Inez Louise (Cesar) Craig, 98, passed away August 20, 2020 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Inez was born on March 21, 1922 in Lowell, Michigan to Earl and Luella (Haberstump) Cole. As a teenager living in Lowell, she was selected the Peony (flower) Queen of Michigan, making appearances all over the state, including one of her favorite places in the world, Mackinac Island. After high school graduation (1940), she moved to Hollywood where she played banjo and drums in a local band called Brownie and His Musical Cow Girls and found work as an actress. Her best-known film credit was in Gallant Lady, released in 1942, starring Rose Hobart and Sydney Blackmer, and directed by William Beaudine. With that role, she became a member of the Screen Actors Guild, with other powerful female actresses born the same year as her, including Betty White, Doris Day, Ava Gardner, Yvonne DeCarlo, Bea Arthur and Judy Garland.
After a few years in Hollywood, Inez returned to Michigan where she married and opened a restaurant and a drama studio. She and husband Joe moved to Arizona in 1959. He went to work for Del Webb, helping lay the foundation for Sun City, the Company’s first senior-living community, while Inez worked for the Arizona Highway Magazine until her retirement in 1981. Family, friends and co-workers recall Inez to be one of the nicest, most loving and caring people; never with a cross word for anyone or a complaint about anything. She was predeceased by husbands Joseph Cesar (the father of her three beautiful girls) and Homer Craig, and her brother Clarence Cole (wife Dorothy) and a nephew Jack Cesar. Inez is survived by three daughters who were her world: Muriel Louise Rogers (husband Lynn) and grandchild Joal Masta, great granddaughter Daisha and great-great grandson Reagan. Anita Bozelli (Mel) and her grandsons Richard Bozelli (wife Tara) and Anthony Bozelli (wife Cathy), and great grandchildren Ryan, Alex, Ashtyn and Sydney. JoAnne Parkinson (husband Mike), grandchildren Tyler Parkinson (wife Amelinda), Jason Parkinson and Alysia (Parkinson) Phillips (husband Collin) and great grandchildren Cogeian, November, Arianna and Greyson. She is also survived by nieces Vianne Steigmeir (husband Roger) and Helen Shotten (husband Jim).
A private family Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ, 85351. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated in support of Inez’ wonderful church: Willowbrook United Methodist Church, 19390 N. 99th Avenue, Sun City, AZ, 85373. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.sunlandmemorial.com.
