Family was most important to Ottawa resident, Streator High student Marisol Green

Marisol Alicia Green loved her family and wanted nothing more than to have a large family of her own.

"She just loved life and was trying her best to be safe and happy," said Laura Rix, her oldest sister. "She didn't really have a chance to be able to do everything that she wanted to do."

The 17-year-old Ottawa girl died Thursday as a result of a car accident near North 21st and East 18th roads outside of Grand Ridge. Her fiance, Austin Zimmerman, still is hospitalized.

Rix said Marisol was working towards finishing high school at Streator High with the goal of becoming a cosmetologist after graduation. She started working when she was 14 and couldn't wait to graduate and start working full-time.

Rix said success was her main focus: She worked hard to keep her grades up and she had goals of traveling and seeing the country.

"She was the most loving, brave person I've ever known," Rix said. "She was very outspoken. If she had an opinion, you would know it, but she was smart."

While Marisol was outspoken to those she knew well, Chris Peterson, Marisol's Work Program Supervisor at Streator High School last year, said she was quieter at school but she worked hard and was always nice.

"She was in the work program, helping with the Grab 'N Go, and really helped move things where they are now," Peterson said. "She was a nice young lady, and she's definitely going to be missed."

Rix said Green enjoyed running and hiking, spending time outdoors whenever she could, and working. She had jobs at Chipper's Grill and Subway in the past all while attending school.

Green's family asks everyone keep Austin Zimmerman and his family in their prayers, as he still is in a Peoria hospital.

They also ask that donations to help pay for the funeral be made at the visitation. Green's visitation is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.