Ruth Graham, who surrendered dreams of missionary work in Tibet to marry a suitor who became the world's most renowned evangelist, died Thursday. She was 87.
The wife of Billy Graham died at 5:05 p.m. at her home at Little Piney Cove, surrounded by her husband and all five of their children, said a statement released by family spokesman Larry Ross.
"Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team," Billy Graham said in a statement. "No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.
"I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we've had in the mountains together. We've rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven."
Ruth Graham has been bedridden for months with degenerative osteoarthritis of the back and neck and underwent treatment for pneumonia two weeks ago. At her request, and in consultation with her family, she had stopped receiving nutrients through a feeding tube for the last few days, Ross said.
The family plans a private interment ceremony and a public memorial service. Those arrangement had yet to be made on Thursday.
As Mrs. Billy Graham, Ruth Graham could lay claim to being the first lady of evangelical Protestantism, but neither exploited that unique status nor lusted for the limelight.
Behind the scenes, however, Ruth Graham was considered her husband's closest confidant during his spectacular global career "” rivaled only by her father, L. Nelson Bell, until his death in 1973.
Bell, a missionary doctor, headed the Presbyterian hospital in Qingjiang, China, that had been founded by the father of author Pearl Buck. Ruth grew up there and spent three high school years in what's now North Korea.
A great lady, with an enduringlegacy, that only God knows just how much effect she had on how many people's lives. God bless her family at this time of loss.
A great lady, with an enduringlegacy, that only God knows just how much effect she had on how many people's lives. God bless her family at this time of loss.
neither exploited that unique status nor lusted for the limelight.
This is so true of the Grahams, and considering the influence and popularity they had it speaks volumes for their charactor and integrity. My prayers go out for the Rev Graham and family for their loss.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
She is Enjoying her reward right now.
Rest In Peace for a little while, soon you will return with the master.
Shalom
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The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. Zephaniah 1:14
פרץ
I heard about it this morning on the radio and immediately prayed for her family that will one day see her again in paradise. Even though we have this to look forward to, it still hurts terribly to lose a loved one and I pray that God will grant them His peace during this time.
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Today' s small bucks are tomorrow' s trophies.
[image]http://www.whitetails.com/deer8.html[image]
I hope Billy don't follow her too soon, but if it's God's will, he will.
When God's finished with you, he takes you home, but untill then, nothing in the world can kill a person unless God permits it.
this was a great lady i live about 6 miles from them and everyone i have talked to thought of them as neighbors no matter how far away they were she has done so much for the kids in this area that you could not begin to describe it. she is at peace with the lord today.
Ruth Graham Dies
