Kathleen Marie (Bennett) Erbe was born October 23, 1970, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Franklin and Barbara Bennett. Katie came into the world backwards and screaming, and not much changed over the next 50 years or so. The family moved to Mesa, her dad’s hometown, in 1971.
Kate was a happy, beautiful blond child. She went through the Mesa school system and graduated Mountain View High School. Along with her siblings, Kate inherited her mother’s musical abilities and played the piano and clarinet. She had a beautiful alto singing voice and was named one of the top voices in the state during her senior year. Katie also loved dancing at Jeanne Wright’s School of Dance, where she also taught during high school.
Following graduation Kate determined that higher education was not for her. During her short stay at NAU, however, she made several life-long friends. Making friends was one of her talents. She had a fun, energetic and dominating personality. People met her and liked her immediately.
Kate married Brent Erbe. When Brent graduated from ASU they moved to Steamboat Springs CO, where their first son, Jacob, was born. The job market dictated a move back to Phoenix, where second son Alexander was born. Kate got a job in the family business, where she worked successfully as a property manager for many years.
Kate also loved to play poker. Her poker hobby turned into a career and she began playing full time. Kate was a member of the West Side Advisory Board of A New Leaf, a non-profit founded by her grandmother.
For the past year, Kate suffered with several medical issues. Her family rallied ‘round to support her. On Sunday, August 25, 2024, Kate’s body declared it had had enough and she passed away quietly, asleep in her bed.
Kathleen Erbe is survived by her two sons, Jacob (Selena) and Alexander, her parents, Frank and Barbara Bennett, her sister Anne (Tony), brother Frank, Jr (Cindy), many nieces and nephews, her former husband Brent and Roxie, the world’s most loving dog, all of whom will miss her like crazy.
Services will be at the Bunker Family Funeral Home 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa on September 18th at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers please donate to A New Leaf at turnanewleaf.org, or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Kate was my friend. She was generous, kind, creative, bold, funny, talented, and phenomenal. She will be missed. I am grateful for knowing her. May Kate rest well and sing with the angels. Peace and Grace to her sons.
I was fortunate to get to know Kate through the years. I met her through an amazing group of friends from NAU. Her smile and laughter was contagious. No one else will laugh as hard at my “flat sandwich” episode.
She had an amazing fun and generous spirit, always up for an adventure. I miss my friend.
I’m so sorry to hear of Katie’s passing.
Katie had such a huge spirit that filled whatever room she was in. She SPARKLED! We met in the dorm at NAU and even though her time there was short, she left a lasting impression on my life. I’m incredibly thankful that our paths crossed, and to have called her my friend.
It has been many years since I last saw Kate but I have many fond memories with her and Brent, her cheerful demeanor and playful nature always made me feel happy and welcome. Kate you will be missed.
Not only was Kate a friend to me, she was an Auntie to my children and a friend to my husband Dan too. Her light shined bright and we all gathered round like moths to a flame. The world is a little less brighter with her gone. But she will shine on in her sons. We will miss our beloved “Katie Baby”, an endearment from her NAU Ladies ❤️
Kate was a fire cracker. You knew when she walked in the room. She was confident, boisterous, funny and was a good property manager. I worked along side Kate for many years and I am grateful that I got to know her. I only regret not taking her up on the offer to teach me how to play poker. Rest in Peace Kate. You are home and not in pain any more.