Public says goodbye to Nancy Reagan ahead of funeral

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ByLaura Anthony KGO logo
Friday, March 11, 2016
Public says goodbye to Nancy Reagan ahead of funeral
The public is saying goodbye to Nancy Reagan at the Reagan Library where she lies in repose as busloads of people come to view her casket. This comes ahead of Friday's private funeral where dignitaries will pay their respects.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KGO) -- "RIP Nancy" is the phrase is written in the sky above the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library where Nancy Reagan lies in repose.

The public said goodbye to the former first lady on Thursday ahead of Friday's private funeral where dignitaries, including Michelle Obama and George W. Bush, will pay their respects.

Crowds filed into the library on Thursday. Mrs. Reagan's casket made its solemn and ceremonious arrival Wednesday. Busloads of people followed shortly after to remember the former first lady

"It was very peaceful, serene," said Los Angeles resident Elaine King.

Oxnard resident Warren Weston added, "They were a great, great couple. And they inspired the country. I wanted to pay tribute to them."

"She was totally behind her husband and I think that's a beautiful thing to see," said fellow Oxnard resident Lilia Lee.

Behind her husband Ronald Reagan for more than 50 years of marriage; and soon, she'll be laid to rest beside him at the library in this hillside tomb.

Final preparations are underway for the private funeral of 1,000 invited guests including Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton Friday morning.

"Security will be very tight," said Reagan Foundation Executive Director John Huebusch. "We've got a number of extremely important dignitaries coming from around the world."

ABC7 News will carry Nancy Reagan's funeral live online and on TV starting at approximately 11 a.m.

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