Smallegan Real Estate is celebrating women's history month by honoring a Grand Rapids icon on this installment of Grand Rapids Informed: Historical Markers.

Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Bloomer was born in Chicago and raised in Grand Rapids. She became an accomplished dancer and was fashion coordinator for Herpolsheimer's Department Store.

On October 15, 1948, she married Gerald R Ford. Together, they had four children: Michael, Jack, Stephen, and Susan. Gerald Ford served as a Michigan Congressman for 25 years. Then, on August 9, 1974, he became President of the United States, and Betty became the nation's First Lady.

As First Lady, she openly discussed her personal battle with breast cancer, and raised the nation's consciousness on women's rights. She later became a strong advocate for treatments for cancer and chemical dependencies after the Fords left the white house in 1977.

Being ladylike does not require silence.

Betty remained a selfless leader on a number of issues and continued her dedication to public service and humanitarian efforts. “Being ladylike does not require silence.”