Joy Arlene Bates

Joy Arlyne Bates was born in Chicago, the only child of Milton and Blanche (Susanka) Patz. She graduated from Bloom Township H.S. in 1947 and attended DePauw and Purdue Universities.

In 1952, Joy moved to Phoenix, taking a job with Arizona Public Service where she met Albert R. Bates. Joy and Al were married in 1955.

Joy was committed to volunteerism all her life. In Phoenix, Joy volunteered with Memorial Hospital, and the auxiliary of Phoenix Childrens Theatre, serving as President of the Theatre’s Board for two years. She and Al were a competitive sailing team for three decades as members of the Arizona Yacht Club. Joy was a lifelong bridge player.

Joy and Al retired to Prescott in 1991, where she continued her commitment to volunteerism. Joy was active with the Prescott Art Docents, the Prescott Public Library, and the Prescott Corral of Westerners International. Joy enjoyed leadership positions in all three organizations.

Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Albert; children, Kimberly Antonsen (George), Allison Bates Caputo (Don), and Robert Allen Bates (Karen); four grandchildren, Joseph Antonsen, Marcus Caputo, Akiko Bates, and Danica Bates; and one great-grandson, Theo Antonsen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joy’s name to the Friends of the Prescott Public Library.