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DC Dignitaries Honor Betty Ford

Former first ladies attend funeral

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 12, 2011 7:29 PM CDT

(Newser) – Lots of former White House residents, including first ladies, paid homage to Betty Ford today at her funeral in California. Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Reagan (escorted by George W. Bush), and Rosalynn Carter were among the attendees, reports the AP. "Millions of women are in her debt today and she was never afraid to speak the truth even about the most sensitive subjects, including her own struggle with alcohol and pain killers," Carter said. "She got some criticism, but I thought she was wonderful and her honesty gave to others every single day."

Nancy Reagan is escorted by George W. Bush.
Nancy Reagan is escorted by George W. Bush.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)
Michael Ford speaks during the funeral for his mother.
Michael Ford speaks during the funeral for his mother.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)
George W. Bush, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Michelle Obama attend the funeral.
George W. Bush, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Michelle Obama attend the funeral.   (Getty Images)
The front cover of the program for the funeral service.
The front cover of the program for the funeral service.   (Getty Images)
Maria Shriver arrives at the funeral in Palm Desert, California.
Maria Shriver arrives at the funeral in Palm Desert, California.   (Getty Images)
This July 1975 file picture shows President Gerald Ford and his wife, Betty.
This July 1975 file picture shows President Gerald Ford and his wife, Betty.   (AP Photo/File)
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter delivers a eulogy.
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter delivers a eulogy.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)
A military honor guard carries the casket of former first lady Betty Ford into her funeral at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church.
A military honor guard carries the casket of former first lady Betty Ford into her funeral at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church.   (Getty Images)
Steve Ford, left, comforts his brother Jack.
Steve Ford, left, comforts his brother Jack.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)
A military guard stands by the casket bearing the body of former first lady Betty Ford at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church Tuesday in Palm Desert, Calif.
A military guard stands by the casket bearing the body of former first lady Betty Ford at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church Tuesday in Palm Desert, Calif.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)
Former California Gov. Pete Wilson chats with Wayne Hoffman, former CEO of Flying Tigers.
Former California Gov. Pete Wilson chats with Wayne Hoffman, former CEO of Flying Tigers.   (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, Pool)
The Ford children and other family members leave at the end of the funeral.
The Ford children and other family members leave at the end of the funeral.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)
Susan Ford Bales looks back to family members near the end of the funeral for her mother.
Susan Ford Bales looks back to family members near the end of the funeral for her mother.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)
Nancy Reagan is escorted by former President George W. Bush.
Nancy Reagan is escorted by former President George W. Bush.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
JonmarkP
Jul 13, 2011 8:20 AM CDT
If George and Nancy bothered to show up, you can bet there was an open bar.
summerfairy
Jul 13, 2011 1:14 AM CDT
HRC is looking like crap. She has aged about 20 years in 2.  amazing.
brawne
Jul 12, 2011 10:20 PM CDT
I was at a dinner party on Saturday and we were talking about Ford.  I said that I always thought it odd that W would go with Cheney and Rumsfeld who fucked his dad out of Ford's vice-presidency.  Some thirty year old chick said why do you believe that?  I said I don't believe it.  I know it--I was there reading the paper and watching TV.  I said who was Ford's vice and she said--don't know.  I said I do--it was Nelson Rockefeller who got it cause Cheney and Rumsfeld told Ford that Bush Senior sucked.  Personally--he said no new taxes and then became president and found out--my God we gotta increase taxes and he did and he lost cause he chose the country over his own burning ambition.  Probably why Cheney and Rumsfeld hated him.
US • Politics

 
Michelle Obama • memorial • first lady • Betty Ford

 
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