M. Russell Ballard (1928–2023), Mormon leader

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M. Russell Ballard was a Mormon leader who stood second in line to lead the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church) as president. 

• Died: November 12, 2023 (Who else died on November 12?) 
• Details of death: Died at his home in Salt Lake City at the age of 95. 
• We invite you to share condolences for M. Russell Ballard in our Guest Book. 

M. Russell Ballard’s legacy 

Ballard became a member of the LDS Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1985. This group of elders governs the affairs of the church, and its members are in line for the First Presidency of the church based on their seniority in the group. As the second longest-serving member of the Quorum, Ballard would have become president in the event of the deaths of the current president and the one Quorum member whose seniority exceeded his. Prior to his death, Ballard was serving as the acting president of the Quorum. 

Apart from his position of the Quorum, Ballard served widely in many offices in the LDS Church. He was a bishop, and he edited the church’s magazines for several years in the 1980s. He oversaw the church’s missionary work as president of its international mission and executive director of its missionary department. 

Outside of his work with the church, Ballard also worked in car sales and was president of the Valley Music Hall in Bountiful, Utah. 

Notable quote 

“Do you have any personal quiet time? I have wondered if those who lived in the past had more opportunity than we do now to see, feel, and experience the presence of the Spirit in their lives. Seemingly, as our world gets brighter, louder, and busier, we have a greater challenge feeling the Spirit in our lives. If your life is void of quiet time, would you begin tonight to seek for some?” —from a 2020 devotional for Ensign College  

Tributes to M. Russell Ballard 

We are saddened to announce that President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has died. After a recent brief hospital stay, he returned to his home where he attended to duties as he was… pic.twitter.com/00ZSsv7mfJ

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) November 13, 2023

“I leave you my witness and testimony that I know that Jesus is the Christ. He is our Savior, our Redeemer. He is our best friend. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.” – President M. Russell Ballard (October 2023) pic.twitter.com/VRfIFGXgFd

— Ryker (@RykerJackson97) November 13, 2023

"He prominently displayed the busts of Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith & Joseph F. Smith in his office at Church headquarters

“They’re looking at me all the time, & sometimes I think I hear them say:

‘Get with it, boy, don’t just sit there. Get something done'"

—M. Russell Ballard pic.twitter.com/MOUw9wJ2hr

— GUATEMAX💀Animations (@GUATEMAXmations) November 13, 2023

President @BallardMRussell was an inspiration to our family and an example of Christlike, selfless, service. Jeanette and I offer the Ballard family our heartfelt and deepest condolences as we celebrate the life of our dear friend Elder M. Russell Ballard. pic.twitter.com/I2xpSOpgiH

— Gary R. Herbert (@GovHerbert) November 13, 2023

Rest in peace Elder Ballard. You’ve inspired so many.

“Sometimes we can learn and study and know, and sometimes we need to believe, trust, and hope.”

-M. Russell Ballard.

— Ryan Smith (@RyanQualtrics) November 13, 2023

So sad to hear of the passing of President M. Russell Ballard. Was one of my favorites. Had the pleasure of meeting him as a missionary when he came and spoke to my mission. Was truly a man dedicated to serving God. pic.twitter.com/cYaOPFH5m4

— Justin Crossley (@JustinTCrossley) November 13, 2023

Full obituary: The Washington Post