Melissa Little says her four-year-old son Koda had "the biggest heart" and his nine-month-old brother Hunter an "infectious laugh" as it was revealed her husband Damien shot himself and the two boys before driving off a wharf in Port Lincoln.
Mrs Little said the loss of her sons had left her heartbroken and she would remember her boys each and every day.
But she also wants her husband to be remembered as a well-respected and valued member of his family and the community.
"Koda had the biggest heart, so loving and caring. He always loved a hug, had so much enthusiasm and was a willing helper," she said in a statement released on Friday.
"Hunter was such a happy, content and smiling baby. His laughter was infectious and his cheeky little personality was just beginning to emerge.
"Damien was my childhood sweetheart who became my loving husband. He was also a father who loved his two children very much," she said.
"Damien valued and appreciated our close-knit family, he put us first, we were his whole world.
"He spent every hour providing quality time and teaching the boys how to live and grow.
"Damien, I loved you so much. You have left a huge hole in my heart, our memories I will cherish forever. You will not be forgotten."
Autopsies confirmed the two boys and Mr Little all suffered gunshot wounds, police said.
They previously revealed a rifle was recovered from Mr Little's car after the incident at Port Lincoln's main wharf early on Monday.
Superintendent Paul Yeomans said an investigation was still ongoing and issues including domestic violence and mental health would form part of a report to the coroner.
Mr Little's family had previously revealed he had battled with mental health issues for about three years.
"We tried to help him, we all did. But you can't help somebody who can't help himself," His mother Sue said.
In death notices published on Friday, extended family members said Damien was loved and missed and they were sad they couldn't "ease your pain".
Koda was described as full of life and Hunter a perfect bundle of joy.
On Saturday, football clubrooms in Port Lincoln will be open to provide a venue for others in the community to come together as they continue to come to terms with the tragedy.
Officials said it would give locals a place to express their thoughts in an informal setting.
A fund has also been established to help the Little family cover funeral and other expenses.
* Anyone seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
