Reactions to the Death of Ruth Graham

c. 2007 Religion News Service Following are various reactions to the death Thursday (June 14) of Ruth Bell Graham at age 87 at her home in Montreat, N.C. “My wife Ruth was the most incredible woman I have ever known. Whenever I was asked to name the finest Christian I ever met, I always replied, […]

c. 2007 Religion News Service

Following are various reactions to the death Thursday (June 14) of Ruth Bell Graham at age 87 at her home in Montreat, N.C.


“My wife Ruth was the most incredible woman I have ever known. Whenever I was asked to name the finest Christian I ever met, I always replied, `My wife, Ruth.’ She was a spiritual giant …

_ The Rev. Billy Graham

“Not once did my mother make us feel that by staying behind she was sacrificing her life for us children. By her sweet, positive example, her consistently unselfish spirit, and her total reliance upon the person of Jesus Christ, we were kept from becoming bitter or resentful.”

_ Gigi Graham, Ruth Bell Graham’s oldest daughter

“Her happiness and fulfillment did not depend on her circumstances. 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.”

_ Ruth Graham, namesake daughter

“ … She always, right up until the day she went to heaven, had a twinkle in her eye _ a mischievous twinkle that was almost like she was sitting there thinking about what she could do to get one up on you. Mama was just always a lot of fun.”

_ Franklin Graham, oldest son

“She always sat up and waited until I got home _ no matter what time it was. … I don’t know how many times I tried to slip in late. There she would be, dressed in her robe, sitting in her rocker with a book or a Bible on her lap. `Thank God you’re all right,’ she’d say. … Mother has always offered so much love and she always enjoys learning about something new.”

_ Ned Graham, youngest son

“If I could have seen the other side of the Pearly Gates when she entered, I believe I would have seen millions of angels standing to applaud Jesus … giving him all the glory and praise for the life of Ruth Bell Graham.”

_ Anne Graham Lotz, Ruth’s daughter, founder of AnGel Ministries

“Now she is face to face with the Jesus her husband introduced to millions and enjoying the heaven he preached about.”

_ Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council

“Ruth Graham was not only the faithful life partner to modern Christianity’s icon, Billy Graham, but she was, in her own right, the epitome of grace, faith, and steadfastness. People of all faiths can certainly appreciate this truly remarkable Christian lady.”


_ Mike Huckabee, presidential candidate and former governor of Arkansas.

“What a wonderful example Ruth Graham has been for Christian women. She stood by Billy through the great days and through the difficult ones as well. I have never heard her give one word of negative criticism about her husband.”

_ Beverly LaHaye, founder and chairman of Concerned Women for America

“Ruth Graham’s gentle spirit and deep devotion to God fashioned her into a lovely model of Christian womanhood. She lived humbly in the glow of Billy’s spotlight, her life quietly yet profoundly showing, `This is the way, walk in it.’ … Heaven must be rejoicing as the one she loved most welcomes her home.”

_ Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America

“I have admired her all my life, and particularly as a pastor’s wife, there was a great deal to glean from how she supported her husband’s ministry. She lived a life of servanthood, and in doing so was a leader and a role model to so many others.”

_ Kay Warren, wife of Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif.

“For decades Ruth Graham has been an inspiration to us all and a tower of strength for her husband who has been the pre-eminent evangelist of the 20th century. Her health struggles are now over and she is with the Lord she served so well.”

_ Pat Robertson, religious broadcaster

“Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Ruth Bell Graham, a remarkable woman of faith whose life was defined by her belief in a personal, loving and gracious God. Ruth’s marriage to her husband Billy was a true and loving partnership. As the wife of the world’s most beloved evangelist, she inspired people around the world with her humor, intelligence, elegance and kindness.”


_ President George W. Bush

“One of the many ministries of Ruth and Billy Graham over the past 60 years has been their modeling of what a truly Christian marriage looks like. Their devotion to the Lord and to one another has served as an example to more than three generations of Christian couples. We rejoice with Dr. Graham that his beloved Ruth is now with the Lord in a place where there is no more pain, no more tears and no more suffering.”

_ Richard Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention

“When reflecting on Mrs. Graham’s life as a dedicated follower of Christ, and a devoted wife and mother, the words from the Gospel of Matthew 25:23 are so appropriate: `Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter into the joy of your Lord.’“

_ Rev. Dr. Paul Irwin, president of the American Bible Society

KRE/JM END

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