Bates, Sandra "Sandy" Lynn Sandra "Sandy" Lynn Bates, age 56, of Phoenix, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born on September 28, 1960 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was adopted by the late Stanley and Estelle Stein of Maywood, New Jersey. She attended college at Arizona State University receiving her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Sandy was a pediatric nurse working at the NICU at Phoenix Children's Hospital then moving on to many other nursing opportunities. She worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona in Medical Grievances and Appeals until retiring on February 1, 2017. Sandy was the facilitator for SPOHNC, Support for People of Head and Neck Cancer, beginning in March of 2002. She enjoyed life, her children, her friends, and a nice glass of wine. Sandy also enjoyed traveling locally and internationally, while watching a sunset on the beach gave her the most joy. Sandy is survived by her loving spouse, Jody; two sons, Gregory and Zachary Griffin; children by marriage, Kelcey and Kaleigh Bates, and Kyle and Matt Ferguson; a brother, Steve Stein; beloved (favorite) ex-husband, Pat Griffin; and many other loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her in-laws, Gerald and Margaret Griffin, and Norine Bates. Memorial services were held at 6:00 pm on Monday, March 6, 2017, at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 East Greenway Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85022, with Pastor and Nephew Chris Griffin officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sandy's honor are suggested to the or Friends of Channel 8. Online condolences can be given at www.shadowmountainmortuary.com.