Services set for Betty Ford

An official portrait of former First Lady Betty Ford.

A private service for former First Lady Betty Ford, who died of natural causes on July 8, were held in Rancho Mirage, Calif., on July 12, and her casket will be flown on Wednesday to Grand Rapids, Mich., where a public memorial and funeral service are scheduled.

Lynn Cheney, Cokie Roberts, and Rosalyn Carter, whose husband defeated Gerald Ford in the race for the White House in 1976, will deliver her eulogies.

For those considering sending flowers or making a contribution in honor of Mrs. Ford, her family has requested that contributions and donations in lieu of flowers be made to the organizations found on the Contributions page.

To send a message of condolence to the Ford family, click here: Condolence Book

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library in Ann Arbor are offering extended hours in their lobby areas for those who wish to express their sympathy to the Ford family, including signing a condolence book.

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Museum lobby will be open 24 hours a day until further notice to enable the public to sign a condolence book. The Museum's other areas, including all exhibit galleries and the gift store, will be closed for approximately seven days beginning Saturday, July 9.

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Library lobby is open 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.