Thousands spent the evening waiting in silence outside The Ford Museum downtown Grand Rapids last night to pay his or her final respects for first lady Betty Ford.

Earlier in the day, her casket arrived at the museum via motorcade from the G.R. Ford International Airport.  A prayer service was held followed by remarks from Governor Snyder who shared a few remarks about her mighty legacy of service to her family, friends and country.

Three things are planned for today that include a one o'clock funeral procession from the museum to Grace Episcopal Church at Plymouth and Hall in East Grand Rapids.  This is the church both Gerald and Betty attended when they lived in West Michigan.

The funeral begins at two and is expected to run until about 3:30 p.m.  Lynn Cheney, wife of former Vice President Dick Cheney and presidential historian Richard Norton Smith will each give a eulogy.  I'm also hearing that former President Bill Clinton will be in attendance.  Since former President George W. Bush was at her California funeral without former first lady Laura Bush ... it may be a possibility that she too will be in Grand Rapids today.

Finally, Betty Ford's family will return to the museum around 5 p.m. for a private burial service to lay their dear mother beside their beloved father who died nearly five years ago (December 26, 2006).

Like a fairy tale love affair ... Gerald and Betty were married 58 years --  joined again in their final resting places on the day of what would've been his 98h birthday.

Click here for a map of road closures to make way for Ford's motorcade to Grace Episcopal Church this afternoon (and back downtown at 3:30).

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