Croonquist, Betty 97, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on February 22, 2017. Betty was born on October 21, 1919 to Harris and Sara Ryland in Alden, Minnesota. The family lived briefly in Bristow, Oklahoma and returned to Minnesota after the death of her sister Mary Ann. Betty graduated from Marshall High School and received a BA in English from the University of Minnesota. She was an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and worked part time as a model for Donaldson's Department Store. At the Kappa house she learned to play bridge, a game she enjoyed throughout her life. At the U of M she met Neil Croonquist, captain of the University golf team and later two-time Minnesota Amateur Champion. They raised three children who all graduated from Edina Morningside High School. Betty was a master with the sewing machine and knitting needles, but her greatest gifts were as a loving mother and grandmother, a terrific cook and host of many memorable parties. In 1977 Betty and Neil purchased a residence in Scottsdale, Arizona which became their permanent home. They were members of Interlachen and Pinnacle Peak country clubs. Her family will be forever grateful to the loving caregivers and health professionals at the Vi Grayhawk where both spent their final years. Betty is survived by her three children, Betsy Bro and her husband Kent of Scottsdale, Robert Croonquist of New York City and Mary Beard and her husband Larry of Westlake, Texas, and by her grandsons Matt Beard and his wife Rachel, Jeff Beard and his fiancee Kahleel Greaves, and Eric Seitz, his wife Elissa and their son Jake. There will be a celebration of her life in Scottsdale. Donations in Betty's memory may be made to and the Arizona Humane Society.