Collins issues statement on death of Barbara Bush

US Representative Doug Collins, the 9th District Republican from Gainesville, issued a statement on the passing of former First Lady Barbara Bush.

“Barbara Bush’s commitment to earnest public service never waned. For decades, she translated compassion and conviction into thoughtful action, and she leaves behind an army of people who love her. My prayers this evening are with the Bush family and the rest of that grieving army.”

Bush passed away shortly after deciding to forgo further medical treatments for her failing health, a family spokesman said.

Having been hospitalized numerous times while battling congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, she decided Sunday that she wanted to be "surrounded by a family she adores," according to a statement released by the office of former President George H.W. Bush.

Bush's funeral will be held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 21. The service is closed to the public. Mr. and Mrs. Bush have been devoted members of the church since the 1950s.