Steven CATES

CATES, Steven born March 21, 1962 went home to his heavenly father on May 12, 2018. He is preceded in death by his dad, Roy Cates. He is survived by his mother, Jeanne Cates; daughter, Lisa Cocchia (Tony); grandchildren, Lucas, Violet and Weston; son, David Cates; sisters, Linda Varney (Dennis) and Laura Cates; niece and nephews, Amanda Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Michael Bass, Dylan Bass. Steve was born and raised in Tucson, AZ, graduated from Sabino High School in 1980, and enlisted in the Navy in 1981. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Hurley and had two children. They later divorced but became friends again and shared in the accomplishments of their children. Steve has also lived in San Diego, Hawaii, and in Pinetop, AZ which was his second home. He spent most of his working years in banking with his final occupation as Assistant Mgr at AZ Central Credit Union in Show Low, AZ. Steve was an ardent UofA Wildcat fan, loved country music, coached and watched his daughter play softball for many years, loved to cook and garden, he was a staunch conservative, loved the beach, and was an avid viewer of the old time shows like "I Love Lucy" and "Andy Griffith". One of his greatest loves were his dogs and he leaves behind Kona, Star, Maggie, and Sophie. He was the "wind beneath the wings" of his sisters as he was never in the limelight but was instrumental in their successes in softball as he caught hundreds of pitches daily and cheered them on. He was godfather and cherished uncle to his niece and nephews and he even participated in birthing classes and as birthing coach for two of them. He was extremely proud of his kids; his son and his Air Force service, and his daughter with her B.S. and Master's degrees. Steve had a kind and loving spirit, a wonderful sense of humor, and faith in our savior, Jesus. A Celebration of Life will take place in June with more details forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Steve Cates to the Humane Society of the White Mountains. Arrangements by OASIS CREMATION.