Betty Ford, Former First Lady Dead at the Age of 93 … Rest in Peace

Betty Ford, the former first lady and the wife of President Gerald Ford, has passed away at the age of  93.  With her family at her bedside, Betty Ford died Friday at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA. She was the founder of the Betty Ford Center for substance abuse and drug addiction. Ford will also be known as an advocate of woman’s rights and health. It was  Betty Ford who brought breast cancer to the fore-front, center issue as she increased the visibility of the disease which gave rise to many woman getting breast screenings. It know it made a difference with many in my family, including my mom.

Betty Ford, wife of former President Gerald Ford and the founder of the Betty Ford Center for substance abuse and addiction, has died at age 93.

In public, she was one of the most visible and outspoken first ladies in history. In private, she triumphed over serious personal adversity.

She was married to Gerald Ford for 58 years. Shortly after becoming president in 1974, Ford said, “I am indebted to no man and to only one woman, my dear wife.”

From the Lonely Conservative comes some some heart felt comments that ring very true. Betty Ford’s battles with breast cancer and substance abuse made her human and like us, not just a typical first lady that is put on a pedestal.   We do not always have to agree with one’s politics to know and understand that what some do during their lives should be celebrated and make such a huge difference for people years to come. What we do in life echos an eternity.

More from CNN and other commenting on the life and contributions of Betty Ford.

President Barack Obama remembered the former first lady as a “powerful advocate for women’s health and women’s rights” and someone who “helped reduce the social stigma surrounding addiction.” His predecessor, George W. Bush, added that “because of her leadership, many lives were saved.”

Some of the many others offering praise and sympathy included Nancy Reagan (calling Ford “an inspiration), and former presidents George H. W. Bush (describing her as a “wonderful wife and mother, a great friend and a courageous first lady) and Jimmy Carter (saying she was “a close personal friend” and “a remarkable political spouse.”)

REST IN PEACE …