Billy and Ruth Graham were married for 63 years before her passing in 2007. Their love for each other was centered on their love of Christ. Following their first date, Ruth prayed, “God, if You let me serve You with that man I’d consider it the greatest privilege in my life.”

They were married on August 13, 1943.

Included in the private collection of Ruth Bell Graham is this card given to Ruth by Billy which reads:

I never knew that love could be
So wonderful and sweet
never knew that someone dear
Could make life so complete
I never knew that happiness
Could fill each day all thru
And every hour could mean so much
Sweetheart till I met you!

In her book, “It’s My Turn,” Ruth shared these practical words about love and marriage:

Love stories that end, “And so they were married and lived happily ever after,” can be misleading.

Too often, early love is a mirage built in daydreams. Love deepens with understanding, and varying viewpoints expand and challenge one another. So many things improve with age.

Those who abandon ship the first time it enters a storm miss the calm beyond. And the rougher storms weathered together, the deeper and stronger real love grows.

Plan your visit to the Billy Graham Library today, where you can learn more about the life and ministry of Ruth Bell Graham.

2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the Billy Graham Library as well as the 10th anniversary of the passing of Ruth Bell Graham. During this year, we are delighted to be able to share some items which have never been seen by the public from the private collection of Mrs. Graham.