Public said one final farewell to former first lady Nancy Reagan before funeral Friday

Friday, March 11, 2016
Public said one final farewell to former first lady Nancy Reagan before funeral Friday
Thousands flocked to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library to pay their last respects to former first lady Nancy Reagan.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Thousands flocked to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library to pay their last respects to former first lady Nancy Reagan.

It wasn't about politics for the people who came to the Reagan Libary. It was about Nancy Reagan herself. She is being remembered for her devotion to causes and her husband. For the past two days, thousands have boarded buses to make the trip up to the Reagan Libary to view former first lady Nancy Reagan's casket, and remember her. "Came out to pay our respects to Mrs. Reagan. It was beautiful," said Michelle Knepp, Northridge.

Dedication to her husband, and to her causes, like Just Say No to Drugs inspired many who came here. "Politics aside, this is one devoted woman to her husband, and to drugs, and to eradicating drug use. And whether or not she did it successfully, I don't know, but she really had a commitment to that as a topic and it certainly had a trickle down effect to my own kids," said Lorraine Menell, Pasadena.

A Simi Valley woman who came to pay her respects credits Nancy Reagan's dedication to breast cancer, with helping to save her life. "I'm a breast cancer survivor and she started the Nancy Reagan Breast Center here in Simi Valley, and that's where they found my breast cancer. And I am so thankful to her for starting up this wonderful program," said Sharon Heiser, Simi Valley.

The passing of Mrs. Reagan had some here remembering what they thought were better times in America when Ron and Nancy were in the white house. "I think they gave a sense of normalcy and they were, very, very comforting," said Brad Brantner, Ventura.

Thursday was the public's last chance to view the casket. Funeral services are set for Friday morning.

Mrs. Reagan's casket will be buried next to her husbands on the library grounds.

One thousand guests have been invited, including many many political figures and celebrities.