Kathleen Marie (Bennett) Erbe

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.