![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_logo.gif
){kind=logo}
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_ctplus.gif "CT Plus")
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_shopping.gif "Shopping")
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_magazines.gif "Magazines")
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_more.gif "More")
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_free.gif "Free")
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_help.gif "Help")
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_sunrise.gif)
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.christianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fspacer.gif)
“Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team," says Billy.
Here's the press release. Christianity Today will be offering original full coverage on the main site shortly.
RUTH BELL GRAHAM DIES: Wife of Billy Graham Succumbs to Lingering Illness, Surrounded by Loved Ones at Her Deathbed
MONTREAT, N.C., June 14 – Mrs. Ruth Bell Graham, beloved wife of world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham, died at 5:05 p.m. today, at her home at Little Piney Cove in Montreat, N.C., surrounded by her husband and all five children. She was 87. Dates and times for a family-only interment ceremony and a public memorial service will be released when available.
“Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team,†Mr. Graham said of his life-long marriage and ministry partner. “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,†Mr. Graham continued. “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.â€
Mr. Graham confirmed today that his wife's final resting place will be at the foot of a cross-shaped walkway in the Prayer Garden on the grounds of the recently dedicated Library bearing his name adjacent to his ministry headquarters in Charlotte. Earlier this year the Grahams agreed together that they would be buried side-by-side at the Library, a decision made by the two of them alone.
Ruth Bell was born June 10, 1920, in Qingjiang, Kiangsu, China, the daughter of medical missionaries L. Nelson and Virginia Leftwich Bell. She attended high school in Pyongyang, (now North) Korea. She first came to the United States at the age of 7, while her parents were on furlough. She returned to the US at the age of 17 to attend Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. Shortly after his arrival on campus, she was introduced to “Preacher,†the nickname other students gave the strapping Billy Graham from Charlotte, North Carolina. They were married in August, 1943, following their graduating together that June.
Between 1945 and 1958, Mrs. Graham gave birth to five children, whom she raised – sometimes single-handedly – while her husband was away on extended national and international evangelistic crusades. The three daughters and two sons who survive her are all actively involved in ministry, including eldest son Franklin, who heads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) founded by his father.
"My father would not have been what he is today if it wasn’t for my mother,†Franklin said. †She stood strong for what was biblically correct and accurate. She would help my father prepare his messages, listening with an attentive ear, and if she saw something that wasn’t right or heard something that she felt wasn’t as strong as it could be, she was a voice to strengthen this or eliminate that. Every person needs that kind of input in their life and she was that to my father.â€
In 1959, Mrs. Graham published her first book, “Our Christmas Story,†an illustrated volume for children. She went on to write or co-author 13 other books, many of them works of poetry she wrote as an emotional release while her husband was so often on the road through the years.
“I don’t believe Mother has adequately been recognized and honored for what she had done; because, without her, Daddy’s ministry would not have been possible,†said Ruth Graham, youngest daughter – and namesake – regarding her mother’s influence and partnership in her father’s ministry.
“How does one live with one of the world’s most famous men?,†daughter Ruth continued. “God began training my mother for this position years ago in China. Her parents exercised a profound effect upon the development of her character, and laid the foundations for who she was. What she witnessed in her family home, she practiced for herself – dependence on God in every circumstance, love for His Word, concern for others above self, and an indomitable spirit displayed with a smile.
“Her happiness and fulfillment did not depend on her circumstances,†the younger Ruth concluded. “She was a lovely, beautiful and wise woman, because early in life she made Christ her home, her purpose, her center, her confidant, and her vision.â€
Mrs. Graham’s significant role in Mr. Graham’s ministry was recognized in 1996, when they were jointly awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in a special ceremony in the Capital Rotunda in Washington, which reflected a consensus of love and support from all branches of government in attendance.
Ruth Graham was always a vital part of Mr. Graham’s evangelistic career, and he turned to her for advice and input about many ministry decisions. One of the early uses of media by the BGEA was the “Hour of Decision†radio program begun in 1950, which she named. After her upbringing in China and high school experience in Korea, she continued to have a burden for the people of Asia. She encouraged her husband to visit and later accompanied him during his historic visits to the People’s Republic of China.
Ruth Graham has been in frail health since suffering spinal meningitis in 1995. That was exacerbated by a degenerative back condition that began with a fall out of a tree while helping a grandchild fix a swing in 1974 that resulted in chronic back pain for many years. Bedridden or wheelchair-bound since the late 1990s, Mrs. Graham wasn’t able to accompany her husband during his last few years of ministry, but was always a continued source of inspiration and support for her him through her prayers and wise biblical counsel.
