Stella Dennis Scates, 89, a resident of Severna Park, passed away on February 3, 2018, at her home.

She was born on August 3, 1928, in Washington, D.C., to Floyd and Nancy V. Dennis, nee Freeman.  Stella was raised in Washington, D.C., then married William A. Scates and moved to Temple Hills, MD.

Stella worked as a scientific secretary for the Naval Research Laboratory and as an executive secretary for the Department of Treasury.  After retirement she and her husband moved to Strasburg, VA.  After enjoying 20 years there, she moved to Severna Park where she lived with her daughter Nancy and became a member of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Severna Park, MD.

Stella's hobbies included crocheting, painting, and creating ceramic figurines with which she competed and won awards for her entries.

Stella is survived by her husband, William A. Scates of Severna Park;  one son, Donald Scates and wife Adela; three daughters, Nancy Scates Prugh and husband Louis, Carol Scates Westfall and husband Bryan, and Karen Scates; six grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, February 8 , from 6-8 pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park where the funeral service will also be held on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 1:00 pm .  Interment will follow at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, MD.  Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com