Internment at Charlotte library will be private.
Public Invited to Attend Funeral Service for Ruth Bell Graham, Late Wife of Billy Graham
Mrs. Graham to be Honored by Friends and Family in Montreat, N.C., Followed by a Private Family-Only Interment in Charlotte
ASHEVILLE, June 14 – Mrs. Ruth Bell Graham, beloved wife of evangelist Billy Graham, died in her home at 5:05 p.m. today from complications of pneumonia, surrounded by her husband and five children. Though her health became increasingly unstable in recent days, she was very peaceful at the end and simply stopped breathing.
A public funeral service to honor Mrs. Graham, has been scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 16 in Anderson Auditorium at the Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, N.C.
Mr. Graham and his family have extended an invitation for the public to join them in honoring the life and memory of their wife and mother at this event. Anderson Auditorium's seating capacity is limited to 2,000, on a first come basis, after which guests will be directed to additional overflow seating at three closed-circuit video venues, including Chapel of the Prodigal and Gaither Chapel in Montreat. As security precautions will be in effect, no large bags, backpacks or coolers will be allowed into the auditorium.
This will, in essence, be Mrs. Graham's only funeral. A private, family-only, interment service will be held the following day at her final resting place in the Prayer Garden on the grounds of the recently-dedicated Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., which is closed on Sundays, with no events for the public at that location on the day of her burial.
During the height of the summer conference season, access to Anderson Auditorium is limited, so a shuttle service has been arranged to accommodate public attendance at the service. Because of the absolute unavailability of parking in Montreat, anyone interested in attending the funeral must use public shuttles, which will begin operating at 11 a.m. on the day of the service. Shuttle pick-up points for the public will be in Black Mountain at the following locations, in order of pick-up: the old Food Lion, 408 U.S. 70 Highway; the Ingles Market parking lot at 2913 U.S. Highway 70 West (southeast corner of the Campfire Restaurant); and the BI-LO grocery store at 205 N.C. Highway 9, Black Mountain.
Additional information on Mrs. Graham's life and memorial events is available online at www.billygraham.org/ruthgraham; individuals can also send condolences and reflect on her unique ministry impact. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that tax deductible contributions be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) General Fund, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201.
Arrangements have also been made for the public to place memorials at two remembrance locations, where BGEA staff will be on hand to receive flowers and condolences. The first site is located at Chatlos Chapel on the grounds of the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, in Asheville, N.C., which will open at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 15. A second location is at the "rock" entrance to the Charlotte headquarters of the BGEA, located off Billy Graham Parkway at 4350 Westmont Drive, which will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Friday June 15 to Sunday June 17.
Members of the public desiring to pay their respects to Mrs. Graham are also welcome to position themselves along the processional route the morning of the service. The cortege will depart Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Ave. in Asheville, and proceed east on Route 70 to Anderson Auditorium.
Posted by Ted Olsen on June 14, 2007 7:38PM
Comments
To Brother Graham, Family, Relatives,
We would like to offer our sympathies over the loss of Sister Graham. Our Prayers are with each and ever one of you. Sister Graham was a fine lady and will be missed by many. May God richly Bless and Keep each and everyone of you under His Wings and comfort you all in this time of loss. Your Brother and Sister In Christ Always. Rev George R. and Cheryl A. Downs, Rome,Ga. 30165
Posted by: Rev. George R. Downs at June 15, 2007
I am convinced that at Mrs. Graham's time of death, had we been traveling in the vacinity of Montreat, that we very well could've been caught up in the whirlwind of angel's wings as they came to usher her Home.
May God's presence, the peace and comfort that is availaable through Him, remain with this family and the countless other's surrounding them.
Posted by: Kim at June 15, 2007
Whoever can contact them...
Please ask the Grahams to allow the funeral service to be broadcast on television. No doubt the message and sentiments shared would bless millions.
Mark Philip Venema
Posted by: Mark Philip Venema at June 15, 2007
I too would like and appreciate the funeral of Mrs Graham to be televised. I would hope Daystar or any other Christian television network would want to televise her service. I'm sure FoxNews will highlight this occasion.
My heartfelt condolences to Mr Graham and his family. May God be exalted, even at this time of sacrafice, to give Mrs Graham back to God, for her to be able to "ENJOY HER REWARD IN HEAVEN." Remember, God has made A SPECIAL "ROOM" FOR SWEET SWEET MRS GRAHAM, because SHE WAS HIS!!!
Love and Prayers, Jana Wood, Lawrenceville, Ga.
Posted by: Jana A Wood at June 15, 2007
What an example of a servant! Ruth was a beauty - full of God's grace and peace. She was genuine, so that other women could relate as wives, mothers, and grandmothers. She was talented and shared that with the world. She was giving and shared that with the Chinese, as well as with many others. She set a standard as a helpmate for her husband. I have enjoyed reading about her and have been blessed.
We thank God for placing Ruth in this time in history, so that we would see what it means to truly love the Lord.
May God's comfort rest upon the Grahams now and in the days to come!
Posted by: Chris Johnson at June 15, 2007
My sympathy and prayers are with the Graham family. May God give you strength and peace at this time. It is a joyous occasion for Mrs. Graham as she is with the Lord she loved so much, and is no longer suffering and in pain. It was because of her love for Mr. Graham, that allowed him to share the message of Jesus, his love, forgiveness, mercy, grace, and promise of eternal life that helped to save so many. I had the honor of hearing Mr. Graham speak when I was stationed in the Navy in San Diego, CA. God bless you all!
