14-year-old killed in Wisconsin school shooting shared gifts of music and art with many, friends say

MADISON, Wis. — Rubi Patricia Vergara was a talented young teenager who often made handmade gifts for others and shared her musical talents with many, family friends said at the funeral service held Saturday morning.

Vergara, 14, studied at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsinwhere she was shot dead by a fellow student on Monday. Teacher Erin West, 42, was also killed in the attack.

“She was a quiet, gentle spirit who cared deeply about others,” said Tom Flaherty, lead pastor of City Church. “But Rubi also had a faith beyond her years.”

Vergara’s services were held in the town church, which is adjacent to the school. According to her obituary, West’s funeral is scheduled for Monday at Doxa Church in Madison.

Two other injured students remained hospitalized Saturday in critical condition but were stable, UW Hospital said.

A family friend, Dawn Moris, spoke of Vergara’s compassion and empathy. Vergara created personalized birthday cards for loved ones using digital artwork, origami and had taken up crocheting. Moris showed the attendees a small crocheted smiley potato, made by Vergara.

“She applied a caring and creative approach to everything she did,” Moris said.

Vergara played keyboard in a family worship band and could hear a song and pick it up on the piano, Moris said. As a singer, she had a special talent for harmonizing and “sang like an angel,” Moris said.

Vergara’s aunt played her niece’s favorite song, “Shoulders” by For King & Country, on the guitar during the service. Her uncle, Andy Remus, thanked the people of Madison for supporting his family this past week.

Police says the shooter, 15 years old student Natalie “Samantha” Rupnowshot himself at the school and died in a hospital in Madison. Police have said they were in contact with a man in California who authorities said was planning to attack a government building. Rupnow’s motivation for the attack remains one important part of their research.

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Volmert reported from Lansing, Michigan.