Nancy Reagan Funeral Arrangements Announced

LOS ANGELES, CA - Former first lady Nancy Reagan will be laid to rest next to her husband Friday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley.

The funeral service at 11 a.m. is closed to the public. However, the library will hold a viewing for the public to pay their respects to the iconic first lady Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

Members of the community may view her in repose at the library Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., said Lori Love, the library's transition coordinator.

In the meantime, U.S. flags nationwide were lowered to half-staff in honor of Reagan, who died of heart failure at her home in Bel Air Sunday. She was 94-years-old.

President Barack Obama ordered flags at all public buildings to be flown at half-staff.

"I think it's been well-documented the extraordinary love that she had for her husband, and the extraordinary comfort and strength she provided him during really hard times," Obama said in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. "As somebody who is lucky enough to have an extraordinary partner in my life as well, I know how much she meant not just to President Reagan but to the country as a whole.

"He was lucky to have her," Obama said. "... She will be missed."

Ronald reagan, himself, voiced her importance at the end of his time in office.

“What do you say about someone who gives your life meaning? What do you say about someone who's always there with support and understanding, someone who makes sacrifices so that your life will be easier and more successful? Well, what you say is that you love that person and treasure her," he said in August of 1988, according to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. "I simply can't imagine the last 8 years without Nancy.”

Famous for her devotion to her husband's legacy, the former first lady continued to advocate for him even while planning her own funeral. Many details of Friday's funeral service were planned by Nancy Reagan before her passing. Namely, she stated her wish that donations be made to the library in lieu of flowers.

If you wish to pay your respects to Mrs. Reagan, transportation will be provided for the public at the former Bank of America property located at 450 American Street, Simi Valley, California. Shuttles will run continuously to the Reagan Library throughout those hours. Because security will be heightened at the Library during this time, no large bags or cameras will be permitted and all bags will be inspected.

City News Service contributed to this report. Photo: Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum