30-year-old Jeremy Haag of Nebraska city was formally charged with first degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, 27-year-old Adessa Esser, Monday.

Otoe County Attorney David Partsch said Haag allegedly shot and killed Esser Friday after a dispute.

As Esser's family members prepare for her funeral on Thursday, they remember a sister, best-friend and someone who enjoyed the outdoors, saying it's still hard to believe she's gone.

"We're very hurt, very hurt. Not too good right now," said Carl Allen, Esser's cousin who lived across the street from her.

Tiffany Smith, Esser's sister said the reality hasn't sunk in it. "It hasn't hit me yet, I think it will." Smith said Esser loved camping, fishing, and garage sales.

Family says Esser and Haag were together for 14 years, sharing a house and seven children.

"They didn't get a long very good," said Smith."They stuck it out for the kids."

The Otoe County Attorney says the couple recently lost custody of the kids after being charged with misdemeanor negligent child abuse but Esser's family says she loved her children, who are now left without both parents.

"I hope Jeremy rots in prison and thinks every day about what he put them kids through..no mother, no father," said Craig Esser, Adessa's older brother.

Smith, Esser's sister, said the couple had a history of abuse.

"She told me he'd kill her if she didn't get out of the relationship--I didn't believe her but I guess he did," said Smith.

Otoe County Attorney David Partsch says the couple was arguing about the state of their relationship before the shooting and the case sheds light on the often dark issue of domestic violence.

"It kind of brings home that it can happen anywhere -- that domestic violence is a serious issue that needs to be addressed before it can reach deadly levels," said Partsch.

For Esser's family, its too late.

"I just wish I would have told my sister more often how I loved her," said Smith.

Haag is also charged with Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony. A preliminary hearing is set for July 17. Partsch said they county attorney's office will argue the shooting was premeditated murder.

For now, the couple's children are staying with Haag's father. A fund has been set up to cover funeral expenses and for the kids. You can make donations at Arbor Bank in Nebraska City under the names of Tiffany Smith and Adessa Esser.