Flags have been lowered and tributes are rolling in throughout Kane County today in memory of Barbara Bush, who died Tuesday at the age of 92.

The state of Illinois sent notice this morning, saying all U.S. and state flags are to remain at half-staff immediately until sunset on the day of the former first lady’s interment.

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren released a statement saying Bush was a beloved First Lady, a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a patriotic American.

“Her leadership in literacy and in the White House were an example to the nation,” he said. “Mrs. Bush was active in an era of bipartisanship when Americans from across the aisle worked together on common goals. Her guidance, grace and grit inspire us today as we seek common ground to tackle the nation’s challenges. The entire country mourns with the Bush family.”

Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light, said in a news release today that Bush “embodied strength, grace, and dedication to family and faith.”

“Her life was the very definition of what we at Points of Light hold up and support though our mission, a life that includes service to others,” she said. “A tireless advocate for volunteerism, Mrs. Bush helped countless charities and humanitarian causes during her years in public life.

“In a recent interview, when talking about her continued work with her literacy foundation and President George H. W. Bush’s continued work with Points of Light, she shared how proud she was that all of her children and 17 grandchildren are working and serving others in their own way.”

According to area media, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush plans to deliver the keynote address today at a forum in nearby Oak Brook. Jeb Bush delivered this statement on his Facebook page:

“Columba and I join every member of the Bush family in offering our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for my Mom in recent days, and throughout her remarkable life. I’m exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush. Thank you for your prayers, and we look forward to celebrating and honoring her life and contributions to our family and great nation in the coming days.”

Family literacy was Barbara Bush’s cause as First Lady, and she called it “the most important issue we have,” according to Wikipedia.

She became involved with many literacy organizations, served on literacy committees and chaired many reading organizations. Eventually, she helped develop the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. She continued to be dedicated to eliminating the generational cycle of illiteracy in America by supporting programs where parents and their young children are able to learn together.