Local Shop Owner Remembered During Candlelight Vigil

More than 50 people gathered Friday night outside KwikStop Market & Liquor in Wildomar for a candlelight vigil to remember the store’s owner, Murrieta resident Yonghye You.

“I feel the community has lost a truly remarkable woman,” said Mike Ainsworth of Murrieta, who has been a longtime KwikStop patron.

As the You family wiped tears and shared hugs, Ainsworth and other neighbors offered their thoughts about the 51-year-old shopkeeper, whose tragic death at the store late on the night of March 27 has left a void in the community. With their lit candles reflecting off KwikStop’s temporarily closed glass doors and windows, the gatherers described You as a bright and cheerful spirit who made everyone feel welcome in her store.

“She was a beautiful soul. I just adored her,” said Wildomar resident Eva Maher, a longtime friend.

Maher said she has lived in the community for nearly 20 years and had come to know You as a close confidant, explaining that she visited KwikStop located at 32395 Clinton Keith Road two to three times a day to chat with the petite storeowner about life and kids. When the market didn’t open March 28, she realized there was a problem.

“I called Yonghye and there was no answer. I knew something was wrong,” she said.

All who spoke Friday said what they treasure most about You is what she offered to the community: a positive, sweet attitude.

“She was always smiling and working her little hinny off,” one woman recalled.

Ainsworth said he felt he’d lost a friend, even though he was only a store patron.

“When you shake someone’s hand, there is a human being there,” he said. “It does mean something.”