An original autopsy yielded no obvious causes of death (no blood clots, wounds, toxins, etc). Tests the coroner subsequently ordered all came back negative, indicating Rebekah' death was from 'natural causes.' The best assumption is something heart related, but nothing for sure. She could have had one of several different conditions, none of which can be confirmed post-mortem (something like Long QT Syndrome). It may be something other family members could have in which case, an EKG may be able to spot an irregularity, but not necessarily. DNA testing could be used to look for 'markers' that may cause some type of heart irregularity.
David and the children are spending time between the Vance's and the Sauter's (his parents), appreciating the continued support from family and friends.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
A small note from David Sauter
"The cause of death is still unknown. When I know what it is, I will communicate that to everyone. Thank you for all the support and compassion over the last three weeks. Joshua and Nicole are dealing with the loss of their mother in their own ways, and we will get through this."
~David
~David
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Celebration pictures
These are photos from the gathering after the service. I would guess there were around 500 people at the service.
Photos from David
The stage was set with wonderful arrangements and fabulous pictures.
This is David with his sister Megan holding Nicole, his father Bob Sauter, and mother-in-law Lauree Vance holding Joshua.
Rebekah is buried at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland OR a top a hill that looks out over the valley. This site was picked because of the great motorcycle rides Rebekah had through the winding roads surrounding the cemetery. The GPS location is +45° 33' 9.06", -122° 46' 47.52"
If you are driving, go in the East entrance, go through the roundabout and take your second right. Continue down around, go straight (passing through a street), go another 200 feet, pass a big pine tree and park at hedge opening on left. Walk though hedge towards topiary bushes. She's just South of the mulch, under the topiary bushes.
Celebration for Rebekah March 30, 2008
A truly wonderful celebration of life was held at the Portland Foursquare Church Sunday March 30, 2008.
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.
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.
Rebekah Sauter's Cookie Recipe, in her hand writing
*add to recipe: 8 oz. chocolate chips and 8 oz. white chocolate chips
This is the recipe for Rebekah's famous chocolate and white chocolate chip cookies. The key is to not cook them all the way - only about 2/3 then leave them on the pan to cook a little more. This way, they are soft and scrumptious. They probably need another 1/2 C flour than the recipe calls for - it's a little stiffer dough.
And, as per Rebekah's instructions and example, the cookie dough ball needs to be golf-ball sized (quite large). Because as she would say, if you're going to feel bad about eating 3 little cookies, feel better and just eat one big one instead. And sometimes we would sneak a dough ball off the tray which was always frustrating for the cookie maker, but great for the cookie eater. Enjoy!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Memorial Service *New Location*
A memorial service for Rebekah has been set:
Sunday, March 30, 2008
3:00 - 5:00 pm service
5:00-6:00 pm gathering
Portland Foursquare Church
1302 SE Ankeny Street
Portland, OR 97214
A memorial fund has been set up in Rebekah Kay (Vance) Sauter's name for her children. Donations can be made at any US Bank location.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested remembrances be sent to
Portland Central Young Life
809 N Russell St#203
Portland OR 97227
Sunday, March 30, 2008
3:00 - 5:00 pm service
5:00-6:00 pm gathering
Portland Foursquare Church
1302 SE Ankeny Street
Portland, OR 97214
A memorial fund has been set up in Rebekah Kay (Vance) Sauter's name for her children. Donations can be made at any US Bank location.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested remembrances be sent to
Portland Central Young Life
809 N Russell St#203
Portland OR 97227
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Rebekah Kay Vance Sauter
Rebekah Kay Vance Sauter1981-2008 Age 26
Rebekah Kay Vance Sauter died peacefully in her sleep of as yet unknown causes on Monday morning, March 17th, 2008.
Rebekah was born in Portland, Oregon on December 31st, 1981, to proud parents, Rolin and Lauree (Golden) Vance. She grew up in a happy, loving, and active home attending Alameda Grade School, Beaumont Middle School, and Grant High School. Between golf, softball, cross-country, student council, and Young Life, she kept very busy and involved in school and community events. Rebekah Kay Vance accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at age six and was baptized at age eight. She was a strong Christian, always excited to share her faith with others.
