Jacqueline J. Bates

Jacqueline Janean Bates was born on December 10, 1985, and she passed away in the early morning hours of December 26, 2025. Her passing was very unexpected, both to our family and to Jacqueline herself. She had so much life still to live, so many plans, and so much love left to give. Jacqueline was fun, loving, and kind-hearted. She had a gentle spirit and a sensitivity that allowed her to feel the world deeply. She noticed small things- a change in someone's mood, a moment that needed laughter, a time when love was required more than words. Her kindness was not something she turned on or off; it was simply who she was. She was also very intelligent and capable. Jacqueline knew how to take care of her personal and professional business when she needed to, and she did so with responsibility and confidence. She balanced her gentle nature with strength and independence. She was free-spirited and, at times, stubborn and that stubbornness was part of her strength. Jacqueline knew who she was. She followed her own rhythm and lived life on her own terms, even when it wasn't easy. We admired her courage to be herself fully and honestly. Jacqueline was proud of her heritage. She was a Native American Indian and a member of the federally recognized Tribe, the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians. Her heritage was part of her identity a quiet strength that connected her to family, history, and generations before her.

Jacqueline graduated from Sunnyside High School and later continued her education at Fresno City College, where she earned her Associate of Arts Degree. These accomplishments reflected her perseverance and her commitment to building a life for herself.

Her work life was another place where her caring nature shone through. Jacqueline's very first job was at PetSmart during her senior year of high school - a perfect fit for someone who loved animals so deeply. She later worked for the IRS for several seasons, showing reliability and dedication. Her main career was in customer service, where she worked for ten years as a Senior Reservations Representative. In that role, she helped countless people with patience, empathy, and her calm, reassuring manner. Her sweet, soft-spoken voice often made difficult situations easier for those she served. Jacqueline loved life in its simple, beautiful forms. She adored her pets and cared for them with tenderness and devotion. Cooking brought her joy - it was one of the ways she expressed love, creating comfort and connection through food. Music filled her world, and where there was music, there was often dancing - joyful, spontaneous moments that reflected her playful spirit.

She also had a true passion for make-up, beauty products, and fashion. Jacqueline saw beauty as a form of creativity and self-expression. She loved trying new looks, sharing tips, and helping others feel confident and beautiful. Above all else, Jacqueline was a loving mother. Her daughter, Rosalie Eeni' Bates Palacio, was born on December 31, 2018, and was the greatest love of her life. Jacqueline loved Rosalie deeply. Being her mother brought her pride, joy, and that bond is one of the most beautiful parts of Jacqueline's legacy. Her relationships meant everything to her. Jacqueline was extraordinarily kind and often over-generous, always willing to help anyone in need. She gave freely of her time, her heart, and whatever she had, sometimes without thinking of herself at all. She loved to love, and she loved to be loved in return.

Jacqueline shared a special bond with her siblings. She is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Emma Bates and Destini Lust, and her brothers, Manuel Gomez and James Lopez.

She is deeply loved and remembered by her parents, Deborah Lust and Jack Bates, and by her grandparents, Lucille Ann Graham, Harold Floyd Lust, and Charles and Victoria Bates. One of the things so many people remember about Jacqueline was her sweet, softspoken voice. It was calming and gentle, the kind of voice that made you feel safe and heard. She cherished time with friends and family. Some of her happiest moments were spent laughing, talking, sharing meals, and simply being together. As her family, we are so proud of the woman Jacqueline became. She taught us patience, compassion, and how to love without conditions. What we will miss most is her presence- her voice, her laughter, the comfort of knowing she was part of our everyday life. Jacqueline's life mattered. She mattered. She will always be our sister, daughter, and mother she will always live in our hearts.