Death and state funeral of Gerald Ford facts for kids

President Gerald Ford's casket lying in state at Capitol Hill

President George W. Bush giving a eulogy at Ford's state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral

On December 26, 2006, Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, passed away. He died at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 93 years old.

What Happened When President Ford Died?

When President Ford died, his wife, Betty Ford, shared the sad news. She said her family was sharing the "difficult news" that he had passed away. She also said his life was "filled with love of God, his family and his country."

At 93 years and 165 days old, Ford was the longest-living U.S. president for a time. Later, George H. W. Bush lived even longer. Ford was the second president to die while George W. Bush was president. The first was Ronald Reagan.

How Was President Ford Honored?

A special plan was made for President Ford's state funeral. A state funeral is a formal public ceremony. It honors important people like former presidents. The schedule was announced the day after he died.

President Ford and his family had chosen a three-part funeral plan. The services and ceremonies took place from December 29 to January 3.

Where Were the Services Held?

The first part of the services was held near his home in Palm Desert, California. Then, ceremonies moved to Washington, D.C.. Finally, the services ended in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The main state funeral ceremony happened at the U.S. Capitol. This was on Saturday, December 30, 2006. More funeral services were held on January 2 at the Washington National Cathedral. The final service was on January 3 at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids.

President Ford was buried in a tomb next to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. This museum is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Images for kids

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  Gerald R. Ford

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  Ford is honored during a memorial service in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., December 30, 2006.

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  Hearse with Ford's body pauses at the World War II Memorial

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  Funeral of President Ford in Washington National Cathedral.

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  Citizens lining outside of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, MI during a public visitation of Ford.

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  Billboard in Grand Rapids following the death of Gerald R. Ford.

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  The casket of former President Gerald Ford is carried past President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush during Ford's state funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., January 2, 2007.