Sr. Maria Estralita Bates

"For there are these three things that endure: faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love."

- 1 Corinthians 13:13

Sr. Maria Estralita Kinlen (Bates), age 71, passed peacefully at home on January 16, 2026. Born on January 30, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she grew up in Chicago and made the Phoenix area her home from 1982 onward, where she lived a life of deep faith, joyful service, and love for family and community.

She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Dale; her parents, James and Viola Kinlen; and her siblings, James, Daniel, and Angela. She is survived by her daughter, Prudence; her sister, Alice; her sister-in-law, Kaylene; and her cherished niece and nephews: Sharee, Justin, Jay, William, Eric, and Odin.

Sr. Maria Estralita of the Baby Jesus, graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Chicago, Illinois, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana State University. A dedicated and compassionate nurse, she served in Emergency Room, ICU/CCU, and Behavioral Health settings. Her most meaningful professional honor was serving as St. John Paul II's nurse during his visit to Phoenix in 1987. She retired from Maricopa Integrated Health Systems (County Hospital) in 2009, but continued to work as a nurse until death. She was immensely proud of her 21+ years of service at TriWest, caring for and supporting her extended military family.

Beyond her professional vocation, Sr. Maria devoted her life to the Church and ultimately joined the Apostolate of the Little Flower of St. Thérèse, founded by Fr. Doug Lorig, serving as Servant Sister (Director) since 2011. Many of her most cherished memories involved the Rosary group, the Catholic Daughters of America, and singing in the choir. Her faith was deeply rooted in devotion to the Blessed Mother and to Divine Mercy.

She loved to laugh, eat, and socialize with friends and family, bringing warmth and humor wherever she went. An avid traveler, she especially treasured pilgrimages to Lourdes, Medjugorje, Fatima, Prague, Betania, and Jerusalem.

Sr. Maria will be remembered for her joyful spirit, servant's heart, and unwavering faith. Her life reflected the enduring truth of Scripture-faith, hope, and love-and above all, love, which she shared generously.

A Rosary, Funeral Mass, and Reception will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church: 14818 W. Deer Valley Dr, Sun City West, AZ 85375 on January 30, 2026 at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project or plant a tree with the Arbor Day Foundation.