Ruth Graham Dies at the Age of 87

The Associated Press is reporting that Ruth Bell Graham has passed away at the age of 87. She maybe better known as being the wife of world renowned evangelist Billy Graham.

The Associated Press is reporting that Ms. Ruth died in Little Piney Cove, North Carolina at 5:05pm Tuesday afternoon. She passed away in the home she shared with Rev. Graham. She passed away with Rev. Graham and their five children Franklin, Nelson, Virginia, Ruth, and Anne by her side.

There was a press release from Billy Graham that states "Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team. 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."

The Associated Press says the Grahams married in 1943. They moved to Chicago in 1945 where they were part of a church in the area. Once the couple made their way back to the mountains of North Carolina it then become their home for a lifetime. Although Ms. Ruth stood by her husband no matter the circumstance and no matter the time apart during his travels, she kept one part of her which was a lifelong Presbyterian. Not that, that ever showed with the support she always gave her husband during his Baptist Missions around the world.

Ruth Graham won a Congressional Medal of Honor in 1996 for what the AP is saying was for "outstanding and lasting contributions to morality, racial equality, family, philanthropy, and religion." Mrs. Graham also was a writer and co-author of 14 books during her life.

Mrs. Graham the Associated Press is reporting had been bedridden for several months and had recently been treated for pneumonia. Ruth Graham had been receiving food through feeding tubes until the last few days of her life. At her request according to the AP the feeding tube was removed. Earlier this week Rev. Graham had said this time was drawing closer with a statement saying his lifelong love was "close to going home to Heaven."

A private burial is being planned for the family. At a later time a public memorial service is also being planned.

Personal Note:

My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the Graham family. Especially to the ones that I know which are Roy, Edward and Cissie. Best wishes to all of the Graham family.

RESOURCES:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19210879/