(12-19-24) The family of Rubi Vergara (14) of Madison, Wisconsin…who was one of the the victim’s of the Abundant Living Christian School shooting this week have released her obituary to the public last night.
Rubi Patricia Vergara, age 14, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 16, 2024. She was born on March 17, 2010, in Madison, the daughter of Vicente and Jennifer (Remus) Vergara.
Rubi was a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School. She was an avid reader, loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band. She shared a special bond with her beloved pets, Ginger (cat) and Coco (dog).
Rubi will be deeply missed by her parents, Vicente and Jennifer; brother, Adrian Vergara; maternal grandparents, Carl and Pat Remus; paternal grandmother, Margarita Vergara; uncles, Andy (Stacy) Remus, Brian (Heidi) Remus, Juan, Humberto, and Abraham F. Vergara; aunts, Rosario, Cecilia and Lidia Margarita (Erick Mancilla) F. Vergara; other cousins, relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her uncle, Juan Ramon F. Vergara.
A funeral service will be held at CITY CHURCH, 4909 E. Buckeye Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, with Pastor Tom Flaherty presiding. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit Rubi’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the service and click on “Watch Now” in the Webcast section. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Abundant Life Christian School, c/o City Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
- Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care
- 5203 Monona Drive
- (608) 221-5420
Also losing her life in the shooting was substitute teacher Erin West (42) of DeForest, Wisconsin. West was subbing for the regular teacher who was on a pre-planned vacation.
West worked as a substitute teacher for three years at Abundant Living before taking a position as the school’s substitute coordinator.
According to a mother of one of the students who told Wisconsin Right Now –
“The teacher died protecting her class. Many more lives could have been taken. She (Rupnow) sent off multiple rounds. It sounds like the brave substitute teacher who fought Natalie Rupnow stood in the gap for the rest of the kids.”
Mercer County Outlook 