Melba Luella Brown

Monday, February 20, 2012

Melba Luella Brown passed away quietly Feb. 15, 2012 at her home for over the last 10 years, The Waters of Greencastle.

Melba was 104 years old. She was born on Dec. 30, 1907 in Lone Elm, Kan. Her parents were Charles and Margaret Lamb.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, Paul Brown, and her younger sister, Thelma Lamb Walters.

She is survived by her niece, Luella Hendrich; nephews Thomas Walters and wife Alice, Larry Walters and wife Betty, Clark Valintine and wife Karen, adopted grandson Andrew Knox, adopted daughter Linda Hall and a multitude of great nieces and nephews.

Although a Hoosier at heart, Melba had a lifelong love affair with California. She and Paul spent more than 40 years living in Southern California. Her neighbors included Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Walt Disney and Bing Crosby to name a few.

She helped found the first Dairy Queen, which became a 17-year career. Together they owned several small businesses, including a hardware store and a coffee shop.

She returned to Indiana to live in 1987 and bury her husband Paul.

Melba ("Brownie") will be remembered for her incredible baking. Her pies and cinnamon rolls (grandma buns) were simply amazing. She adored animals and had many pets during her life.

Melba's funeral service will be at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home, Greencastle, on Saturday, Feb. 25. Viewing hours will begin at 11 a.m., Eastern Star memorial at 12:30 p.m., service and committal at 1 p.m. The Rev. Paul Taylor will officiate.

Friends and family are cordially invited to a reception following the burial at The Waters of Greencastle, beginning at approximately 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made either to Horizon Hospice Care in Danville, Ind., or the Humane Society of Putnam County (www.hspcanimals.org/donations.html).

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.Hopkins-Rector.com.