SANTA FE COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – The search continues for a driver accused of hitting and killing a City of Santa Fe employee last week. The family and friends of the mother, who was on a walk with her kids when she was struck, are now speaking out. “Sweet, kind and loving, whenever we saw each other we would just light up because there was so much love there,” said Yolanda Ellison about her niece 43-year-old Monique Maes. Story continues below Business: Three prominent Nob Hill restaurants close their doors Health: Syphilis surges in New Mexico, NMDOH orders increased testing Community: Roswell residents pick up the pieces after record breaking rain and deadly flooding News: APD’s report on deadly crash involving BCSO deputy said deputy is partly to blame Born and raised in Santa Fe, Maes worked for the city for 24 years and had the option to retire soon. Her family said she was looking forward to spending more time with her kids. “Her kids were everything to her… Monique was a dedicated mother and daughter,” said Virginia Vigil, a family friend. Those close to her said she loved hiking, traveling and even had another international trip planned soon. Before she could do that, the unthinkable happened. According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, on October 15 around 6 p.m., Maes and her two kids were walking along Paseo De Nopal, when they were hit by an SUV that drove off. “The family has a family dinner every Tuesday night and that's where she was coming from," said Vigil. The sheriff’s office said the two children were treated for minor injuries, but Maes died the next day. Investigators have reason to believe 29-year-old Mario Israel Mendez was behind the wheel after deputies found his damaged SUV just north of the crash scene, but no sign of Mendez. “We're in the process of trying to locate Mr. Mendez right now as he has a slew of charges, including homicide by vehicle,” said Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza. Maes’ family and friends now hope he'll come forward. “My message to the person who committed vehicular homicide is you need to fess up. Sooner or later, you will get caught and it better be sooner,” said Vigil. Mendez is facing eight charges including vehicular homicide and tampering with evidence. Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that could lead to Mendez’s arrest.