Willie L. "Cricket" Cates

Willie L. "Crickett" Cates Born on Oct. 14, 1924 in Sylacauga, Alabama and died on July 13, 2015 in Lake Havasu, Arizona at age 90. Crickett passed peacefully at home while her daughter was holding her hand. She will be remembered as a strong and independent spitfire of a woman. She was born to Alvie and Sylvon Dennis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Cates. She married her husband, Earl Cates on October 12, 1946 in Hopkinsville, KY. They were married for 58 years. She is survived by her daughter, Cyndi Jones and son-in-law, Steve Jones, Lake Havasu City AZ; son, Cris Cates and daughter-in-law, Sue Cates, Hanahan, South Carolina; 8 grandchildren, Jennifer and Allan Santa Cruz, Reseda, CA; Kevin Little, Santa Clarita, CA; Aaron Cates, Hanahan, South Carolina; Mary Cates, Hanahan South Carolina; Michael and Julia Robinson, Pacoima, CA; Mike Jones, Orange, CA; one great granddaughter expected to be born in September 2015 and her spoiled and loving cat, A.J. She spent most of her life in Long Beach, CA and was a devoted Navy wife for 22 years. Worked in Civil Service at Long Beach Naval Shipyard for many years. After retiring, she volunteered at Pacific Hospital in Long Beach, CA for 15 years. She loved the old gospel songs and hymns and sang in the choir at church. The family would like to thank all of her caregivers and Beacon of Hope Hospice, Lake Havasu City, AZ for their support and care. There will be a private family Graveside Service on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 11am at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. She will be buried next to her husband. Please sign the guest book at www.presstelegram.com/obits.