Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Community leaders have offered many words of praise for President M. Russell Ballard after his death was announced Monday morning.
President Ballard was the acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He died Sunday night at the age of 95.
"President Ballard was never indecisive," church President Russell M. Nelson said. "He knew exactly what the Lord taught and how it could be applied in one's personal life and bring joy and happiness."
He said that conversion, commitment and consecration were in President Ballard's blood, as the great-great-grandson of Hyrum Smith, brother of church founder Joseph Smith.
"I feel a debt of gratitude for the privilege of associating with a direct descendant of those respected and revered leaders. He's got that same integrity that they had," President Nelson said.
"With great joy I humbly testify our Heavenly Father loves us, Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith restored the fulness of the everlasting gospel, and the Book of Mormon testifies of these truths. We are led by a living prophet today." —M. Russell Ballard (1928-2023) pic.twitter.com/Y25SX582Iw
— M. Russell Ballard (@BallardMRussell) November 13, 2023
President Dallin H. Oaks, of the church's First Presidency, said President Ballard was "a man to be trusted," and that he trusted others.
"We worked together closely, and I always loved his warm manner," he said.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he and his wife are saddened at President Ballard's passing and referred to him as a friend.
"He spent a lifetime of service trying to make the world a better place for everyone. We are forever grateful for the goodness and light he brought to this world," Cox said.
Abby and I are deeply saddened at the passing of our dear friend. He spent a lifetime of service trying to make the world a better place for everyone. We are forever grateful for the goodness and light he brought to this world. https://t.co/YJh4rHeN70pic.twitter.com/1yztm8FNOh
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) November 13, 2023
Utah Sen. Mitt Romney called President Ballard "a great leader, a spiritual giant and a dear friend," and said the church leader had offered him and his wife personal counsel.
"To him we owe decades of our extraordinary journey through life. United with his beloved wife Barbara, he is home again," Romney said.
Utah Sen. Mike Lee said President Ballard's life "was a testament to his devoted service to the church and its members." He said the apostle's "legacy of service and love" will continue to bless people.
Utah Rep. Burgess Owens called President Ballard "a man of unwavering integrity."
"I pray for the comfort of his family, friends and loved ones as they grieve the passage of such a remarkable individual," he said.
Prayers for President Ballard's family were also shared by Utah Rep. John Curtis, who said his father spent time with President Ballard as they were students at BYU.
He said he mourns with other church members, and said President Ballard's dedication to his family, faith and service "left an indelible mark" on communities around the world.
Utah Rep. Blake Moore said President Ballard's passing will be "felt deeply," as he "lived a life of selfless, faithful service."
Former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert shared a photo of President Ballard with his family and said President Ballard was an inspiration to his family.
President @BallardMRussell was an inspiration to our family and an example of Christlike, selfless, service. Jeanette and I offer the Ballard family our heartfelt and deepest condolences as we celebrate the life of our dear friend Elder M. Russell Ballard. pic.twitter.com/I2xpSOpgiH
— Gary R. Herbert (@GovHerbert) November 13, 2023
The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, on behalf of Bishop Oscar A. Solis, extended condolences to the general authorities and members of the church.
"He was a man of integrity and true friend of our Catholic bishops, many of our clergy and other leaders," they said.
The diocese said it was pleased President Ballard was able to meet with Pope Francis in Rome personally in 2019.
This story may be updated.
President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dies at age 95
President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died Sunday at age 95.