Mrs. Graham is survived by her husband Billy: daughters, Virginia, Anne Morrow, and Ruth Bell; sons William Franklin, III, and Nelson Edman; 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association also has a memorial site for Ruth. The press release above is from A. Larry Ross and Associates, Billy's longtime personal publicist and spokesman. Ross's site has photos, video, and more information.
Obituaries on Ruth Bell Graham include those from the Associated Press, Asheville Citizen-Times, Charlotte Observer, Time, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and other sources.
Posted by Ted Olsen on June 14, 2007 5:22PM
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fspacer.gif)
Comments
My deepest sympathy to the family. Even tho she's at home with her Heavenly Father, I know the family will miss her. "Oh that will be glory for me, glory for me, glory for me, glory for me. When by His grace, I shall look on his face...that will be glory, be glory for me."
Posted by: Linda Shook at June 14, 2007
Ruth Graham is a hero to me, and I hope will be for all of my daughters as a shining example of a woman who loves her God, her husband, and her children - in that order. Her love for her husband's life work gave him not only peace, but liberty to pursue and refine his calling and skills.
May God bless the Graham family during this time of grief and loss.
Trent Hall
Posted by: Trent Hall at June 14, 2007
As a college student I worked during the summer in the late 1960's for the Mountain Retreat Association which runs the Presbyterian church functions at Montreat, NC. I was assigned to the "gate" to greet incoming participants for the church functions. Ruth Graham and her Father, Dr. Nelson Bell, were always "regulars" going in and out during that summer. Both of them always had a wave and a smile when they passed through the gate. If no cars were behind them, each would stop,ask how everything was going and just chat for a few moments. I have always remembered their kind attitudes when at times we would have a few who just were so impatient they were almost rude. I am sorry to hear that such a nice person had so many medical problems late in life. She was a very fine person and I am sure she will be missed by her husband and her entire family.
Posted by: Tom at June 14, 2007
I was a young editor (30s) at Harper when I was asked by my boss to take over the work on the authorized biographies of Billy by John Pollack and to work with Patricia Cornwell on the biography of Ruth, A Time For Remembering (reissued as Ruth: A Portrait). In my times with Ruth and Bill I was always impressed with her feistiness (a word often used to describe her) and her intelligence. One time Ruth and I had lunch in a hotel with no one around. After a couple of hours I felt like I had just had the most profound "therapy" session and "spiritual direction" session of my young life. The same thing happened when I would visit her and Bill at home in North Carolina. She was remarkably "present" with me as if I mattered as a human being and not just as an editor. I am deeply saddened by her passing but I will always remember my times with her and always be eternally glad for my chance to know this great and courageous woman.
Posted by: Roy M. Carlisle at June 14, 2007
What a beautiful lady and role model! Ruth is an example of a life well lived. She is in glory with her savior. Hallelujah!
Posted by: Tina DuCharme at June 15, 2007
Praise our Father God that he sent Ruth to be a blessing to so many people on His earth.
May her legacy live on until our Savior comes again.
My deepest sympathy to her entire family.
A Sister in Christ
Becky Vango
Posted by: Becky Vango at June 15, 2007
Praise God for His mercy indures forever!!
Ruth is in the arms of Jesus and is probably rejoicing right now, with no more pain and suffering.
God bless you Billy, and your family. We know you all will miss your wife and mother, but she is only a prayer away and will always be with you in your hearts. What a wonderful example to follow in this life.
Our heart felt prayers and thoughts are with you.
Love in Christ,
Jim & Chris Mosconi
Hopewell, VA
Posted by: Jim & Chris Mosconi at June 15, 2007
The passing of Ruth Bell Graham will leave a vast space within the family, one that can never really be filled. My prayer is that her beloved husband, children, grand- and great-grandchildren will draw closer to one another, and that the Lord will knit them closer to each other to at least make the hole she leaves in the fabric of their family a little smaller. But oh, what a celebration in heaven at her arrival there!
Posted by: Leslie at June 15, 2007
I remember Ruth Graham when she came to London in 56. I joined up in the British Army as a boy of 15. I was asked by my trade officer(Survey)if I was a fan of Billy Graham.
I also recall her comments in a book she wrote "....I have been following him ever since." What a wonderful wife she was and such a blessing to us all because of her self sacrificing life in supporting Billy. What a blessing to us all was her growing up in China. It makes me feel ashamed of my life.
Posted by: Mike Davies at June 15, 2007
Ruth Bell Graham is the perfect example of a woman who loves her husband and family with the love of the Lord. She was truly a woman of God and Mr. Graham was truly blessed to have her as his God given help mate, the true love of his life.
