Free Shuttle Available For Betty Ford Memorial

People planning to attend a post-memorial service repose today in honor of former first lady Betty Ford were advised not to drive to the church, due to a lack of parking, but instead take a free shuttle.   

Long lines are expected for the repose at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, which is scheduled from 5 p.m. to midnight. A memorial book will be available to sign.

Free shuttles will operate from the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens, 78200 Miles Ave., with boardings from 3-10:30 p.m. The last bus will leave at 10:45 p.m.

No cameras or video equipment, large bags or strollers will be allowed inside the church, according to family representatives.

Residents will also have a chance to pay their respects by lining a motorcade route Wednesday morning, when Ford's body is taken from the church to Palm Springs International Airport. The motorcade will leave the church at 9 a.m.

The motorcade will depart on Monterey Avenue; turn west onto Highway 111, then north onto Gene Autry Trail and proceed to the Atlantic Aviation terminal. A departure ceremony for invited guests is scheduled for 9:20 a.m.

Ford's body will be flown by military aircraft from Palm Springs to Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Mich., then transported to the Gerald R. Ford Museum, where she will be interred next to her husband. A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids on Thursday. --City News Service