Presidents, first ladies praise Barbara Bush's dedication

By Michael Graczyk and Terry Wallace Associated Press

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 12:25 AM

HOUSTON (AP) Presidents, first ladies and many others who knew Barbara Bush are praising her devotion to the nation, her family and literacy.

President Donald Trump said among Mrs. Bush's greatest achievements "was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection."

He said, "She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well."

Former President Barack Obama said Mrs. Bush lived her life "as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling."

Family spokesman Jim McGrath said Mrs. Bush died Tuesday at age 92. She had decided to decline further medical treatment for health problems and focus instead on "comfort care" at home in Houston.

Presidents, first ladies praise Barbara Bush's dedication

FILE - In this 1990 file photo, first lady Barbara Bush poses with her dog Millie in Washington. A family spokesman said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, that former first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. (AP Photo/Doug Mills, File)

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Amanda Gross holds the hands of her 6-year-old son, Patrick Henry, as they pray outside of the gated community where former first lady Barbara Bush died earlier in the day, Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in Houston. "Since he was in my womb, I have read him stories about more first ladies than presidents," Gross said. "Barbara Bush was the appropriate political figure. She will be missed," said Gross. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via AP)

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Carmen Ganser prays during a moment of silence after it was announced that former first lady Barbara Bush had died, before a talk in the Concept of the Divine series at the Rothko Chapel, Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in Houston. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP)

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Clarissa Lockett holds a sign reading "Prayers for the Bush Family" across the street from the gated community where former first lady Barbara Bush died earlier in the day, Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in Houston. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via AP)

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FILE - In this March 8, 2017, file photo, the Mensch International Foundation presented its annual Mensch Award to former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush at an awards ceremony hosted by Congregation Beth Israel in Houston. A family spokesman said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, that former first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. ( Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via AP, File)

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