Posted by: Norma Peters at June 15, 2007
Dear brother Billy, I cant help but praise God for such a wonderful team for His glory that you and your dear faithful Ruth have been..you have indeed exalted His name together (as in Psalm 34:3). What wonderful role models you both have been and will continue to be to the world,in so many ways, of your love for the Lord Jesus, your trust in Him, and your faithful obedience to Him.
Our hearts and our prayers are particularly with you at this time, that the Lord would comfort and sustain you and all your family and give you His peace that surpasses all understanding.
May the Lord bless you and keep you....and hold you up in His everlasting arms. For you: Romans 15:5,6,13.
With love in Christ Jesus from Gaynor and Waribo (Bournemouth, UK).
Posted by: Gaynor & Waribo (Bournemouth, UK) at June 16, 2007
To Dr. Graham and family, Though I have never met Mrs. Graham, I feel as though I have lost a good friend. I have many of her books and a tape of her talk at HP Presbyterian Church. I have re read her books from time to time, and I can just about quote from her talk as I have listened to it so much. Her joy of the Lord, her wisdom, her gift of writing and speaking have meant so much to me. I cannot imagine how much Mrs. Graham has meant to you, her family. I have prayed for you for some time, and I will continue to pray for you, that God will sustain you in your time of sorrow. Praise be to God that you grieve with hope that you will be reunited in heaven with your dear loved one. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of one of His saints. In Christ, Carolyn C. Black (Comfort, Texas)
Posted by: Carolyn C.Black at June 16, 2007
As a small child growing up in the church, and as a teen committing my life to Jesus Christ, I have had the opportunity and joy to watch the Hour of Power and have always been impressed by the humble simple Gospel message that Jesus loves us, died for us and wants us in His family.
Knowing that Ruth, Billy's wife and family have had much to do with such a great ministry has made my heart glad. It's never just me, now is it?
Some time ago I had the chance to watch Graham's honored on a Bill Gaither Homecoming. What a thrill it was.What a servent she was. Her life brought glory to our Lord.Each of us have a place in God's kingdom. When were tempted to think that the little we do isn't that much...remember that our little is much when God is in it.
Posted by: Chip Gerber at June 16, 2007
My prayers are with the family of Ruth Bell Graham. Even though our loss be heaven's gain, the loss of wife and mother especially is grievous to us. Thanks be to God for the life and works of Ruth Bell Graham!
Christian Collins
Charlotte
Posted by: Chris Collins at June 17, 2007
My prayers are with my favorite and greatest evangelist and his family. Ruth Bell Graham was indeed a woman of God, a strong and special woman, a woman full of God's grace, as she stood by and supported her husband throughout the years even though many were the days that she was alone with her children. I also never realized how beautiful she was until I saw her on TV this week. I know Dr. Graham will miss her terribly, but some day soon he will be rejoicing with her in heaven.
Posted by: Evelyn at June 17, 2007
When I was a young mother, I read a book where Ruth was qouted as saying, " Enjoy your children, they grow very fast." This words keep on echoeing in my ear everytime I am tempted to get tired of my kids. Am glad I did enjoyed them. Indeed the've grown very fast. Last year I was so excited to get a copy of A Time of Remembering, the biograohy of Ruth in a booksale. After reading the book, it seems as though I knew her personnally. As a mother and wife, her life had been an inspiration to me. By the way, am from Kidapawan City, Philippines. that's how far Ruth's life enfluenced others. God bless you all and thanks for sharing Ruth to us.
Posted by: Genevieve at June 18, 2007
I lost my loving husband on Jan. 11, 2006. We were married the same year as the Grahams and my husband is about the same age as Billy. There was a Godly gentleman in my church that witnessed that he got to know the Lord in Orlando ata Billy Graham Crusade. I give Billy credit too in my staying close to the Lord. He was my idol. My husband is already in Heaven awaiting my arrival. God bless the Graham family who have done so much for humanity. I am still watching Franklin preach. P.S. My husband is buried in St. Augustine, FL and I have moved here to be near his mausoleum and await my calling to Heaven. Ruth was a person that I dream of becoming.
Posted by: Flora Christopher at June 18, 2007
To God be the glory great things He has done. May God meet Dr Billy Graham at His point of need. May God hold Him and comfort him. May God fill in the gaps where Ruth vacated. May God be with him as never before. To God be the glory for both lives. I have been drawn to Billy Graham by his integrity, a good role model and a reflection of the Father's heart for us. I love you Billy Graham and may God be with you - hold you close until He sees fit to release you to be with Him.
