased has created a project designed to help Fox's children understand and deal with the pain of losing a mother and sibling. "OPERATION: Tell Me" is an effort to collect remembrances about Fox that can be shared with her surviving children in the coming years.
Those who knew her are asked to share their thoughts about Dani Jo on an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper. This might include experiences shared with her, a favorite thing about her or simply why you cared about her.
You're also asked to share a photo of yourself with Fox, a photo of your family or just a picture of yourself. The family will be collecting the photos and remembrances through Aug. 15 when they will be bound and given to Cody and Dani Fox's family.
You may submit your completed page to the customer service counter at Lin's supermarket in Overton.
A memorial fund was set up by the Fox family in Overton. You can make a contribution to the Fox Memorial Fund at America First Credit Union, account No. 9054198.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
