Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted
Matthew 5:4
Bertha “Bertie” Flores Coates, 82, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, was called to Heaven on the morning of Monday, August 3, 2020. Bertie was born on May 11,1938 to Gilbert and Josefina (Savala) Flores. She will be remembered most for being a caring and loving wife, mother, nana, grandma, a true and generous friend, and for her famous tamales and green chili burritos. She had a zest for life, more energy than the energizer bunny and was always willing and ready to help the people she loved and to serve the community. Bertie proudly served as a Volunteer and Board Member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Luke-Greenway Unit #1, since 2003. She dedicated a significant portion of her life to working in the food service industry, preparing delicious meals for the Lunch Box Bar & Grill, Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, YWCA (Casa De Primavera Senior Living), and food samples for Club Demonstration Services (Costco).
Bertie’s tiny house was always filled with love, delicious food, laughter and music. Everyone was always welcomed in her home. She loved being around people and hosting parties. On special occasions like her birthday you might even find a Mariachi band playing the Mañanitas in her backyard. Bertie left everyone that knew her with so many great memories. She would not want anyone to cry or be sad for her because she lived her life to the fullest, without any regrets. Bertie leaves a legacy of strong courageous character, love, faith and respect that will live on in her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren forever.
Bertie is preceded in death by her husband Fred Coates of 40 years; her parents, Josefina Flores, Gilbert and Guadalupe Flores and sisters, Elizabeth and Teresa “Bear”. She is survived by her children, Margaret Lopez, Natalie Benitez, Daniel Benitez, Terri Arenas, John Benitez, 13 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Bertha leaves behind 8 siblings, Nellie, Margie, Gilbert, Sandy, Monica, Mary, Tony, Jenny, a host of nieces, nephews and friends and her canine companion Pipa.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2020, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ. Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. A private family Interment will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ.
The service will be live steamed via Zoom Thursday, August 13, 2020 starting at 11:00 a.m. at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9752059066
Bertie’s Celebration of Life will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Bertie’s name to: American Legion Auxiliary, Luke-Greenway Unit #1, P.O. Box 36436, Phoenix, AZ 85067
Condolences and Hugs from home may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
God loved you mom and now you are home. We will be with you again someday.
Margie Salinas
My heart and condolences go out to all of the families of Mrs Bertha Flores Coates. May your love for your mom , grandma Or sister will never Forget with what you had for her.. God give you peace and comfort in difficult time.. God bless!
SHELLEY MILLER
To the family of Bertie; I know how very important her family was to her. She lived for her children and grandchildren and I know deep in my heart that she will be watching over all of you for the rest of your days. If you feel a little gust of wind, that will be Bertie…. If you feel sad, just think of a good memory of her, and she will bring a smile to your face.
She will be in my heart always…. Te qiero mi Amiga!!!!! Shelley Miller
Kelly
May Bertha RIP. She was a huge influence on one of the best men I know. Anthony I am sorry for your loss.
Rosemary Reyes
Terri & Danny,
You and your family are in my heart and mind. I extend my deepest sympathies. I will never forget your moms kindness, smile and laughter!
May God put her in a special place where she will be watching over the people who loved and cherished her!
May God’s love and grace be always with you. ❤️
Rosemary Reyes