Esther Duenkel, 79, of Salinas, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Thursday night, January 15, 2015. She was born on March 17, 1935 in Hollywood, California. Esther graduated from Fairfax HS in LA and lived in Salinas for over the past 50 years. She worked as a Sales Coordinator for Nunez Produce until she retired. Esther was a member of Salinas Valley Community Church, was a volunteer at Steinbeck House, and was a member of Phi Epsilon Phi Sorority Alpha Nu Chapter. She was an avid quilter, and had made several lovely quilts for her grandchildren. She was also a master gardener, enjoyed water aerobics, walking her dog Tina, and had recently learned to play Contract Bridge. She was a fine cook and baker, and usually hosted the family holiday feasts. Esther was preceded in death by her longtime companion of the past 25 years, Robert Holetz. Previously she was widowed. She is survived by her three daughters from her first marriage, Marcy Klein of Salinas, CA, Denise Berqstedt of Visilia, CA, Terri Lomen of Fresno, CA; her sister, Marcia Singleton of Fresno, CA; along with six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Death creates pain that none can heal but...Love creates memories that none can steal. May the Lord bless and keep her. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to either the Salinas Valley Community Church, 368 San Juan Grade Road, Salinas, CA 93906 or the Steinbeck House, 132 Central Ave, Salinas, CA, 93901.