Betty Ford awaited her husband's coffin at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church with an honor guard and a Marine Corps band, The New York Times (NYSE:NYT) reported. The band played "Hail to the Chief" as the coffin was carried inside.

Mrs. Ford and her four children and other family members attended the service, followed by a private visitation for close friends brought to the church by bus. The church was expected to be open all night to allow members of the public to pay final respects.

Ford's body is scheduled to be flown to Washington Saturday to lie in state at the Capitol, where he served for years as a congressman. There will also be a service at the National Cathedral.

Ford is to be buried in Grand Rapids, Mich., site of his presidential library.