Michael Farrell Kitts

Michael Farrell Kitts was the first-born son of Dr. Edward Leroy and Mrs. Betty Jean Kitts. Michael was born December 1st, 1953 in Dallas, Texas where he grew up alongside his older sister, Fran, younger sister, Susan, and two younger brothers, David and Charles. As a close family, they lived in Texas while Edward attended medical school before eventually settling in Selma, California for Edward's practice as a family physician. Mike loved growing up in the San Joaquin Valley and the foothills of the Sierras. By age 7 he was riding and caring for his horse, Dolly, and was passionate about the outdoors and the mountains as a boy scout. When he wasn't skiing the Black Diamonds at China peak, you'd find him water skiing or tube floating down the Kings River with his buddies. No wonder that he loved their mountain cabin at Shaver Lake. It was an idyllic childhood and instilled a deep commitment to family, friends and sound values. The foundation of his faith began with his time as an altar boy at Saint Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, which he proudly assumed at age 10. Michael then attended Bellarmine Preparatory School, where he graduated in 1972 before pursuing college at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He later transferred to California Polytechnic University earning a degree in business before entering the hospitality industry and beginning work for the exciting and thrilling restaurant franchise, Bobby McGee's, for which he worked relentlessly as the Vice President of Operations for over 25 years. Described by many as "the best boss they ever had," Michael created bonds and friendships with his employees that so dearly respected his work ethic and extreme devotion to his craft. His wisdom and humility revealed his innate ability to not only lead a large volume of people in his restaurant enterprise, but to befriend them along the way.

Michael married the love of his life, Robin Kitts on December 16th, 1992. He was the ultimate family man and a perpetually loving father to his two daughters, Jennifer and JoAnna, and his sons, Daniel and Andrew. Above all else, the role Michael was most proud of was his kind, adventurous, compassionate, and devoted fatherhood. He steered and guided his children through all aspects of life, just as his loving parents had done for him. While he embraced the Lord's help with his own decisions and path, no dream was too big and no goal was unreachable. He believed in seeking outopportunities and taught his children to chase every passion wholeheartedly.

In 2004, Michael accepted a challenging position as director of hospitality for the developing Mazatzal Hotel and Casino in Payson, Arizona. There, he oversaw responsibility for the design and construction of the property on tribal land where his monumental visions of bringing a classy and elegant casino to a rural town came to life. With the tribe's support for his decisions, he constructed a property that was respected by all of Payson and filled with exciting events for years to come while Robin dedicated her time to being a loving mother and employee for the Payson's school district. Little did Michael know that this isolated mountain town would remain his home for the next 15 years as well as his family's designated hometown for life. New adventures andmemories were created in the vast landscape of the Mogollon Rim where Michael enjoyed fishing, hiking, watching sports, and playing baseball with his kids.

In 2019, Michael and Robin gave their humble thanks to Payson and retired quietly to Arlington, Tennessee with their dog, Sundance. Nearby Memphis, Michael and Robin discovered land that filled their hearts with pure joy. They frequently visited sites alongside the Mississippi River, downtown Memphis on Beale Street, and the historic hallways of Elvis Presley's Graceland home. New roads, new landscapes, and new adventures took Michael and Robin across the United States from ocean to ocean. Always with the heart of an explorer, Michael traveled voraciously to treasure new places with Robin and visit family at every opportunity in Georgia, Arizona, and California. These years of retirement and travel are often considered the best and most fulfilling years of his life and loving marriage.

Though he was a kind and gentle soul, Michael had a bright fire within him that remained lit at all times. No task was too tall and no goal was unreachable. Through years of sacrifice for his family, he was a man that understood the importance of protecting and providing for everyone he loved. He had many passions and interests that inspired all of those around him, particularly his unwavering support for his beloved Arizona Diamondbacks and the dutiful pride he held for his country. Michael, Robin, and Sundance moved back to Phoenix, Arizona in February 2025 to be close to family where he was able to visit with his daughters Jennifer and JoAnna, as well as his grandkids on many occasions. He lived nearby his son, Andrew who cared for and accomplished any task he needed assistance with. He even got to visit Yellowstone and Jackson with his son, Daniel, last October. Michael Kitts passed away at his home in Phoenix on March 6th, 2026 where he will be eternally missed. He is survived by his wife Robin, brothersDavid and Charles, sister Susan, daughters Jennifer and JoAnna, son-in-law Rick, sons Daniel and Andrew, daughters-in-law Haven and Kati, and grandkids Wyatt, Faith, Luke, and Zachary. He will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and accomplished man who never ceased to work hard for what he desired, explore new places, and create new memories with those he loved.

If you would like to share any memories of Michael, please utilize the below link to upload photos, videos, send messages, and RSVP for his Celebration of Life:

https://my.guestpix.com/guest/access/136978/jT0YGeA