Death and state funeral of Ronald Reagan Mugu, California. The public, including sailors from the USS "Ronald Reagan", was there to witness the plane's arrival. Reagan's body was driven in a large motorcade though the streets of southern California. The service drew 700 invited guests, including former Reagan administration officials such as George P. Shultz, and noted dignitaries; Margaret Thatcher, who traveled on the plane from Washington, sat next to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver; former California Governor Pete Wilson was in attendance, as well as former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan. Hollywood actors and other celebrities also attended, including Mr. Reagan's first
Ronald Reagan readings to the congregation during the services. A strong believer in the power of prayer, she led prayer meetings at church and was in charge of mid-week prayers when the pastor was out of town. Her strong commitment to the church is what induced her son Ronald to become a Protestant Christian rather than a Roman Catholic like his father. He also stated that she strongly influenced his own beliefs: "I know that she planted that faith very deeply in me." According to Paul Kengor, author of "God and Ronald Reagan", Reagan had a particularly strong faith in the goodness