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Former first lady Betty Ford died Friday at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., according to Barbara Lewandroski, a family representative. She was 93. The widow of former President Gerald R. Ford will be buried next to him in Grand Rapids.

President Barack Obama honors Betty Ford with this statement:

“Throughout her long and active life, Elizabeth Anne Ford distinguished herself through her courage and compassion. As our nation’s First Lady, she was a powerful advocate for women’s health and women’s rights. After leaving the White House, Mrs. Ford helped reduce the social stigma surrounding addiction and inspired thousands to seek much-needed treatment. While her death is a cause for sadness, we know that organizations such as the Betty Ford Center will honor her legacy by giving countless Americans a new lease on life.”

Nancy Reagon offers this tribute: “She has been an inspiration to so many through her efforts to educate women about breast cancer and her wonderful work at the Betty Ford Center. She was Jerry Ford’s strength through some very difficult days in our country’s history, and I admired her courage in facing and sharing her personal struggles with all of us.”

Former President George H.W. Bush adds: “No one confronted life’s struggles with more fortitude or honesty, and as a result, we all learned from the challenges she faced.”

Former President Jimmy Carter said: “Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of Betty Ford, a close personal friend and our frequent partner in bipartisan efforts to improve mental health and substance abuse care in our nation.”

Follow coverage of Betty Ford, a child of Grand Rapids, Mich., throughout the weekend on mlive.com.

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