Ruth Bell Graham succumbs to lingering illness, surrounded by loved ones at her deathbed

MONTREAT, NORTH CAROLINA — Mrs. Ruth Bell Graham, beloved wife of world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham, was surrounded by her husband and all five of her children when she passed away yesterday aged 87.

“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.”

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, Illinois. 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.”

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.”

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.

Ruth Bell Graham was born in China as Ruth McCue Bell. Her parents, D^r. and Mrs. L. Nelson Bell, were medical missionaries at the Presbyterian Hospital 300 miles north of Shanghai. As a young girl there in the small hospital compound, Ruth first sensed the great calling to abandon all for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Her childhood was spent on China’s mission field with her parents and siblings Rosa, Virginia, and Clayton, surrounded by disease, despair, and the eventual disorder and chaos of civil wars. The suffering she observed only strengthened in her the conviction of mankind’s need for the Savior. Until her early adult years, she dreamed of serving as a single missionary in a far corner of the world — the mountainous nation of Tibet.

At the age of 13, Ruth was sent to boarding school in Pyongyang, in modern-day North Korea, where she studied for three years. Under terrible homesickness, Ruth learned to overcome the loneliness of being far from loved ones by taking care of the needs of others, a skill that would serve her well in the coming years.

Ruth completed her high school education in Montreat, North Carolina, while her parents were there on furlough. In the fall of 1937, she enrolled at Wheaton College, outside Chicago, Illinois, and three years later was introduced to “Preacher,” the nickname other students gave the strapping Billy Graham from Charlotte, North Carolina.

The couple began courting, and so also began a struggle in Ruth between what she thought was her calling to the mission field and her blossoming love for the driven young evangelist. In late April 1941 after much struggling in prayer, Ruth realized her life’s mission was to be bound up in Billy’s passion for evangelism. Shortly after their graduation from Wheaton, the two were married in Montreat on August 13, 1943.

For a brief period, Ruth served as a pastor’s wife in Western Springs, Illinois, before Billy moved on to serve as an evangelist with Youth for Christ ; as president of Northwestern Schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota ; and eventually as evangelist and president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

With their increased time apart due to frequent preaching trips — and with their first child on the way — Ruth convinced Billy to move the family to Montreat, near her parents. Ruth’s ministry flourished in the mountains of western North Carolina, where she built the family homestead and raised five children : Virginia (Gigi), Anne, Ruth, Franklin, and Nelson Edman (Ned). Ruth treasured her role as the strong woman behind “America’s Pastor” and was Billy’s closest confidant, most trusted advisor, and dearest friend. She loved to move behind the scenes, away from the spotlight, and helped him craft and research sermons and even books.

A gifted poet and writer herself, Ruth authored or coauthored 14 books, including “Sitting by My Laughing Fire,” “Legacy of a Pack Rat,” “Prodigals and Those Who Love Them,” and “One Wintry Night.”

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.

Mrs. Graham is to be honored by friends and family in Montreat, N.C., followed by a private family-only interment in Charlotte.

Mrs. Graham died in her home 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.

In a statement from the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization on the passing of Ruth Bell graham, Steve Woodworth, chairman of the Communications Working Group, said : « All of us in the Lausanne Movement have greatly appreciated the Graham family’s contributions in spreading the message of Jesus Christ. Not only have they verbalized the Gospel around the world, their lives have consistently reflected the love and grace of God. We grieve with the family knowing how much they will miss her, but at the same time rejoice knowing that we will see her again in heaven someday. »

Kay Warren, wife of pastor Rick Warren at Saddleback Community Church, commented : « It is bittersweet to get the news about Ruth Bell Graham’s passing. However, as Christians we rejoice knowing that she has gone home to her Heavenly Father and that this day is the one that she lived her entire life for. 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. Rick and I extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Graham family as they mourn the passing of their wife and mother. »

In a tribute to a dear friend, actress Joan Winmill Brown well remembers the night she first met Ruth Graham.

« It was March 1954 and I, an English actress who didn’t care if she lived or died, had come to Harringay Arena in London to hear Billy Graham. For me the applause and bright lights of the stage and television were no substitute for the spiritual need in my life, » said Brown.

« Though before I had laughed at the words saved and sinner, when Billy gave the invitation, I stood and went forward thinking, ’For the first time in my life, I’m not ashamed to let others see me take a stand for Christ.’ »As I stood in the front of the Arena, bewildered, but knowing I was making a decision that was real, a beautiful lady came up to me. She was dressed in a camel colored coat, her brunette hair coifed into a sleek pageboy style. But it was her eyes that were so compelling — they shone with a beauty that could only be the result of her being completely surrendered to Jesus Christ and His Spirit.

« She invited me to sit down with her. I told her of my battle with loneliness and a futile life of breakdowns and thoughts of suicide. She prayed with me and shared some scripture verses and I so remember the last words she said to me were, ’Remember, Joan, you don’t walk out of here alone…Christ goes with you and you need never be alone again.’ »

Not until they had finished talking did Brown learn that it was Ruth Graham the Lord had so graciously led to counsel her. « She so faithfully encouraged and helped me during the crucial days and weeks that followed. »It was through Ruth that I found such a love for God’s Word. She immediately got me to memorize scriptures and read portions of it each day. Some verses I would remember from the past, but now they became so real to me, ’It’s because you know the author,’ she would say, ’the Holy Spirit.’ « A few days after coming to Christ, when Brown was still on a see-saw as far as her emotions were concerned, a small parcel came. »Tearing the wrapper off, I discovered a book entitled Peace with God, by Billy Graham, and with it was a note from Ruth saying she hoped I would enjoy it. She asked me to call her to have tea.

« I was deeply impressed that she had taken the time to send the book. Her note cheered me and made me realize that here was a person who really cared. God had used her again in my life, just when I needed a touch of His love. »

Ruth Bell Graham wrote Brown often and she has kept all her encouraging notes, written in that strong hand of hers. « When I reread them, I still seem to hear her reassuring voice with that delightful sense of humor. »I watched her sacrifice so much so that her husband could travel to tell so many in need, even as I was, that Jesus Christ and His love and saving grace are available to all who will reach out to Him.« The last time Brown saw Ruth was about two years ago at the Pasadena Crusade. »She was sitting in her wheel chair so thin and in so much pain — but those beautiful eyes were as radiant as ever.

"I held hands with her and as I thought back over fifty three years of knowing her, my heart was overwhelmed. This dear lady had been the one so wonderfully used to help bring Joan Winmill out of the darkness into the marvelous light of the Savior.

Brown concluded : « The world has lost an incredible example of a truly dedicated Christian woman but heaven must shine more brightly with her radiance and love. Ruth Bell Graham has crossed that bridge that we all must cross one day and she found her Savior waiting. »

From Billy's most recent interview. "Just enjoying each other's company in silence" is a marvelous picture of love experienced over a lifetime of marraige.

Q: How are you and your wife, Ruth, doing?
A: One of the joys of growing older is the opportunity for us to spend more time together. Sometimes we'll just sit for hours, holding hands and talking or watching a video, or even just enjoying each other's company in silence. After a lifetime of travel and being apart so much, we treasure this stage of our lives.
At the same time, old age has its burdens, and we aren't immune. Whoever said, "Old age isn't for sissies" had it right. For years Ruth has struggled with serious pain because of the degeneration of the bone structure in her back, and she is now bedridden. I have several continuing health issues. Ruth and I know that each day is a gift from God, and we are thankful for them.

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