Coates Bertha “Bertie” Flores

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.