Former first lady leaves a lasting legacy
DETROIT (AP) -- Betty Ford died Friday at age 93. She passed away at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California.
A memorial service is being held Monday at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids. Wednesday, her casket will arrive in Grand Rapids.
Her husband, Gerald, died in December 2006.
The couple married in 1948, the same year he was elected to Congress. She was thrust into the spotlight in 1974 when he became president after the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer weeks later and won acclaim for her openness and courage.
Ford lost to Jimmy Carter in the 1976. Mrs. Ford later was treated for drug and alcohol addiction and then helped found the Betty Ford Center to help others.
President Barack Obama says former first lady Betty Ford left a legacy of courage, compassion and inspiration to countless others.
In a White House statement, the president said that as first lady, Mrs. Ford was a powerful advocate for women's health and women's rights. In his words, she "distinguished herself through her courage and compassion."
He noted that after she left the White House, Mrs. Ford helped reduce the social stigma surrounding addiction and inspired thousands to seek much-needed treatment. Obama said organizations such as the Betty Ford Center will honor her legacy by giving countless Americans a new lease on life. The president said he and the first lady send their thoughts and prayers to the Ford children.
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