Posted by: Sheila at June 18, 2007
To God be the glory great things He has done. May God hold Him and comfort him. May God fill in the gaps where Ruth vacated. May God be with him as never before. To God be the glory for both lives. I have been drawn to Billy Graham by his integrity, a good role model and a reflection of the Father's heart for us. I love you Billy Graham and may God be with you - hold you close. You are an inspiration and the best example.
Posted by: Sheila at June 18, 2007
I'm praying for all the precious Family.What a wonderful lady Ruth was.God Bless all of you.She has ne pain now at all.But I know you will miss her so much
God Bless
Jackie silvers
Posted by: Jackie Silvers at June 18, 2007
We will pray for you Rev. Graham and your family for acceptance, strength and wonderful reflections of the fun, family times you had together. As is the case many times, families are drawn even closer, when is taken from our midst. I understand it well, having lost both parents at this point in life. May God Bless each of you and cause his face to shine upon you. Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually.
Posted by: Jeanette A. Wright at June 18, 2007
Dear Dr. Graham, warm greetings from INDIA! I had been your fan for last many years since I entered into ministry. I thank God for the blessing He has showered through you and your wife in the lives of crores of people. I pray for you and your family in this time of grief and celebration of Ruth's life for Christ.
May His Grace strengthen you and uphold you as you continue to live for Him.
Prakash Nemade
INDIA
Posted by: Prakash Nemade, INDIA at June 19, 2007
I am an admirer of Billy Grahams Ministries. As a born again christian,I have found inspiration from their books though I have never met them personally.I thank God Almighty for the bonus years He had awareded to our sister Mrs Ruth. She lived long enough to proclaim the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
PSALMS 116:15 "Precious in the eyes of God is the death of His saints".
May God comfort the entire family and help them to continue thanking God for giving Ruth a rest.
GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU SERVE HIM.
Grace N. Koome
KENYA-AFRICA.
Posted by: Grace N. Koome at June 19, 2007
She desired and pursued God and everything else followed. She was great and she leaves a great legacy.May she be emulated by those that look for Godly women to emulate
Posted by: Okoth Okwemba at June 20, 2007
In a world that has so many christian charletons, I want to thank Billy and Ruth Graham for their example of christian authenticity, living lives were not perfect but lives that were lived with integrity. This seems to be getting so rare today.
Posted by: Glen Bergstrom at June 20, 2007
My heart felt condolences go out to Billy Graham and the rest of the Graham Family,
Please send me the mailing address on where to send cards so that I can get a few made up and get them signed by the members of the church that I go to and whoever else wants to sign them to sign them and get them out to the family as soon as possible.
Posted by: Charles at June 21, 2007
Thank God for the examplary life that Ruth Bell Graham led. Her life is a great inspiration to me and I believe to many. Only eternity will reveal the full impact her life made on so many. Her family are blessed to have been associated with such a wonderful woman of God. To Evangelist Graham, I say multiplied grace unto you.
Posted by: Bola Echanah at June 21, 2007
I have just watched the special tribute to this dynomite lady, and OH am I isnpired and motivated to better answer His call. (((((HUGS))))) sandi
Posted by: (((((HUGS))))) sandi at December 1, 2007
My heart leap for joy when I saw the life of Ruth Graham on tv and how much more reading the news about her.She's really a wonderful christian,wife and mother,a good example for christian women to serve GOD faithfully.I wish I meet her when she visited asia.I know she has many crowns of gold for what she has done on earth.I appreciate you Mrs Ruth Graham
Posted by: 3 kids of asia at December 7, 2007
Ruth Graham was really an ideal christian.To all women through out the world... what do you think will happen to your place if your life is like her.I feel the joy in my heart reading about her life and billy graham for such a wonderful spirits that they have for CHRIST sake.Amen
Posted by: asia girl at December 7, 2007
Surprisingly, I (22) hadn't head about Ruth until a few months ago, I spotted a book my Mother gave me years ago when I was 16! I am currently reading her biography. I hadn't heard much of the Graham's until I was in a bible study a few months ago and spotted "Just As I Am." The words stood out to me and I was drawn to it. After discovering it was Billy Graham's auto-biography, I decided to read part of it, then later found Ruth's book in my bedroom. I related to her in a lot of ways and I hope to be a woman like she was - strong, wise, beautiful and godly, and a good wife and mother one day. She inspired me to come back to God through her realness. The questions she had about God when she was close to my age were similar to mine and gave me hope to believe again. She inspired me to not give up in my search for the truth in this day and age. Her life was honorable and lovely, a true light in this world. My prayers and heart go out to your family. God bless you all!
Merci
Posted by: Merci Miley at April 3, 2008
Post a comment