M Russell Ballard Obituary-Death News; Acting President Of the Quorum Of The Twelve Apostles, M Russell Ballard Passes Away
M. Russell Ballard, one of the highest ranking members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away. 95 years old.
A church statement released early on Monday morning stated that he passed away on Sunday at home, surrounded by family.
Ballard claimed to have been summoned to join the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the highest ruling body, in 1985, and as such, he was second in line to become the church’s president.
The leadership group, which is seated behind the first president, is in charge of the church’s business affairs and aids in establishing church policy.
A church custom that dates back to 1889, the longest-tenured member of the Quorum becomes the next president, preventing lobbying and guaranteeing a peaceful transfer in the religion commonly referred to as the Mormon church.
Ballard was the great-great grandson of Joseph Smith, the founder of the religion, and Hyrum Smith’s brother.
He started out as a young missionary in England and worked his way up the church hierarchy to become a bishop, the head of the Toronto mission, and a member of the Seventy Presidency.
During a speech at a church conference in April of last year, Ballard shared his realization that family bonds are the most precious things in life. He drew this conclusion from his visits to victims of natural disasters.
Numerous people were scared, hungry, and displaced. They required food, shelter, and medical attention. Ballard stated, “They also needed their families.” “Emotional and physical health depend on these relationships.”
Ballard made headlines recently when the church openly charged Tim Ballard, the unrelated creator of Operation Underground Railroad, with using M. Russell Ballard’s name without permission for “personal advantage and activity regarded as morally unacceptable.#
Words fall short of expressing our grief for your loss, as we mourn with family and friends for this great loss. We are truly sorry to hear of the loss of this promising being. Please accept our condolences, and may our prayers help comfort you. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.