Scottsdale - On the evening of May 09, 2016, Betty Sue (Cox) Kreidler, 84, passed away at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center in Scottsdale, AZ from complications related to a fall.

Betty was born on July 24, 1931 in Danville, IL to Everett Ellsworth Cox and Dorothy Stewart.

Betty developed a lifelong love for acting and the theater at a young age when she first took acting lessons. She was passionately involved in community theater in Danville, IL and was a talented actress heavily involved in The Red Mask Players ("Red Mask") founded in 1936 by Kathryn Randolph. Betty wore many hats throughout her years with Red Mask and served as one of the directors, producers, and board members. She acted in many Red Mask productions including (but not limited to) "Sabrina Fair," "See How They Run," "First Lady," "Shop at Sly Corner," All My Sons," "Suds in Your Eyes," "Anastasia," and "The Girls in 509" with her close friends Lucinda "Cindy" Butler and Gloria Prentice. Betty was the recipient of a Red Mask Best Actress Katy award and also served as President of Red Mask , 1960-1961.

While attending Danville High School, Betty was introduced to the man who would eventually become her husband, Frederick Dean Kreidler. Betty and Dean were married in Danville, IL on February 19, 1950 with best friends Lela Ford and James Goodrick serving as maid of honor and best man. In 1954, they welcomed their first child, a son, Frederick Drew "Fritz" Kreidler. Their second child, a daughter, Lucinda Beth (Kreidler) Kramer was born 16 years later in 1970.

Betty and Dean lived in many places throughout their 65 years of marriage with a final relocation to Scottsdale, AZ in 1974. Betty and Dean adored Arizona and remained in Scottsdale over 40 years.

While living in Scottsdale, AZ, Betty again became a part of the local theater community. She taught private and small group acting classes to a large and diverse group of Arizonans. She was not only an extremely talented actress herself, but her ability to bring out the best in those she taught and directed was unmatched. Betty became a mentor, confidant, and supporter to many of her students who remained close and loyal friends throughout her life. Many friends considered her to be like a second mother with her unique ability to listen without judgement and to cut through the "BS" and to help people see the truth in their lives. Betty also became involved in movie productions in Arizona serving in the capacity of Extras Casting Director and running Continuity on several local movie sets.

Betty served in many volunteer efforts including studying humpback whales in Hawaii with the Pacific Whale Foundation, various Democratic Party campaigns, Scottsdale 2000 and The Red Cross. She was a long time Democrat and staunch believer in human rights and equality for all citizens of this world. At a young age, she taught both of her children to love all people equally regardless of race, religion, skin color, or sexual orientation. Betty was very passionate about politics and justice and their place in the world which is why it is fitting that it be mentioned here.

Betty Sue Kreidler was preceded in death by her parents (Everett & Dorothy), her beloved grandmother Glenna, her grandson Zachary, and her husband (Frederick Dean). She Is survived by her children (Fritz Kreidler and Beth Kramer), her brother Sam Cox, son-in-law Tom Kramer, granddaughter Zoe ("grammy's girl"), beloved niece Karla D., numerous friends, and best friends Lela F., Barbara G., and Pam D. Some of the many individuals she held so dearly in her heart who looked up to her as a second mother and mentor are Michelle D., Hassan M., Suzie L., Robert C., and numerous others.

A private celebration of life will be held to honor Betty and to remember the love and kindness she showed to those around her. Please remember what Betty always said: "The Show Must Go On!"

Memorials can be made in Betty's name to the following of her favorite charities/organizations:

The Pacific Whale Foundation, World Wildlife Foundation, and The Democratic Party.