BATES, ENRIQUETA ENRIQUEZ

22 October 1940 – 3 September 2023
Daughter of Juan and Rosa Enriquez

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, “‘Queta” or “Kati” spent her childhood looking after her younger siblings, working different jobs: shining shoes, helping to pick cotton and produce, and housekeeping. As a young nanny for USAF Col. H. and Hazel Terry and family, she travelled to Germany and saw Europe, broadening her perspective on the world.

Kati returned to Phoenix, and in 1963 met and married Larry Joe Bates. They raised a family together: daughters Laurie, Roseanna and Patty, and son George. Devoted to her own children, she also arranged field trips and activities for their schoolmates, seeking to broaden their views of the world and the possibilities of their lives.

Returning to work in the late 1970’s, Kati took a position at St, Joseph’s Hospital Pediatric Clinic, working as a receptionist and Spanish translator. There she also found her calling as an advocate for children and families in need, ensuring that they received the health care and other helps needed. It is not an exaggeration to say that she saved children’s lives with her advocacy there.

After retiring from the hospital, “Nana” was devoted to her grandchildren Spencer, Orion, Chakira, Nicholas, Philip, Alison, Julian, Quinn and Miles.

She returned to her vocation of advocacy, first as a volunteer at City of Phoenix Senior Centers and ultimately in an official capacity as Senior Intern and advocate for seniors and refugees as the city and state levels. She had the ear and friendship of the mayor, city council, and governor. She touched and improved the lives of many people, following the words of Our Lord: “For I was hungry and you fed Me, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me…”

In her final years, Kati focused on family and home, caring for and accompanying Larry in his life journey. Suffering many ailments, they held on for one another. They died just days apart at home with family, together to the end.

In honor of Enriqueta’s memory, donations may be made to MaggiesPlace.org, an organization near to her heart.