<\/p>\n
When there\u2019s a tragedy in Cortez, the community comes together.<\/p>\n
That was clear on Saturday as hundreds came out to celebrate the life of Holly Lynn Buffington-Yake, who died in a car crash in rural Archuleta County on Dec. 16.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all know Holly would want us to not be sad,\u201d Wendy Lindsay, best friend of Buffington-Yake, said. \u201cHolly would want us to celebrate and laugh, tell a good memory and love her family.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to friends and family, Buffington-Yake knew how to have a good time. She was tough as nails and would never let anyone stand in her way. She was caring and gave great advice. She was beautiful, but didn\u2019t know how beautiful she was. And she loved wrestling.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was huge in wrestling,\u201d Lindsay said. \u201cHer son is a champion. All four kids were active in wrestling. Nobody had to help take care of those babies because they were well taken care of.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffington-Yake was known for attending every wrestling match and cheering on her kids. Her husband, Richard Yake, founded the Mighty Lightning Wrestling Club. The husband, wife and five children were returning from a wrestling meet at Thunder Ridge High School, in Douglas County south of Denver, when the crash occurred. Three children in the vehicle were injured.<\/p>\n
The word \u201clove\u201d came to mind when Robert Cooper, Buffington-Yake\u2019s uncle, recalled memories of his niece. He said every time he saw Buffington-Yake she told him, \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow many did she tell you guys that? She loved you guys, she really did and today is a celebration of her life,\u201d Cooper said. \u201cI\u2019m going to miss her. I\u2019m going to miss that love.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said Buffington-Yake was there for everybody \u2014 day and night.<\/p>\n
Buffington-Yake is survived by four children, her parents, her husband and two siblings. She was 33.<\/p>\n