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.
Graham died at 5:05 p.m. at her home at Little Piney Cove, surrounded by her husband and all five children, said a statement released by Larry Ross, Billy Graham’s spokesman.
“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.
Such sad news, and at the same time, that for which she has looked forward to for so long has come to be — she is in the presence of her Savior.
We will keep the Graham family in our prayers.
Doing the laundry is probably my most depised household chore; but years ago, I read that Mrs. Graham got through this drudgery by praying for her children while she folded their clothes. It is a practice I have always tried to follow.
May flights of angels sing her to her rest.
Mr. Graham has been able to do great things for the Lord. Mrs. Graham shaped Mr. Graham’s greatness. The Lord must be well pleased with them both…..
Ruth Bell Graham’s life is also potent evidence of the effect of growing up in a godly household. Her father, L. Nelson Bell, was one of the giants of 20th Century Christianity, a strong leader of thinking evangelicals within and beyond his Presbyterian Church, of which he was once Moderator. He was one of the founders of Christianity Today, and a longtime executive editor. Ruth Bell Graham’s siblings were likewise strong and stalwart in the faith, and of course that same influence has replicated itself in her own large family of children and grandchildren. While many will know the Graham surname more than her maiden name, Ruth Graham’s faith and faithfulness and Godly influence owe much also to the influence of her Bell family roots.
Let Christ receive His own. He has promised that no Christian will be parted from him. Let her stand next to Steve Jecko and proclaim Jesus as Lord.
Amen, amen, and amen.
May she be rejoicing in the glory of the Lord!
We are saddened by her passing, but rejoice that she is in the communion of the saints. God bless you richly, Ruth.
Peace,
Barry