After graduating from high school, she attended Oregon State University from 2000 until 2004, where she earned a Bachelors of Science degree. Following her sophomore year of college, Rebekah traveled to both São Paulo, Brazil on a Christian evangelical mission trip and went on a backpacking adventure through Europe with two close friends. At OSU she met and fell in love with her future husband David Sauter. They were married December 27th, 2003.
Since David was offered an engineering job in Utah, the couple relocated for two years. Rebekah gave birth to Joshua Rolin Sauter on December 20th, 2005, in Bountiful, Utah. In October 2006 their family moved back to Oregon, and the following summer Rebekah gave birth to Nicole Elizabeth Sauter on June 15th, 2007. Since her wedding, she has been a perfect match for David and an outstanding, loving, patient, and wonderful mother, enjoying many days with her children on walks to the park, exploring Discovery World at OMSI, talking with the animals at the zoo, lunches and visits with her grandmothers, and meeting numerous friends for coffee and fellowship.
Besides spending time with her beloved husband, her precious children, her supportive family and faithful friends, Rebekah enjoyed skydiving, dirt biking with her brothers, dad, and David and riding with her dad or David on their motorcycles. She especially loved sharing conversations with her mother about life, love, marriage, parenting, and faith. She enjoyed knitting blankets and scarves for her family and friends, as well as family vacations at Sun River or the beach, family camp at Young Life’s Wild Horse Canyon, and a new love of gardening in her beautiful, big backyard.
Survivors include her husband David Sauter, children Joshua and Nicole Sauter, parents Rolin and Lauree Vance, older brother and sister-in-law Benjamin and Melissa Vance, younger brothers Paul and Jonathan Vance, maternal grandparent Donna (Golden) Thompson, paternal grandparent Constance (Vance) Hotchkiss and husband Earl Hotchkiss, parents-in-law Robert and Robin Sauter, brother-in-law and wife Josh and Kristin Sauter, sisters-in-law Megan and Emily Sauter, and numerous and precious aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Rebekah was adored, respected and dearly loved by her husband, children, mother, father, siblings, and a plethora of relatives and friends. She had the ability to relate to many people on a deep and personal level. Everyone who knew her recognized what a blessing she was in their lives. Many people named Rebekah as their best friend and relayed this sentiment to her family.
A private burial was held at Skyline Memorial Gardens on Saturday March 22nd. A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, March 30th 2008, from 3-5 p.m. at Portland Four Square Church, which is located at 1302 SE Ankeny Street - Portland, OR 97214.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be sent to Young Life Central, 809 N Russell St # 203 -Portland, OR 97227, where scholarships will be awarded to high school students attending camp or to the Rebekah Kay (Vance) Sauter Memorial Fund, which has been set up for her children. Donations may be made at any US Bank location.
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Monday, March 24, 2008
Notes from friends from Portland
From Betsy Maynard
Rebekah is ten days older than me. Her birthday on December 31, mine January 10. I knew Rebekah when we were little, and being ten days older made a big difference. I was jealous that she was born in 1981, and I was born in 1982. I'm remembering things about Rebekah - she was smart, and strong, and full of life.
I used to play at Rebekah's house once a week or so when we were very small. I remember telling my Mom that I never wanted to have a Cadillac, because Mrs. Vance's brown one broke down a lot. I remember that Rebekah had a teal tutu, with silver sparkles. One time when I was playing at her house I saw another one, in her mom's bedroom. It was a present for me, and my mom has pictures of Rebekah and I wearing them together, holding magic wands.
I think I learned about jumping on the bed from Rebekah, at her house on the corner of 32nd Place and Fremont. I remember being so impressed that her house had a balcony.
My first slumber party was at her house, on New Years Eve, of course, I think in 1990. We all banged pots and pans on the balcony at midnight, except for (I think) Natalie Christiansen, who fell asleep early. At another party we had an elaborate scavenger hunt that included Pizza and Farrell's ice cream. I still remember one clue: "You won't get far without stopping at the star." We stopped at the local Texaco, and there they gave us the next clue, and we headed to the top of Rocky Butte. Rebekah and her mom were great hostesses, and a good time was had by all.
