A grandmother dies saving her six grandchildren from a burning home and now the community is coming together to help the grieving family.

The Martin County children lost their grandmother and everything they owned when their Inez house went up in flames Saturday morning.

52-year-old Betty Luster died in the fire.

Friends say Betty Luster always put her grandchildren first, but always helped others in need.

Community members are trying to return the help and take care of her family during the loss.

Betsy Evans and Kathy Wiley lost their mother when her house burned.

They are thankful to still have their children who were in the home.

The sisters say their mother, Betty Luster, died rescuing her six grandchildren, from the fire Saturday morning.

“The best thing she did was save my baby. I thank her everyday. I look up and say thank you mom,” Betsy Evans said.

Their brother's daughter, Brittany Luster, was the last one the grandmother carried out right before she died.

The nine year old is fighting to survive in a burn unit at the Boston Shriner's Hospital.

Now the community is helping Betty Luster's family.

“She touched so many lives. She was such a giving, caring person. If she found out someone in the community needed something, she was the first one to step up and get something,” Terry Fraley said.

They are trying to return the favor.

Food and clothing donations for her grandchildren are pouring in.

People are giving money to help Brittany Luster's parents pay her medical bills and travel to Boston to be with her.

“Everyone in the world that's helping us, they don't know how much we thank them. We really appreciate everything,” Evans said.

They say they are still planning a Christmas celebration for the children because they believe that is what their mother wants.

Investigators say the fire was accidental and believe a heating source started it.

The other five children do not have life threatening injuries.

Funeral services for Betty Luster are Tuesday afternoon in Inez.

The NetCare Ambulance Service is setting up a donation center at the main office in Inez at 552 Blacklog Road off of Rt. 40 East. They will have sizes available for children's clothes. For information, call their office at (606) 298-0061.