PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) — First lady Michelle Obama, accompanied by former first ladies Rosalynn Carter and Hillary Rodham Clinton, strode quietly into a Palm Desert church and took their seats next to former President George W. Bush as a memorial service honoring former first lady Betty Ford got under way.
Bush had taken his seat in one of the first rows of pews a few minutes earlier Tuesday, former first lady Nancy Reagan on his arm.
Bush, in a dark suit, white shirt and blue tie, chatted quietly with Reagan as other mourners, including former California first lady Maria Shriver, arrived for the service.
Ford, who died at the age of 93 on Friday, had mapped out plans for her funeral at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church well in advance, including who would deliver her eulogies.
