Prayer vigil held for 3 women killed in Chester County house fire

WEST CALN TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A prayer vigil and service was held to remember three women who were killed in a house fire in West Caln Township, Chester County earlier this week.

Inside New Life Bible Fellowship in Colwyn Borough on Wednesday night, it was a celebration of lives - three women, who not only lived in this community, but were involved.

"You couldn't ask for better women, you couldn't ask for classier women," said Veronica Schramm, relative.

Family and friends of Rolanda, Sally and Angel Rimel filled the pews to remember the women who died in a fast moving mobile home fire on Monday.

They were there for a family celebration when investigators say smoking materials trashed outside sparked the fire.

Rolanda and Sally were sisters while Angel was Sally's daughter.

"Everyone is doing a lot better than I would ever imagine because they've had so much support," said Schramm.

That could be felt at Wednesday night's prayer vigil.

Those who knew the victims for decades say their passion for the church community that they helped build was incredible.

"Dedicated, totally dedicated - sold out for Christ; all their spare time was spent here serving people," said Wayne Wright.

"They stuck, they stayed, they were faithful, they were available, they were teachable, they loved the Lord and kept the ministry moving forward. They will be sorely missed and their memory will not be forgotten," said Pastor Darren Johnson.

During the service, there was laughter and there were definitely tears as loved ones told stories of the women who left behind children, grandchildren, siblings and so many relatives.

"It's been tragedy and tragedy in one fell swoop and everybody's just trying to work together to look after the kids and look after the family that's left behind," said Schramm.

Funeral services for all three women will be held at New Life Bible Fellowship next Wednesday.

The destroyed Chester County home belonged to the victims' sister and aunt Annabelle Simmers.

A fund has been set up to help. Click here to donate.