MADISON, Wis. — Friends and family of Rubi Vergara, the 14-year-old student who was killed last Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in a shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, laid her to rest on Saturday.
She leaves behind her parents, Vicente and Jennifer Vergara, her brother Adrian and other extended family.
Her uncle, Andy Remus, spoke on behalf of the family during Saturday’s service.
He said the family’s coping mechanism has been to “let go and let God.”
“As strange as it sounds, the Remus’ like to laugh. At any point in service, if something is funny that’s said about a memory of Rubi, laugh,” said Remus.
Vergara’s uncle said, “God does not cause evil, but allows it.”
Through this tragedy, the family said their faith has become stronger, their trust in God is closer and their ability to forgive is greater.
“We hold no bitterness or unforgiveness towards [the 15-year-old shooter] and her family. They lost a daughter too. Somehow, this precious child of God lost her way,” said Remus.
Long-time family friend Dawn Morris spoke of how gifted Vergara was.
She played the piano, sang, knew how to make origami and recently learned how to crochet.
“Rubi created a very special one just for me and also gave him a very special name. So, please meet Pete the Peaceful Potato. Isn’t he the cutest?” said Morris. “She made this for me during a time when she knew I was struggling, and it sits proudly on my keyboard as a constant reminder to smile.”
Vergara loved to smile, making it difficult for her loved ones to find the words about someone they’ll never see smile again.
Abbey Staum, who is the mother or Vergara’s best friend Josie, spoke during the funeral service.
She too described Vergara as a multi-gifted girl, but her greatest gift was befriending her daughter 10 years ago, on the first day of 4K.
“Josie was terribly anxious and absolutely refused to let us leave. We tried every distraction we could think of, but nothing worked. As we were about to give up, we heard a little voice from a nearby table. A beautiful little girl with long brown hair asked, ‘Do you want to play with me?’”
Staum said from that day forward, the two were inseparable.
The last time Josie saw Vergara was the day before she died.
“As they hugged goodbye, I never imagined that would be the last time we’d see Rubi. I thought they’d grow up and do something amazing with all their creative ideas together. I thought they’d grow up to be silly old ladies, still making each other laugh until they couldn’t breathe,” said Staum.
Thoughts of all the things in Vergara’s future left friends and family heartbroken, but they said there’s a small comfort in knowing that the time they had with her will be cherished eternally.
“Thank you, Rubi, for being our gifts," said Staum. "We’ll carry you in our hearts forever.”