INDIANAPOLIS -- Hoosiers and others across the country are mourning the loss of a beloved former first lady who remained in hearts across the country long after leaving the White House.
Former First Lady Barbara Bush passed away Tuesday, according to a statement from the office of President George H. W. Bush.
Barbara was married to former President George H.W. for 73 years. The mother of six children -- including President George W. Bush -- grandmother to 17 and great-grandmother to seven, the former first lady spearheaded family literacy programs during her time in office and beyond.
The former first lady was known as a matriarch to a political dynasty, and for her quick wit and strong personal views.
Governor Holcomb shared his condolences on social media following the news of the former first lady's death.
Condolences to the Bush family for their loss. FL Barbara lived an extraordinary life full of class & wit. What a legacy she leaves behind!
— Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) April 18, 2018
Vice President Mike Pence's wife, Karen, shared a touching photo of her first meeting with the former first lady from 1988. "Her sage advice and words of encouragement touched my life in a profound way," Karen wrote.
When I first met Barbara Bush in 1988 as she entertained spouses of congressional candidates at the @VP Residence, her sage advice and words of encouragement touched my life in a profound way. Since becoming Second Lady, she has become a trusted friend. I will miss her. pic.twitter.com/xmJzUQHVhI
— Karen Pence (@SecondLady) April 18, 2018
READ | President Trump orders flags at half-staff through Saturday after Barbara Bush's death
Our statement on the passing of Barbara Bush: pic.twitter.com/haIPhDS2bd
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) April 18, 2018
The condolence book will be at the White House Visitor Center, steps from the White House, at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in Washington. The center is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to the public, according to the historical association.
Members of the public also can pay their respectsFriday as Bush's body lies in repose at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston. An invitation-only funeral will be Saturday at Second Baptist Church.
A website for the former first lady suggests donations to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
Below are some other reactions from Hoosiers following former First Lady Barbara Bush's death.
Dean and I join all Americans in celebrating the remarkable life of Barbara Bush. She served the American people with unequaled grace and unwavering love for her family and country. https://t.co/nd5oxMzRNK pic.twitter.com/ScmA0iJNFw
— Jackie Walorski (@RepWalorski) April 18, 2018
Tonight’s #9PMRoutine is dedicated to Former First Lady, Barbara Bush. May she rest in peace.
“To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.”#GoodNightIndy pic.twitter.com/qLB7rnO9XA
— IMPD (@IMPDnews) April 18, 2018
This melts my heart! https://t.co/tfhUTqzikh
— Chris Bailey (@irishsarge) April 18, 2018
In a 2013 interview, Barbara Bush said she didn’t fear death for herself or “my precious George.”
“I know there is a great God, and I’m not worried.” pic.twitter.com/jnZzI8HFsx
— RTV6 Indianapolis (@rtv6) April 18, 2018
