A loving, devoted teacher and a student brimming with artistic ambition are Wisconsin school shooting victims

A kind and dedicated teacher and a passionate student with artistic aspirations are the victims of a school shooting in Wisconsin.

Madison school shooting victims: Erin Michelle West and Ruby Vergara
(Photo by Abundant Life Christian School/Gunderson Funeral Home, via CNN Newsource)

Ruby Patricia Vergara, according to her obituary, loved to read and was full of artistic talent. She sang and played keyboard in her family band and had a special relationship with her beloved pets, a cat named Ginger and a dog named Coco.

Erin Michelle West was described as a kind and caring teacher who, according to students, "loved her kids" at Abundant Life Christian School. West was also a loving and proud mother.

The two died Monday morning during a school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin. This news was announced by the Dan county coroner's office.

More details about the victims:

Erin Michelle West

Erin, 42, lived in DeForest, Wisconsin and taught at Abundant Life School.

She worked as a substitute teacher for three years and then moved on to work as a substitute teacher coordinator. A statement from the school said:
"ALCS is a better place because of Erin West's efforts."

The school described him as someone who "brought his love for Jesus Christ and people to the school community with a warm hug and a smile."

Angel Brub, a seventh-grader who was present at the time of the shooting, described Erin as "kind, caring and a good communicator."

Sophomore Mackenzie Wilson said:
"He loved his children and always talked excitedly about his children's future." He added: "Erin was like a mother to all the students. I wish I could go back in time and hug him."

Ruby Patricia Vergara

Ruby, a freshman in high school, loved art and music and came from a large family.

The school said in a statement:
“She was not only a good friend, but a great big sister. Ruby was often seen with a book in hand and had a special talent for art and music."

He attended this school since kindergarten and was known as a person with a kind heart and always smiling face.

According to the obituary, Ruby loved art, singing and playing keyboards in her family band and had a passion for animals.

The school's statement reads:
"Ruby was a great blessing to our class and school, but her love for Jesus Christ shined above all else."

His funeral will be held Saturday in Madison, and he will be buried at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

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