August 23, 1949 – May 5, 2026
Anyone who knew Anita really, really loved her. She will always be remembered for her big smile, easily infectious laugh, enormously generous heart, and crazy-smart knowledge of all things football.
Anita was born August 23, 1949, in Modesto, California, and grew up in Fresno, where she attended Bullard High School, graduating in 1967. From childhood, she was a competitive swimmer, sports enthusiast, and avid animal lover—a passion that remained with her throughout her life.
Anita attended UC Berkeley for four years and later earned a degree in accounting from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her love of Lake Tahoe led her to join her sister on the North Shore dealing casino games. She later moved to the South Shore and, in 1994, to Las Vegas with her future husband, Pete Detwiller. Together for 46 years, Pete and Anita were quite simply one of the happiest couples you could ever meet. A highly respected roulette dealer, Anita was recruited to help open the Bellagio, where she worked until retirement.
Anita had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. She crewed on sailing trips through the Caribbean and South Pacific and traveled the world whenever possible.
Above all, Anita loved family, friends, and animals. She adored her cats and generously supported animal charities. She loved solving puzzles, playing bingo tournaments, Mexican food—with absolutely no cilantro—and collecting a truly massive number of Beanie Babies. She embraced the people and things she loved wholeheartedly, with enthusiasm, humor, intelligence, and tremendous generosity.
Anita passed away May 5, 2026, at her home in Las Vegas, surrounded by friends and family who adored her – and her beloved cat.
She was preceded in passing by parents Otto and Eileen Haas. She is survived by husband Peter Detwiller; sister Sandra Haas; brother Fred Haas; niece Christine Haas; and many loving relatives and dear friends.
Anita loved her life, and she loved her people fiercely. Those fortunate enough to have known her will remember her laughter, generosity, intelligence, adventurous spirit, and unmistakable smile. She was loved and will be deeply missed.
Please join us in celebrating Anita at Tahoe Paradise Park (1101 E. San Bernardino Ave, South Lake Tahoe) on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact Sandra at 530-523-3663 by phone call only, please.
Come as you are and help us remember Anita the way she would have wanted: meeting one another, sharing stories, laughing, and celebrating a life very well loved. And PLEASE take home a few of her precious beanie babies.
