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Hoosiers react to death of former First Lady Barbara Bush

<p>Former first lady Barbara Bush has died. She was 92 years old.</p><p>Bush was hospitalized multiple times in recent years. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/barbara-bush-choosing-comfort-care-what-does-entail-more-you-ncna866596" target="_blank">family recently said</a>&nbsp;she decided to forgo future medical care, opting instead for &quot;comfort care.&quot;</p><p>Bush was married to George H.W. Bush, who served&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600/presidents/georgehwbush" target="_blank">as president</a>&nbsp;from 1989 to 1993.&nbsp;</p><p>As first lady, she founded a&nbsp;<a href="http://barbarabush.org/our-story/" target="_blank">nonprofit organization</a>, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, and even wrote a book about the family dog that spent multiple weeks&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Millies-Book-Barbara-Bush/dp/0688119131" target="_blank">on best-seller lists</a>.</p><p>After her years in the White House, her family kept the political dynasty going. Her oldest son, George W. Bush, served two terms as president starting in 2001. Another son, Jeb Bush, served as the governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007.</p><p>Along with supporting her family&#39;s various political endeavors, Bush&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600/first-ladies/barbarabush" target="_blank">served on</a>&nbsp;the boards of the Mayo Clinic and AmeriCares.</p><p>Bush leaves behind her husband, five surviving children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.</p><p>Additional reporting from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cnn.com" target="_blank">Newsy affiliate CNN</a></p><hr><b>Trending stories at <a href="http://www.newsy.com">Newsy.com</a></b><ul class="inline-related-links"><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/mitch-mcconnell-shoots-down-bill-that-would-protect-mueller/">Mitch McConnell Shoots Down Bill That Would Protect Robert Mueller</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/house-gop-lawmakers-cancel-voting-can-leave-a-day-early/">House GOP Lawmakers Cancel Voting, Can Leave A Day Early</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/comey-s-book-adds-to-growing-pile-of-political-tell-alls/">Political Tell-Alls Are Really Popular Now, But Are They Impactful?</a></li></ul>
Posted at 11:55 PM, Apr 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-18 00:16:03-04

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. 

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.

READ | President Trump orders flags at half-staff through Saturday after Barbara Bush's death

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 respects Friday 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. 

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