Estelle Raitt

Estelle Ruth Giesen Raitt was released from her earthly bonds April 23, 2016 happy to be together again at last with the love of her life, the late William C (Bill) Raitt.  She was aged 95 years, 63 days. Born February 20, 1921 to Henry and Essie Giesen in Cincinnati, Estelle was the loving mother of Bonnie (Ken) McMillan, Terry, Michael (Patty) and the late Patricia Ann, sister of the late Dorothy Giesen Meier and the late Virginia Giesen Wilson. She was proud grandmother of Bobby Richardson, Chris McMillan, Kelly (Kevin) Williams, Bryan (Anna) Raitt, great-grandmother of Asher Raitt, devoted aunt to nieces and nephews. Estelle graduated Withrow High School in 1939. Stell and Bill were married July 8, 1941. Making a home for a growing family kept her busy in those early years. Of course, that meant setting up house during WWII.  She and Bill went through all the struggles imposed by his service to country while she supported the cause on the home front.  Her service as a Red Cross Volunteer touched the lives of many a serviceman coming home from “over there”. In 1953, she was elected Worthy Matron of OES No. 421 in Norwood. She was President of the Kappa Delta Mother’s Club when Bonnie was at UC and worked at Dorl and Fern florists for (how many years). She was a blessing to many the customer with her recommendations on flowers for special occasions. She dedicated her life to her husband of 62 years, Lt. Col. William C Raitt (Ret), her family and the Air Force.  A lifelong tie to the Air Force, as leaders of the USAFA Parent’s Club, kept their lives full with celebrations, cadet graduations and Air Force family counseling.  Truly, their contributions are felt across the Air Force even today. She and Bill were members of Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church for 50+ years. Her work there provided a lifetime of happiness.  She taught Sunday school and was among the leaders of the annual church Bazaar and Rummage sale. She excelled at putting last minute touches on the decorations and sale items. This flair for decorating carried well in her long employment with Dorl and Fern Florists in Norwood.  She met all customers over the phone, ensuring they had the right flowers for every occasion.  Her great customer care and wonderful attention to detail provided many homes with just the “right touch”. Chesterwood Village was her home for the last twelve years. Even there, she was well known for directing the staff on how to decorate for the holidays. The family expresses their eternal gratitude to the nurses and staff for their loving care.

Memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at Chesterwood Village Chapel, 8073 Tylersville Rd., West Chester, OH 45069 at 6:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be directed to Hospice of Southwest Ohio or a charity of your choice.