Harriet Joan Cates

Harriet Joan Cates “Jodi”
October 9, 1934 – July 3, 2018

Its with sadness and yet a great sense of joy that the family of Harriet Joan Cates “Jodi” announces her passing on July 3, 2018.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Clarence J. Cates “Jerry”; her parents, Maurice F. and Harriet J. (Ellis) Hinshaw; sister, Maurine Catt (Hinshaw); brother, Robert Hinshaw; and son, Jeffrey Lane Cates. She leaves behind son, Dennis R. Cates (Michelle); daughters, Kelli Cates Copper and Terri Cates Skogman; grandchildren: Steven M. Cates (Heather), David A. Cates (Samantha), Michelle Skogman, Heather Cates, and Justin Cates (Melissa); seven great grandchildren: John Paul, Ethan, Aislynn, Carson, Trenton, Leah, and Wyatt.

Jodi was born October 9, 1934 in Pueblo, Colorado. She graduated from Centennial High School. She moved to Colorado Springs in 1960 to take a job as a telephone operator for Mountain Bell. Then while on foot patrol a young handsome police officer met, courted her, and proposed. They were married in 1962. Then while raising four children she went back to school to get her Bachelor of Nursing at BethEl College of Nursing and from there her masters from the University of Phoenix. She was employed by Penrose Hospital for 25 years and retired to adopt and raise two of her grandchildren. It was here that she affectionately became known as “Gams” not only to her two grandchildren but to numerous friends and just about anyone that met or knew her.

She loved music and singing and performed for many years in a quartet and choir with the Sweet Adelines. She was a huge fan of the Denver Broncos and attended every game, sunshine or snow, at the old Mile High Stadium. She loved dogs and horses and was a friend to any stray animal, so the house always had a new critter in it calling it home. But most of all she had a heart for the sick, hurting and those who were down and out. Caring and doing all she could for the least of these was her purpose and calling, and she did it well.

She will be missed by all who she touched.

Memorial service 2PM Friday, 7/20, Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel. Inurnment follows, Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Old Glory Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, please give a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization that Jodi was very passionate about.