By Rachel L Nostrant
Just last Sunday, Rubi Patricia Vergara attended a craft fair with her family to cheer on her best friend, who was showcasing handmade necklaces and keychains. An avid fan of arts and crafts, Rubi chose to purchase the highest-priced item and then joyfully skipped around the fair alongside her friend, Josie Hughes. As the day concluded, the two exchanged hugs, promising to meet up again soon.
The following day, Rubi’s life was tragically ended. A shooter targeted her school, Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on that Monday, resulting in the deaths of Rubi, a 14-year-old freshman, and a staff member, while injuring six others. Authorities reported that the shooter was a 15-year-old student who succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
On Saturday, family and friends convened at her family’s church for a memorial service honoring Rubi. Speakers reflected on her kindness, love for music, and deep faith in God.
“Rubi was truly a gift to all who had the honor of knowing her,” shared Abbey Staum, Josie’s mother. “She possessed a remarkable talent for spreading joy, humor, and consideration to those she cherished.”
The incident took place during the last full week of school before the holiday recess. Emergency responders arrived promptly after a second-grade teacher inside the school made the call for help. Officials identified the shooter as Natalie Rupnow, who preferred to be called Samantha, revealing that she had used a handgun during the incident. Investigators are still working to uncover a definitive motive.
Also among the casualties was Erin M. West, 42, a staff member residing in DeForest, Wisconsin. West had been employed at Abundant Life for four years and was listed as the substitute teacher coordinator in the school directory.
During Saturday’s remembrance for Rubi, attendees shed tears, clapped, and shared laughter as speakers addressed them from a stage decorated with Christmas ornaments and a Nativity scene. They shared heartfelt memories while singing Christian songs, mourning the tragedy while celebrating Rubi’s life and her commitment to God.
“Rubi had a faith that surpassed her years,” remarked Tom Flaherty, the lead pastor of City Church in Madison. “Even though Rubi is gone, her faith continues to resonate with us,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Andy Remus, Rubi’s uncle, indicated that the family was grieving through moments of joy and laughter, which he believed is how her life ought to be honored.
Dawn Moris, a family friend, and other speakers highlighted Rubi’s musical talents and interests. Rubi played keyboards for the church’s family band, “sang beautifully,” and had a smile that matched her angelic voice, according to Moris. She fondly remembered the occasion when Rubi attended her first concert, “despite her dislike for loud noises,” where a band member acknowledged her with a high-five as she enjoyed the performance from her father’s shoulders.
“It has been an immense honor and a cherished memory,” Moris remarked. “I’ll forever treasure the moments spent playing worship songs in the family band with Rubi.”
Rubi also had a fondness for cats, deep-dish pizza, and books, particularly within the Christian fantasy genre, as noted by Flaherty. Born in March 2010, she is survived by her parents, Vicente and Jennifer Vergara, along with her younger brother, Adrian.
Her uncle mentioned that the family has no animosity towards the shooter or her family. “They lost a daughter too,” Remus stated.
Among Rubi’s many admirable qualities, her kindness and empathy were notably emphasized during Saturday’s service. Moris shared how Rubi enjoyed creating origami and crocheted figurines of her loved ones as gifts.
Holding back tears, Staum reminisced about how her daughter and Rubi formed their friendship.
The two girls met a decade ago at a camp, where Josie initially faced anxiety and was reluctant to let her parents leave her there, Staum recounted. Josie’s parents employed various distractions to help her adjust, but nothing worked until Rubi approached her and asked, “Do you want to play with me?” From that moment, they forged a lasting friendship.
“Though Rubi’s life was brief, it was a precious gift to us,” Staum shared, adding, “Her story is not over, as her love and light continue to impact all who knew her.”
