Friday, March 21, 2008

Obituary for Rebekah Sauter, written by Kate Smith

Rebekah Kay Vance Sauter died unexpectedly in the early hours of March 17, 2008. She was only 26 years old. Rebekah was born December 31, 1981 in Portland, Oregon, to her wonderful parents, Rolin George and Lauree Carol (Golden) Vance. Rebekah lived in Portland from the time of her birth in 1981 until 2000. During that time she attended Alameda Grade School, Beaumont Middle School, and graduated from Grant High School. Her parents were the best example any child could have - they taught Rebekah how to love, what the priorities of life were, and how to constantly serve others.
While earning her Bachelor's Degree at Oregon State in Corvalis Oregon, she met the love of her life, David Sauter. They were married in a beautiful ceremony December 27, 2003. During their college years, they developed bonds with friends that will last forever doing all sorts of fun things. She and David were the life of every party.
Upon David's graduation, the couple took a leap of faith and moved to Bountiful, Utah in 2005. It was in Bountiful that David and Rebekah had the time to develop their marriage into what it is today - one based on love and faith, and a dedication to following the example of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Rebekah had lunch ready for David to take to work everyday. The happy couple was blessed with Joshua Rolin Sauter on a snowy December 20, 2005. The next October, the couple returned to Oregon, moving to Troutdale. They were sad to leave Utah, but knew it necessary to live close to family. The Sauter's loved being back home; it was the first time in their married life that David and Rebekah lived in the Portland area. On June 15, 2007, Nicole Elizabeth Sauter was born, completing the family.
Rebekah hated to be away from her husband and children. She would try and run errands while her children were asleep; otherwise, she missed them too much.
While our time with Rebekah on this Earth was too short, she was taken with many things prepared for the future; journals kept for her children were up to date, she had recently stocked up on supplies for both children, and she constantly went to extreme effort to let others know how important in her life they were through cards, cookies, and phone calls.
Rebekah is survived by her wonderful and loving husband of four years, David Sauter; son Joshua 27 months; daughter Nicole 9 months; parents Rolin and Lauree Vance; brothers Ben (Melissa) Vance, Spokane WA, Paul Vance, and Jonathan Vance; in-laws Bob and Robin Sauter, Portland OR, brother-in-law Josh (Kristin) Sauter, sisters-in-law Emily Sauter and Megan Sauter.
Among a plethora of good advice, Rebekah advocated, "Never miss a wedding" and she never did. In honor of her, take the time to attend a wedding. Private burial services held.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers remembrances be sent to Young Life Central

3 comments:

Lincoln said...

Thank you for the updates, Kate.

I lived two blocks from the Vances in Portland in the early 90s. My aunt was good friends with Rebekah's mom. I babysat for Rebekah once. (Well, for Paul, but Rebekah was there.) I was in Lauree's Joy Jumper's jump rope club.

It is a total shock to hear that young Rebekah died.

Lincoln Thompson

Anonymous said...

I was also shocked when Robin Sauter told our family about Rebekah's death on Monday afternoon. I live next door to the Sauters and am good friends with Emily. David was sort of like an older brother to me when I was little, and there is no one I know who deserves this tragedy less. Rebekah was always such a fun nice person and it is so weird to think that I will never see her again.

Colleen

Anonymous said...

My favorite story about Rebekah is one that her children shouldn't read until they are old enough to know about Santa Claus. Lauree raised her children with wonderful Christian values. She also told them straight out that there is no Santa Claus and that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birthday. One day, when the girls were five years old, I was ironing in our family room while Rebekah and Christine played with the doll house. I heard the mummer of their voices as they played. Then, Rebekah raised her voice in exasperation: "Christine, we've been over this and over this. There is no Santa Claus." Christine wondered aloud about how all the presents come. And Rebekah replied in a most authoritative voice: "It's the parents!" It was a classic moment. Rebekah was so strong in her convictions, even as a five year-old.
Caroline Greger