These are just some snapshot memories I have of Rebekah. We hadn't seen each other for years, but every so often our moms would run into each other at the store, and I'd hear about school, wedding, babies. My prayers are with her family.
From Caroline Greger
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.
Rebekah is ten days older than me. Her birthday on December 31, mine January 10. I knew Rebekah when we were little, and being ten days older made a big difference. I was jealous that she was born in 1981, and I was born in 1982. I'm remembering things about Rebekah - she was smart, and strong, and full of life.
I used to play at Rebekah's house once a week or so when we were very small. I remember telling my Mom that I never wanted to have a Cadillac, because Mrs. Vance's brown one broke down a lot. I remember that Rebekah had a teal tutu, with silver sparkles. One time when I was playing at her house I saw another one, in her mom's bedroom. It was a present for me, and my mom has pictures of Rebekah and I wearing them together, holding magic wands.
I think I learned about jumping on the bed from Rebekah, at her house on the corner of 32nd Place and Fremont. I remember being so impressed that her house had a balcony.
My first slumber party was at her house, on New Years Eve, of course, I think in 1990. We all banged pots and pans on the balcony at midnight, except for (I think) Natalie Christiansen, who fell asleep early. At another party we had an elaborate scavenger hunt that included Pizza and Farrell's ice cream. I still remember one clue: "You won't get far without stopping at the star." We stopped at the local Texaco, and there they gave us the next clue, and we headed to the top of Rocky Butte. Rebekah and her mom were great hostesses, and a good time was had by all.
These are just some snapshot memories I have of Rebekah. We hadn't seen each other for years, but every so often our moms would run into each other at the store, and I'd hear about school, wedding, babies. My prayers are with her family.
From Caroline Greger
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.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Notes from Bountiful, Utah
From Julie Larson
As a new neighbor, I had met and was so impressed with David who was busy at his new job and anxiously awaiting Rebekah to come. He really glowed telling me about her to the point that I really couldn't wait to meet her. When I met her I felt I had a new friend. She was beautiful, fun, happy, creative, loving, kind and funny all at the same time. I sensed Rebekah needed a friend, and I did too. (I have a son David's age and a Daughter Rebekah's age). We bonded by making jam, cards, had lunch, shared recipes and after Joshua was born, enjoyed him. I absolutely loved it when she said, "I would love to come down and hang out with you." My daughter had a baby the same week as Joshua was born, and I saw Rebekah had the same needs. She was full of compliments over such little things, and she wanted to please David by learning how to do the same things so she could make them for him. I was sad to hear she was moving. She came back to visit, then I realized how much I missed her and Joshua had grown so much. She delighted in all he could do - she happily told me she was expecting again in June with a girl! We have all been blessed by this wonderful person. To know her was a special gift and our association was a precious memory. I am grateful to Kate for her making me aware of this situation and pray for your families to be able to always be reminded of Rebekah and her wonderful life. I could go on and on, but will end with a quote from Abraham Lincoln, "and in the end, it's not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years. I love you all and thank you for sharing Rebekah with me. Julie Larson, 3666 Bountiful, Ut. 84010
A note from Kara Smith Johnson
I know that everyone is mourning with the sudden passing of Rebekah Sauter. To say it was unexpected is not nearly enough. Her death seems unimaginable, unreal, impossible. It also has been unexplainable. While knowing a cause of death can't change the fact that she's gone, I think there's additional anxiety in the waiting and wondering why.Her passing seems so cruel and bizarre and certainly unfair. But reflecting on it over the last day, I can see some tender mercies the Lord has blessed her family with. Last year Rebekah and David moved back to Portland. It was the first Time Rebekah had lived really close to her family in seven years. It is a blessing that she spent so much time with them in the last year, and now David will have the support of both of their families. I am sure she will be watching over her children, but I know they are already so loved by all those around them.When Nicole was born, Katie, Linette, and Doug drove 12 hours to Portland to congratulate the Sauters and meet Nicole. They only visited for a little while, probably less than an hour, and were soon back on their way to Salt Lake. But how precious a memory that is now, to have shared in Rebekah's joy. She loved her children and David so much, she was a mother bear to her family- never get between her and her cubs.When I was getting ready to move to Saint Louis, Rebekah gave me some advice from what she had learned living in Bountiful. She told me that by moving away, the two of us would grow closer together, that we would learn that having each other was enough, that each of us would be exactly what the other needed. She was right.Rebekah was beautiful, smart, funny with a touch of sarcasm, but she was also tough. She was capable of a lot. She could rise to meet any challenge and would do anything for her family. I was always moved by her quiet acts of charity. She was busy doing a lot of good in the world. Her children were her work and her glory. She is loved and will always be missed.
