"Crystal was a fantastic educator," Van Ausdal said. "She was hard-working and dedicated, always very well prepared. Parents have (said it was) like having another mother in the classroom."

The school, which the Halladay children also attended, will be compiling a memory book for Duane, with remembrances of the children and their mother, and thoughts from faculty and staff.

"We love them professionally and we'll miss them, but more importantly we're going to personally miss her and the children," Van Ausdal said. And as for Duane?

"He's our friend, you know, and we love him, and we're concerned for him."

A student teacher who has been with the students all year will take over when the students return from their spring break on Monday.

The Halladay family loved to go camping and was always laughing and joking together, Bishop Walker said. And although the three children were young, they were intelligent, respectful and a joy to be around.

Colton loved soccer and baseball, as did his younger brother Nick. Annie liked sleep-overs with her cousins, said Doug Halladay.

Duane had recently taken an accounting job with Associated Foods after completing his bachelor's degree at Utah Valley State College.

Contributions can be made at any Far West Bank to the Duane Halladay fund.

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E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com