Tiffany Jane Tate-Eckes
, 35 of Chandler, AZ, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at home on September 29, 2018 after a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. She was born March 1, 1983 in Mesa, AZ. Tiffany spent her life giving back to others, most notably through the sport of basketball. Coach Tiff, as she was known by many, was a part of seven state championships as coach at Seton Catholic Preparatory H.S. and two state championships as a player at Chandler H.S. She played and coached many years of club basketball and impacted countless lives during her career. Her greatest fulfillment by far was her love and marriage to Kevin Eckes. He was her soulmate and best friend. They always made the most out of their seven years together. Tiff’s sense of humor, alongside her selfless nature, made her so easy to connect with on a personal level. She lived in the moment, and for every moment, with a fiery, passionate personality and grit and toughness that allowed her to overcome so much.
Tiffany is survived by her husband, Kevin Eckes, three fur babies (Stella, Zeus, and Boomer), her parents, Bob and Lois Tate of San Tan Valley, AZ, her brother Casey Tate (Kristina), nieces, Makenzie Thomas (Brandon), Maleah Milner, Ava Milner and nephew, Chandler Tate of Reno, NV, Grandmother, Betty Tate of Chandler, AZ., Step-Grandmother Linda Tate of Chandler, AZ, Aunt Sue Hedges of Monteagle, TN along with many other loving family members and friends. She will be missed by many who were loved and touched by Tiffany throughout her life including her medical team.
Tiffany was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ruth and Dern Larson and grandfather Forrest G. Tate.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 13
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at The Grove Church, 2777 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler, AZ 85286. A reception will follow immediately at Seton Catholic Preparatory H.S. gymnasium, 1150 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Seton Catholic Preparatory Tiffany Tate-Eckes Scholarship fund.