Stella Dueck

On February 10, 2026, Stella Dueck passed into glory at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of immense warmth, boundless generosity, and vibrant adventure. A lifelong resident of Paso Robles, Stella’s roots ran deep in the community she loved so fiercely.

Born on October 13, 1939, to the late Charles and Eveline Scovell, Stella was raised in the picturesque community of Adelaide. Her foundational years were spent at the historic Adelaida Schoolhouse before graduating from Coast Union High School in 1957. Soon after, she met the love of her life, Alfred Dueck of the Willow Creek area. The two were married on June 6, 1959, and shared a beautiful journey together until his passing in 2005.

Stella was a pillar of her community, known just as much for her extraordinary culinary talents as her tireless volunteer work. As the renowned baker at the Black Oak Restaurant, she crafted hundreds of pies, her special holiday orders becoming a cherished local tradition. She later concluded her career as a cook at the Boys School, where she nourished the young inmates with great food and a healthy dose of her signature "tough love."

Her devotion to the youth of Paso Robles was limitless. A fiercely supportive mother to her four children, she was a constant presence at sporting events and in the livestock barns. Her selfless dedication to local programs earned her the prestigious FFA Honorary Farmer Award, a Lifetime Bearcat pass, and the title of Roblan of the Month. Whether she was running snack bars, chaperoning events, teaching 4-H classes, or leading Vacation Bible School, Stella poured her heart into nurturing the next generation.

To know Stella was to know a woman with an insatiable zest for life and a wonderfully mischievous spirit. She was a master instigator of joy, often the driving force behind playful pranks, and was never afraid to pull her children—and their friends—out of school for a spontaneous, fun-filled jaunt. She possessed an eagle eye for hidden treasures, conducting many estate sales over the years, and brought a fierce, lively competitive streak to the card table.

At home, Stella’s green thumb yielded bountiful gardens. She expertly canned her harvests and baked with a generous heart, always eager to share the fruits of her labor. Her front door was perpetually open, welcoming friends who quickly became family, like Ildar and Rushana Hafizov and their children. She enjoyed sharing her love of life with others in her home. Over the years, her exceptional skills in baking, canning, needlework, quilting, and floral design earned her countless blue ribbon prizes at the fair.

Stella loved deeply, gave with a generous heart, and lived fully.

She is now peacefully reunited with her husband, Alfred; her parents, Charles and Eveline; her brothers, Clayton (Ellen) and Ralph (Ruth) Scovell; and her sister, Betty (Conrad) Juhl.

Her beautiful, vibrant spirit lives on in her surviving sister, Marjorie Claassen, and her four beloved children: Leonard (Sandra) Dueck, Timothy Dueck, Stephan (Stephanie) Dueck, and Trina (David) Nicklas.

She was a deeply treasured grandmother to Bailey (Bob) Kerr, Joshua Dueck, Ashlee (David) Ruvalcaba, Clayton Tackett, Keira Dueck, Makayla (Christopher) Harrod, Devon (Rebekah) Nicklas, and Hailey and Isaiah Nicklas. Her legacy will also be carried forward by her great-grandchildren: Slade Kerr, Zephaniah and Savannah Ruvalcaba, Brianna and Terrance Tackett, Brixton and Carter Harrod, and Maddux and Finley Nicklas.

Memorial Service

A Celebration of Life to honor Stella’s extraordinary journey will be held:

• Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
• Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Location: First Baptist Church, Paso Robles
  • Reception immediately following the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stella’s name to the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum.

For additional information, contact Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400.