ALGER, Wash, -- In a small town, word spreads quickly.

News of Julie Binschus' death swept over the town like a dark storm Wednesday, leaving friends, co-workers and neighbors visibly distraught and in shock.

"We felt that death was at our door and it passed us by yesterday," said Barbara Crossen.

Binschus and her husband, Fred, were shot at their home during Tuesday's shooting rampage that left six people dead and four more injured. Fred survived. Julie did not.

"They were just nice people. A lot of us knew them, they had been here for years," said Crossen.

Police say a wounded Fred went to a neighbor's home for help. It was too late to help his 48-year-old wife.

On Wednesday at Sedro-Woolley's Food Pavilion, cashiers and customers cried. A table filled with flowers and photos has been placed at the front of the store as a tribute to Julie, who worked at the store for 31 years.

"We've known each other since we were kids, junior high, and worked together for 31 years,"  said Dawn Knight, a friend.

"She was the nicest person ever. Anything you needed done, she'd do for you.

"She meant a lot to lots and lots of people. So it's going to be a big loss for this town."

"My daughter-in-law works there, too, and she said when the funeral comes, they're going to have to shut the store down because everyone's going to want to go," Crossen said.

Employees have already begun collecting donations for Julie's family.

"Talked to her daughter on the phone, and that's how I found out," Knight said.

Friends say Julie and Fred's tight-knit family consisted of two grown daughters and two granddaughters she adored.

"She (her daughter) was devastated. They were like best friends. I mean, she did everything with her mom, both her and her sister, they were just all best friend," said Knight.

Fred is able to leave the hospital, but isn't able to return home to the crime scene.

"Well, he is getting better, and he does get to come home. He's going to his brother's. But he is doing OK," Knight said.

Friends are wondering how Julie's husband is going to survive without her. They said the two were always by each other's side, often off hunting and fishing together.

Julie's co-workers suspect on the day of her funeral, the store will have to bring in checkers from others store as nearly all of the workers will want to attend the service.

Man shot en route from mom to son

Leroy Lange from Methow had come into town to visit his mother, who lives in a nursing home, and his son.

He was in between the two visits when he was shot on Interstate 5.