SEATTLE -- The family members of the Skagit County deputy who was gunned down while on duty broke their silence on Friday to thank the community for its support and to pay tribute to their fallen loved one.

Sheriff Deputy Anne Jackson, 40, was killed after responding to a disturbance call at a home in Alger, Wash. on Tuesday night. Family members from Oregon said the shocking news has been numbing.

"We're going through the motions and doing what needs to be done," said cousin, Jeanine Roe.

Fueled by her love of animals, Jackson joined the sheriff's office in 2002 as its first animal control officer with no prior law enforcement experience. She soon caught what Chief Deputy Will Reichardt called the "law enforcement bug" and took the test to become a deputy in 2005.

"Anne just had compassion for those in need," Roe said. "We knew the danger was there but how can you deny someone's passion for helping the community?

"It's very tragic for not only Anne but all the others who were wounded. We feel for the police force. It's overwhelming to come up here and see the love and support and outreach for Anne. It confirms the person she was."

Jackson's family members said they hold no animosity toward suspected gunman Isaac Zamora as they, too, have dealt with mental illness in their family.

"He was mentally ill and it was a very tragic thing that happened. I wish there was support for the mentally ill after the age of 18," Roe said.

A memorial outside the sheriff's office has been growing by the hour with tributes to Jackson, flowers, lighted candles, a stuffed bear and a handwritten banner reading "Heroes (at) home in our hearts."

Jackson's funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday at Burlington-Edison High School. Some 5,000 people are expected to fill the football stadium.

Local police have set up tents outside the sheriff's office, Jackson's home and the medical examiner's office. They plan to keep a presence at each location until the deputy is buried on Tuesday.

Previous coverage:

Chief deputy: Jackson had unwavering passion