MISHAWAKA — Classic cars are a passion and a favorite pastime for some people. But car lovers gathered Saturday in Mishawaka to instead remember Carol Ragsdale, a Mishawaka woman who was killed by an alleged drunk driver in August.

The roaring engines and perfectly polished chrome were all blurred Saturday by the heartache of a loss.

“We’re really devastated about the whole thing,” said Jennifer Mammolenti, Carol Ragsdale’s daughter.

“She was just the best mom, and she was my best friend,” explained another daughter, Kimberly Heirman.

Kenny and Carol Ragsdale’s three daughters said both parents enjoyed going to car shows. But never again will their mother go to a car show with their father.

On August 16, Kenny and Carol were on their way to a car show when another car crossed the centerline and hit their 1964 Chevy Corvair. The crash happened on Lincoln Way in Mishawaka. Police say the driver of the other car, Derek Dygulski, was drunk.

“[They were] doing nothing wrong at all,” said Rich Titmus, a friend of the Ragsdales. “Holding hands on their way to a car show.”

Carol died from her injuries. Kenny is still at Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. But friends and family brought the couple’s other classic car to Saturday’s memorial, and set up two chairs — one with Kenny’s picture and one with Carol’s picture — because they say both should have been there.

Titmus, who organized the car show, described the Ragsdales as fun-loving people with lots of friends.

“We’re really happy to see so much support,” he told WSBT.

Roger Miller is the president of Heart City Street Rods. He described classic car buffs as a big family.

“We’re all tied together,” Miller explained.

Saturday’s tribute was to a classic car lover, a wife, a mother and grandmother. And Carol Ragsdale’s daughters have a message for the Derek Dygulski, the alleged drunk driver who killed their mom.

“Shame on you,” said Heather Hack.

“Yep,” continued another daughter, Kimberly Heirman. “For taking our mother away too soon. We weren’t ready for any of this.”

Kenny Ragsdale is expected to make a full recovery, but his family says he will need a lot of physical therapy. Organizers hoped to raise $5,000 at the car show benefit.

If you'd like to help the family, you can contribute to the Kenneth R. Ragsdale trust fund at Teachers Credit Union.