Waters resident celebrates 101st birthday

People who know Melba Brown describe her as a Kansas girl with grit.

Born on a prairie in Kansas Dec. 30, 1907, Melba celebrated her 101st birthday with laughter.

"I love to laugh," she said.

Melba's family and friends gathered for her birthday party at The Waters, where she is a resident.

When the cake was gone, Melba was still all smiles as she recalled last year's birthday present from activity director, Candy McMickle. It was a two-piece bathing suit and some champaign.

"What do you get a lady for her 101st birthday?" asked McMickle.

Melba's grandson, who resides in Calfornia, sent her a bouqet of lovely flowers. He was unable to attend her celebration.

Melba met her late husband, Paul Brown, in a small airport near Speedway.

The couple was married in 1935 and lived in Hollywood, Calif., where they were neighbors with entertainment icons such as Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Melba and her husband were often guests at Hope's and Crosby's parties.

To Melba's surprise one day, she became the proud owner and operator of a restaurant. Her husband bought it for her as a surprise.

Melba lost her husband to cancer in 1983.

She has resided in Greencastle for the past 25 years.