By McKinsleigh Smith
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (one of the international faith’s highest governing bodies), passed away at about 11:15 PM on Sunday, November 12, 2023 with loved ones by his side. He was 95 years old.
Ballard joined the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 6, 1985. He was announced as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on January 16, 2018, assuming the duties of President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Dallin H. Oaks, after he was called to the faith’s First Presidency, its highest governing body. Ballard helped oversee the spiritual and organizational affairs of a church of more than 17 million members spread all over the world.
Of Ballard, Church President Russell M. Nelson said, “President Ballard was never indecisive. He knew exactly what the Lord taught and how it could be applied in one’s personal life and bring joy and happiness.”
Funeral services for President M. Russell Ballard will be held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 11 AM to noon MST.
The funeral will be open to the public, and attendees must be 8 years old or older. The Temple Square gates and the Tabernacle doors will open at 9:30 AM. Attendees should be seated by 10:30 AM.
The funeral services will be streamed live on the Church’s Broadcasts page and Inspiration and Events YouTube channel (both available in Cantonese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish), as well as BYUtv.
A private burial service will take place at the Salt Lake City Cemetery immediately after the service. There will be no public viewing. In lieu of flowers, President Ballard’s family has asked that donations be made to This Is The Place Heritage Park.
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