Mary Ann Latuska

Mary Ann “Mickey” Latuska, formerly Mary Ann Gates and born Mary Ann Hofmann, was born on February 23, 1962, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and gained her wings on February 22, 2026, in Bullhead City, Arizona just one day before her 64th birthday.

Mickey was the beloved daughter of Joan and Clarence George Hofmann, and a little sister to Ricky Lee Hofmann and Barbara Ann Hutchenson. She was also deeply loved by her Aunt Tuttie (Carol), who stepped into a motherly role throughout her life and shared a bond that words can hardly describe.

Barbara shared a particularly close bond with her sister. In her words, Mickey was not only her sister but also her teammate and her strength through life. Barbara shared that no words can truly describe the depth of her loss, as a piece of her heart feels gone forever. The two leaned on one another through life’s ups and downs, always standing side by side. Barbara will forever miss her baby sister and carry her love in her heart until the day they meet again.

Her life took her from Ohio to California, where she lived in Rancho Cucamonga and Norco before settling in Bullhead City, Arizona. For 37 years, she dedicated herself to her work at Nordstrom Distribution, where she built lasting friendships and led with dedication, integrity, and heart.

After retiring, Mickey fully embraced her greatest passion crafting. Whether she was creating something beautiful for her home, a friend, or especially her grandbabies, crafting was where her creativity and love shined brightest. She even started her own small business doing what she loved most, pouring her heart into every masterpiece.

Mickey had a way of lighting up every room she entered. She had a radiant smile, a contagious laugh, and a wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor that could turn any day around. She was strong, brave, kind, and endlessly loving. An amazing friend, daughter, sister, niece, mom, and her most cherished title of all, GRANDMA.

She loved her Bingo games, endless crafts with her crafting ladies, and spending time with her grandchildren; Sophie Marie Velasco, Jack Cortes Velasco, Trenton Kelly Gates, and Joshua Cortes Velasco who were her heart and joy.

To her children, Timothy Kelly Gates Jr. and Kelli Jean Velasco, she was everything—their safe place, their laughter, their guidance, their HERO, and their strength. As they beautifully describe, “She was our beach, and we were her ocean. No matter what, she always showed up with open arms, love, and the warmest hugs.”

Mickey lived her life with love, laughter, and light, touching more lives than she ever knew. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and unshakable love that will live on through her family, friends, and the many hearts she warmed along the way.

At this time, the family has not yet planned a celebration of life but will share details once available.

Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever our sunshine.

<3 YOU MAMA!