Curt Austin, who is married to Lauree Vance's sister Jana, conducted the service. "Be Thou My Vision" was sung by long-time childhood friend Christine Greger. The song was also by Christine at David and Rebekah's wedding. Curt Austin then went through Rebekah's biography, illustrating her life. A slide show was then played, starting with Rebekah as a baby up until most recent. There were still pictures and some video - we'll try and get some of them on the blog. Annie Rogers DeYoung, then read a note she had written to Rebekah, a few days after her passing showing Rebekah's commitment to God, her sharing that love with Annie at college, and what a good friend Rebekah was.
Long-time neighbor Kathy Farrell spoke about her two daughters growing up with Rebekah. She mentioned when her daughter Emma was 16 years old, she wanted to go to Europe. Everyone thought she was crazy, but Kathy said there was nothing to worry about; Rebekah Vance was going.
Mindy McDonald sang "I Can Only Imagine," a song Rebekah loved.
David's cousin Jimmy Sauter spoke about all of the fun times that were had while at Oregon State. Rebekah enjoyed all kinds of sports with the boys, especially her coordinating Fox Racing ensemble.
Kate Smith spoke on some of the things Rebekah did while in Utah (I'll post my talk below). Everything from charitable work to cleaning out the fridge. She mentioned whenever you see or use a flashlight, remind yourself of the light Rebekah brought into the world and keep her as an example.
Ben Vance, Rebekah's older brother, spoke on behalf of himself and two younger brothers, Paul and John. He highlighted the lessons Rebekah had taught the family. She was always good to make sure there was enough 'family time.' Ben mentioned when you spoke to Rebekah on the phone, you'd have the opportunity to say "I love you" and if you didn't take it, she'd bombard you with "I Love Yous." He said he had really started to appreciate not him being the big older brother, but her being the caring younger sister who took care of things. It was especially sweet when he spoke on not just having Joshua and Nicole to see Rebekah in, but David as well. Ben talked about the first time he met David and not being sure if he was 'the one' for his sister. And then, Ben talked about his reaction when they decided to marry at such a young age (David 20, Rebekah 22). But how grateful Ben was that David and Rebekah did marry, and had two beautiful children.
Mindy McDonald then sang to the tune of Silent Night, the words Rebekah had recently taught Josh, in an effort to drive home how much she loved Josh. "Momma ma mom, momma ma mom." The congregation joined in and sang the first verse of Silent Night.
Aunt Jana Austin read a beautiful letter Rebekah had written to her dad Rolin. Rebekah had tried for years to write the letter, but it was just a few months ago that she had had the strength to do so. In the letter, among many many things, Rebekah thanked Rolin for loving his wife, the mother of his children, with such strength and commitment. And that their marriage was based on a love for Christ and His teachings, which set a priceless example for Rebekah and her marriage to David. She thanked Rolin for helping her pay for college, her car
(a GMC Yukon with over 220,000 miles on it) that she still loved and that Rolin kept in shape for her, for teaching her how to work hard (rolling coin at Oregon Armored), and for all of the fun time he spent with his family.
Curt Austin then concluded the service with a beautiful closing prayer.
A great gathering was held in the gym portion of the building with pictures of Rebekah's life set up around the room, sandwiches and fresh fruit, and of course, Starbucks Coffee.
It truly was a celebration of Rebekah's life and a time for sharing stories.
Kate Smith's talk
Good afternoon brothers and sisters. I am Kate Smith. My family had the opportunity to be David and Rebekah’s surrogate family when they lived in Utah.
The first time we really “met” the Sauter's was at a family Sunday dinner for my dad's birthday. David and Rebekah came over with Josh in one hand and this (a large plastic bag with something big inside, and the bag was glowing) in the other. Imagine our surprise when my dad opened the present to find a million-candle portable spotlight (held up a huge and bright spotlight)– because as Rebekah explained, when you need light, you've got to be able to find it. After this dinner, Rebekah and I were virtually inseparable. Everyday was a party with Rebekah and Josh.
We did all kinds of great things. We would sometimes go to what we called the “junk store” and look for treasures, from strawberries to handbags. We baked cookies, went for walks, and worked on painting my house. Rebekah was always willing to help anybody. She often volunteered to come with me to my disabled grandpa's house and help me get him into bed; she was always tender and kind to him in his frail state. She was a professional when it came to cleaning out the fridge or any organizational task--and we gave her lots of practice Bountiful. Rebekah was always thinking of others; she had a very tender heart and hated to see others in pain, especially her family members.
It was great to see Rebekah grow as a mother and as a wife through her daily activities. She had, and still has, such care and concern for David and her children. When Josh was about six months old, they learned they would be leaving Utah and moving home to Portland. I really feel
they were inspired to move home.
As Rebekah was preparing to move, my sister Kara, was getting ready to move to St. Louis with her husband. Rebekah gave advice that mirrored her and David's growth and development in Bountiful as a family: "By moving away, the two of you will grow closer together. You'll learn that having each other is enough, and that each of you will be exactly what the other needs."
We are so grateful that they have been here in Portland, surrounded by loving family and friends.
While Rebekah's death was completely unexpected to us, it was not unexpected to God. We may not understand why she was taken so soon until we see her again, but it was no accident. God called her home. She had accomplished what He sent her to earth to do. And because Rebekah was a woman of God, she responded to the intimations of the Holy Spirit directing her in the last weeks of her life and was able to leave us with some of these signs of preparedness to help us accept her passing.
She told David what her wishes were in the event that something happened to her. Three days before her passing, she had been to Costco and bought enough diapers and food for her children to last several months. She continually insisted on only being apart from Josh and Nicole when rolling coin or talking on the phone when they were asleep. If you called her and her children were awake, she'd tell you she had to call you back and she did.
These were not coincidences, but her way of preparing, prompted by the Holy Spirit.
Whenever you see a flashlight, think of the light Rebekah brought into the world, and let that be a reminder to you to follow her righteous example.
I leave these things with you in Jesus' name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment