COLORADO SPRINGS - Members of Rosemary Rosales' family came from Texas on Friday to rally around her surviving children and husband.

Rosales died Thursday from injuries she suffered when a tornado ripped through Holly on Wednesday night and destroyed the family's mobile home.

Rosales was flown to Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs along with Gustavo Puga, 28, and their 3-year-old daughter, Noelia, who also were injured.

The couple's son, Gus, 7, was staying at his grandmother's house when the tornado hit and was not injured.

On Friday, Rosemary Rosales' cousin, Rosalinda Rosales, and her aunt, Mary Rosales, arrived from suburban Dallas to join the family's vigil and prepare for her funeral.

In the hallway at Memorial Hospital, they waited quietly to visit Gustavo and Noelia.

They had all grown up together in Lamar before Rosalinda and Mary moved to Texas 12 years ago. The family is big, but it is close, Rosalinda said.

"We just saw her three weeks ago," she said.

Rosalinda remembered her cousin as a bright spirit. Generous and outgoing, she was part of the mortar that bound the family.

"She was dedicated to her family. She always wanted to help everybody out. Anytime we ever went home to visit, their place was where we always stayed," Rosalinda said.

"She liked people. The more the merrier," Mary said.

"It's tough," said Rosalinda. "It really hasn't dawned on us that she's gone."

A memorial fund has been established for Rosales' family at the Colorado East Bank and Trust in Holly. Contributions may be sent in the name of Rosemary Rosales or the Puga Family to the bank at P.O. Box 607, Holly, CO 81047.

fosterd@RockyMountainNews.com or 719-633-4442