Betty Ford Short Biography

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Elizabeth Ann Bloom, known as Betty Ford (1918-2011), was married to America's thirty-eighth and only non-elected President, Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006, Pres. 1974-1977). In the role of First Lady, Mrs. Ford was preceded by Pat Nixon (1912-1993) and succeeded by Rosalynn Carter (1927-). Though an accomplished dancer and independent woman in her own right, Betty dedicated herself to the advancement of her husband's political career, fulfilled the role of Republican Congressional Spouse (1948-1973), and briefly served as Second Lady of the United States (1973-1974) prior to becoming First Lady (1974-1977). She was known publically for her outspokenness and honesty, which made her a National spokesperson on women's rights and health issues including cancer, drug addiction, and alcoholism. Politically, Betty also supported the legalization of abortion and passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), both of which were …show more content…
After her father died of carbon monoxide poisoning (1934), her mother worked as a real-estate agent to support her family. Betty attended Grand Rapids Public Grammar School, Central High School, and studied at Bennington College and School of Dance in Vermont prior to performing in 1938 with the noted Martha Graham (1894-1991) troupe in New York. Despite her talent, Betty returned home to help her family, and worked as a model as well as a dance instructor at the Calla Travis Dance Studio. In 1942, Betty married William G. Warren (1917-), a furniture salesman, and supported him for a number of years prior to their divorce in 1947. Soon afterwards, she met lawyer Gerald Ford, and in 1948 married him prior to his election to Congress. The Fords had four children, including three sons, Michael Gerald Ford (1950-), John Gardner Ford (1952-), Steven Ford (1956-), and daughter Susan Elizabeth Vance Bales

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