As a new neighbor, I had met and was so impressed with David who was busy at his new job and anxiously awaiting Rebekah to come. He really glowed telling me about her to the point that I really couldn't wait to meet her. When I met her I felt I had a new friend. She was beautiful, fun, happy, creative, loving, kind and funny all at the same time. I sensed Rebekah needed a friend, and I did too. (I have a son David's age and a Daughter Rebekah's age). We bonded by making jam, cards, had lunch, shared recipes and after Joshua was born, enjoyed him. I absolutely loved it when she said, "I would love to come down and hang out with you." My daughter had a baby the same week as Joshua was born, and I saw Rebekah had the same needs. She was full of compliments over such little things, and she wanted to please David by learning how to do the same things so she could make them for him. I was sad to hear she was moving. She came back to visit, then I realized how much I missed her and Joshua had grown so much. She delighted in all he could do - she happily told me she was expecting again in June with a girl! We have all been blessed by this wonderful person. To know her was a special gift and our association was a precious memory. I am grateful to Kate for her making me aware of this situation and pray for your families to be able to always be reminded of Rebekah and her wonderful life. I could go on and on, but will end with a quote from Abraham Lincoln, "and in the end, it's not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years. I love you all and thank you for sharing Rebekah with me. Julie Larson, 3666 Bountiful, Ut. 84010
A note from Kara Smith Johnson
I know that everyone is mourning with the sudden passing of Rebekah Sauter. To say it was unexpected is not nearly enough. Her death seems unimaginable, unreal, impossible. It also has been unexplainable. While knowing a cause of death can't change the fact that she's gone, I think there's additional anxiety in the waiting and wondering why.Her passing seems so cruel and bizarre and certainly unfair. But reflecting on it over the last day, I can see some tender mercies the Lord has blessed her family with. Last year Rebekah and David moved back to Portland. It was the first Time Rebekah had lived really close to her family in seven years. It is a blessing that she spent so much time with them in the last year, and now David will have the support of both of their families. I am sure she will be watching over her children, but I know they are already so loved by all those around them.When Nicole was born, Katie, Linette, and Doug drove 12 hours to Portland to congratulate the Sauters and meet Nicole. They only visited for a little while, probably less than an hour, and were soon back on their way to Salt Lake. But how precious a memory that is now, to have shared in Rebekah's joy. She loved her children and David so much, she was a mother bear to her family- never get between her and her cubs.When I was getting ready to move to Saint Louis, Rebekah gave me some advice from what she had learned living in Bountiful. She told me that by moving away, the two of us would grow closer together, that we would learn that having each other was enough, that each of us would be exactly what the other needed. She was right.Rebekah was beautiful, smart, funny with a touch of sarcasm, but she was also tough. She was capable of a lot. She could rise to meet any challenge and would do anything for her family. I was always moved by her quiet acts of charity. She was busy doing a lot of good in the world. Her children were her work and her glory. She is loved and will always be missed.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Rebekah was laid to rest today in Portland Oregon
Rebekah was laid to rest today after a small family ceremony at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland Oregon . The pastor that had married her and David conducted the hour long service. A date for a memorial service has not been set, but it will be posted when available.
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