The former employer of the school bus driver who died in a collision with a train says she was beloved by the children she drove.
June Eynon died after the bus she was driving collided with a train at a level crossing near Palmerston North.
About 40 people, including including Feilding High School students, received moderate to minor injuries in the crash.
Eynon's funeral is being held today in Feilding.
Bernard Lilburn - who will be at the funeral - employed her as a driver before she worked at Uzabus and said she touched everyone she met in different ways.
"The kids loved her, the parents knew exactly where they stood with her ... she was so punctual.
"She called a spade a spade, it wasn't a flipping shovel ... she was easy to work with and she just did a really, really good job."
Lilburn said Eynon and her husband Henry were involved in the Salvation Army.
Feilding High School principal Nathan Stewart sends his condolences to June Eynon's family.
He said some students would be attending the funeral with their families today.
Many of the students had a relationship with Eynon who was a warm, friendly person and their shock at her death could not be underestimated, Stewart said.
He said families and the school had a meeting with Ministry of Education and Health officials late last week, and counsellors were contacting all the students who were on the bus this week.