Paula
Posted by: Paula at June 15, 2007
Dear Mr. Graham and family:
My heart felt prayers go out to you. God will carry you through this difficult time and what a great comfort that Mrs. Graham is in the arms of Jesus. We love you and will continue to pray for your family. Love In Christ, Michael and family in Kansas City
Posted by: Carol at June 15, 2007
Ruth Graham;was a true woman of the True and Living God. To me she was Psalm 24 verses 1 thru 4. The Graham family and the world was blessed to have known her. May God continue to bless the Billy Graham family. Respectfully Yours, Mae
Posted by: Mae Wright at June 16, 2007
Another of Gods angels is basking in his presence and love. What a great reward. She will be an everlasting memory to all the peoples of the world. You and your family are in our prayers.
I am so blessed for hearing your word of God.
Posted by: Sallye Treme at June 16, 2007
To the memory of Mama Ruth Graham, I say thanks for the great modeling of Christs love, humility, graciousness and devotion to the Lord and your husband that you exhibited whilst here. I pray that the Lord will raise more and more women in our generation to carry on the work where you stopped. I never met you personally but read quite a few of your books and writings and they all impacted me.
To Papa Billy Graham and the family, take heart and be comforted by His grace and love.
Posted by: Ayo Ipinmoye at June 16, 2007
Ruth Graham was such a vision of lovliness. I have always admired her and could see the love of Christ in her beautiful face. Most of all in all that she did all of her life, was to be a blessing to her family and to all others. It is a glorious homegoing for her today. Her family will miss her and I am praying for them. Still, there has to be joy for them to know she is in a place where there is no more pain. She is with Christ. Much as the Ruth of the bible, I see Ruth Graham as this kind of blessed woman.
Posted by: Sheila at June 16, 2007
How I admired and respected this gracious Christian lady. She was
the epitomy of what a Christian woman, wife and mother should be.
I'm sure as the family grieves her loss there is also joy in knowing that she is home with the Lord she loved and served so well.
Posted by: Mary at June 16, 2007
I have been a true fan of Ruth and Billy Graham all my life. They are the real heroes in this country because their life exemplified Christian values. They always gave GOD the GLORY and he blessed their life and the lives of all those they touched a long the way. Now, I follow Franklin and Ann as they work to continue the ministry that their parents worked so hard to share with the world.
Posted by: Glenda Carr at June 16, 2007
I am 84 Years old and have followed Jesus Christ thru the teachings
of Dr.Graham since I was young woman listening to him on radio. My heart goes out to him & family in Ruth's homegoing. Their love of God & his people & His message of same to the world is & ever will
be Christian ministry to all people. May Ruth's soul rest in peace
She was a great lady...her ministry for Chist & wit is inspirational & remembered. May God continue to bless the Graham
family.
Posted by: Louise at June 17, 2007
Ruth Graham was such a blessing of the Lord to so many people.
She will be missed is this realm but she is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior.
My deepest sympathy is with the family she left,Billy and sons and daughter.
Susan
Posted by: Susan at June 17, 2007
Dear Dr. Graham and children,
I praise God for giving me the opprtunity to attend Amsterdam 1986. It was a delightful moment to share the stage one morning along with you.
Our prayers with you and we are truelly blessed by your teachings. We watch your messages that are televised. Your teachings are great help in our ministry of preparing young church planters.
May God grant you peace that passeth all understanding.
George M. Jacob.
Allahabad, India.
Posted by: George M.Jacob at June 18, 2007
I believe that the success that we see in the ministry of Dr. Billy Graham can not be without the contribution of Ruth.Thank God for her life and most especially that she made it to heaven.We will surely miss her.May the Lord comfort the immediate family.
Posted by: Yakubu Daniyan at June 20, 2007
My heartfelt condolence to the Graham's family.
In 1977, a crusade was held in Rizal Park, Philippines with no less than Rev. Billy Graham as the presider / preacher. From then on, I carried the so-called
"born again" title of my spiritual life.
I even had correspondence with Mrs. Graham for her "prayer" family in Philippines. I am a member of this prayer cell (privately).
I was so excited weekly to received her correspondence.I remembered the "prayer key" which was enclosed in the letter. I hope I still have it in
my personal little boxes.
From that prayer, all of us become followers of Jesus Christ.
I even have a brother who is now in Fullerton, CA serving the Lord as
Mission Pastor.
I am looking forward that one day I will also talk personally to Mrs.
Graham when my time will come to go home to our Saviour -
I want to thank her that thru her help and her"prayer key ministry" - nothing is impossible.
Tess M.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Posted by: Tess M.arcelo at June 20, 2007
Dear Mr. Graham and family:
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I know God will carry you through this difficult time and comfort you all. Mrs. Graham is safe in the arms of Jesus. You have been such a great blessing to many,God is with you and is watching over you at this time. We love you and will continue to pray for your family. Love In Christ, Ranjini & family
Posted by: Ranjini at June 20, 2007
Among others I read "Billy Graham- the man who walks with God" when I was small.I always remember how Billy & Ruth met and got married. Their lives and ministry are always a reflection of God's goodness, character and love. Tho I never met them there is this "I miss you" feeling. May God raise many such women like Ruth Graham. May the Grahams family get closer to the Lord and enjoy His peace and love. G. Ashin Panmei, Imphal, Manipur India
Posted by: G. Ashin Panmei at July 9, 2007
I shed tears, but I do not know why. I cannot explain what is happening to me. I believe I am thrilled by the awesomeness of God. I am enchanted. I am shivering with the excitement of how God has used Ruth and Billy to save souls.There is a big reception in heaven for a saint named Ruth. I can imagine Jesus calling out to the saints, "Bring Ruth to me so that I can pat her for supporting my good servant Billy, who toiled for many years to save souls for me". Good bye Ruth, enjoy the transition. Take heart Billy, God is with you. Continue with the good work, Graham children and grand children.
Posted by: Marian-Stella Araka at July 22, 2007
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