Estel "Bower" Saitta Obituary (2013) - Lake Havasu City, Arizona

On Monday 5/27/2013, Estel E. Saitta went to be with the Lord. She went peacefully in her home surrounded by family. She will be missed dearly. Estel was born to John and Maud Bower in Kuna, Idaho and was raised on their farm in Boise, Idaho. She wed George Mitchell in 1954. The couple lived in London while George was in the service and returned to the States after the birth of their first two children. They later divorced but remained friends until George's death. She moved her family to Lake Havasu City in 1969 where she met and married Anthony "Tony" Saitta. Estel worked many years in the restaurant business either waitressing, managing or owning. She waitressed at Havasu Hotel and at The Pub shortly after the London Bridge was built. She also owned and operated The Little Palace Fish & chips where she became famous with the locals for her fish & chips and The Party Palace where she made many beautiful wedding cakes. Once she wanted t oslow down a bit, she managed EZ's Fine Dining at Havasu Lanes, and ended her career waitressing at Big John's Steak & Pub until she retired. Estel was a pitcher for her High School softball team, a seamstress, a baker and so much more. She was an avid bowler and was involved in several leagues. She taught her kids to bowl and coached for several years with the Junior Bowling Association. She enjoyed playing cards and board games - and was tough to beat at Sequence. She had wonderful friends and they all had a great time with their Monday night card games and monthly luncheons with the girls. She loved Lake Havasu and always looked forward to catching up with old friends at Pioneer Days. What Estel most cherished was her family - her morning coffee with her sons, chatting and working the crossword puzzle, family barbeques and years of annual family vacations in Palm Springs. Estel was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Rosanna Miller and Ardath Parr, brother, Alfred Bower, husband, Anthony "Tony" Saitta and eldest son, Ronald Ivan Mitchell. She is survived by her children, Randall J. Mitchell (Mardel), Robert J. Mitchell, Debra J. Mitchell-Padilla (Ruben), Kenneth D. Mitchell (Debbie) all of Lake Havasu City and daughter-in-law, Karen J. Mitchell of California, 21 Grandchildren and 22 Great-Grandchildren. She will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. The family will have a private burial but will hold a memorial service on June 14, 2013 at 3:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church followed by refreshments. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Havasu in Estel's name... We love you, Mom....... Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.