Betty Ford Memorial — Honoring a Life Well Lived
April 8, 1918 – July 8, 2011 | Age 93 | First Lady of the United States and Health Advocate
The 38th First Lady of the United States, Betty Ford's courageous public disclosure of her breast cancer and addiction transformed American attitudes toward health, women's rights, and recovery.
Honor Your Own Loved One
Create a permanent digital memorial page — upload photos, videos, and stories that last forever. Add a QR memorial plaque to their headstone so anyone who visits can scan and remember them.
Create a Memorial →Life and Legacy of Betty Ford
Betty Ford's willingness to be publicly vulnerable about breast cancer and addiction at a time when both were deeply stigmatized changed American culture. The Betty Ford Center has treated tens of thousands of people from all walks of life. Her legacy is one of compassion, honesty, and the courage to help others by sharing your own struggles.
Major Achievements and Honors
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (1991, alongside President Ford)
- Congressional Gold Medal (1999, alongside President Ford)
- Founded the Betty Ford Center (1982) — one of the world's most famous addiction treatment centers
- First public figure to openly discuss breast cancer and addiction
- Advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment
- Helped destigmatize addiction recovery in America
- Betty Ford Center has treated over 100,000 patients
Born: April 8, 1918 | Died: July 8, 2011
Betty Ford was born on April 8, 1918 and passed away on July 8, 2011 at the age of 93. The cause of death was natural causes. Betty Ford was a American first lady of the united states and health advocate whose work left an indelible mark on the world.
Remembering Betty Ford
Memorials for Betty Ford have taken many forms around the world. Fans gather each year on the anniversary of their passing to share memories, play music, view tributes, and celebrate the life that was lived. Public tributes, charity initiatives, and artistic tributes continue to spread their message far beyond their lifetime.
If Betty Ford inspired you, consider creating a similar lasting tribute for someone important in your own life. A digital memorial page preserves photos, videos, and stories permanently — and a QR memorial plaque connects the physical headstone to that living digital archive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Betty Ford die?
Betty Ford died on July 8, 2011 at the age of 93. The cause of death was natural causes.
What was Betty Ford known for?
The 38th First Lady of the United States, Betty Ford's courageous public disclosure of her breast cancer and addiction transformed American attitudes toward health, women's rights, and recovery.
What is Betty Ford’s legacy?
Betty Ford's willingness to be publicly vulnerable about breast cancer and addiction at a time when both were deeply stigmatized changed American culture. The Betty Ford Center has treated tens of thousands of people from all walks of life. Her legacy is one of compassion, honesty, and the courage to help others by sharing your own struggles.
How can I create a memorial page for my loved one?
You can create a free permanent digital memorial at Scan2Remember. Upload unlimited photos, videos, and life stories. For a physical memorial, a QR memorial plaque ($49.90 with free lifetime hosting) attaches to any headstone and lets cemetery visitors scan a QR code to view the full memorial page from their smartphone.
This memorial tribute was created by Scan2Remember to honor the life and legacy of Betty Ford. We believe every life deserves to be remembered. If you’d like to create a lasting memorial for someone you love, visit our digital memorial page builder or learn about our QR memorial plaques.