Arnold's family, including her husband, Gary, asked for privacy, as word of the death was released Friday morning.

"We just want some privacy and some time to process what has happened," said Karen Arnold Truax, Gary Arnold's daughter who lives in St. Paul, Minn.

Sherry and Gary Arnold were both employees of the Sidney school system. The couple has five children combined from prior marriages, including two living at home and attending the same school system where Sherry Arnold worked for the past 18 years.

"We want to be together as a family," Truax said. "We appreciate everything that everyone did to help us in this search. We are so heartbroken that this is the outcome. We just sincerely appreciate all the love and support that continues to come from the community."

After nearly a week of worry, Sidney Mayor Bret Smelser said he was somewhat relieved at the news.

"We're getting some closure," he said. "That's the only good news we've had in the past three or four days. It's always difficult when something like this happens on your watch."

Smelser said he knows Arnold and her parents well. They all attend Trinity Lutheran Church in Sidney.