nancy reagan. she said, "she was jerry's ford strength through some very tough days and i admire her strength in sharing her personal struggles with all of us." thelma gutierrez is at the betty ford center in rancho san francisco. i know the fords retired there. they were such a part of the community. >> reporter: they really were. people here remember them as people who were very kind, who were very giving toward this community. now, we have not heard from the ford family since the passing of betty ford yesterday evening. just a short time ago, though, they did release a statement. betty ford had four children. three sons and one daughter. and they said, it is with great sadness that we inform you that our beloved mother, betty ford, has passed away at 93 years of age. she died peacefully at the eisenhower medical center in rancho mirage, california. mother's love, candor, devotion, and laughter enriched our lives and the lives of the millions she touched throughout this great nation. to be in her presence was to know the warmth of a truly great lady. mother's passing leaves a deep void, but it also fills us with immeasurable appreciation for the life that w