Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

An “ordinary life,” that's the secret to longevity, at least according to 100 year old Opal Melch.  The new centenarian, a resident at the Burlington Assisted Living Center in Wofford Heights, celebrated her landmark birthday last Thursday. Not surprisingly, a big party was planned to commemorate the special day. 

A big crowd of friends, fellow residents and care-giving staff were on hand to help Melch celebrate. As she took a moment to admire her beautiful birthday cake before blowing out the candles, Melch touched everyone present by saying a prayer about one day being able to celebrate in heaven. The birthday lady seemed genuinely touched that so many people had taken time to come to her birthday festivities. She thoroughly enjoyed opening up the many gifts and had a good chuckle over one in particular that was wrapped in a bag that played James Brown’s hit “I feel good” whenever it was opened. Melch also seemed to enjoy hearing the details of her life, as read by Burlington owner, Sheryl Parmelee

Opal Melch blows out the candles on the cake that marks her 100th birthday. Friends and family gathered at the Burlington Assisted Living Center in Wofford Heights to join in on the celebration on Oct. 9.

Melch was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 9, 1908. When she was eight years old and her younger brother, Ray was four, their mother died of tuberculosis. Their father, a railway man, was often away from home. As a result, he had to rely on other relatives to help raise his two children. Melch has many fond memories of the time spent with her grandfather and various uncles and aunts. 

While still in her teens, Melch married her high school sweetheart, Fred Wilson and when the Great Depression hit, they moved west to California. They both went door-to-door looking for work. Shortly after they arrived, Wilson got a job at Universal Studios, where he remained for 50 years until his retirement. Melch found work as a waitress at the Pullman Cafe in Burbank. The owner of the restaurant was a man by the name of Walter Melch.

Years passed, and Melch waitressed at other restaurants, but the two were to meet again many years later, after they both lost their spouses. They renewed their friendship and it wasn't long before love bloomed and they decided to marry. Eventually, they left Burbank to move to the Kern River Valley, into a new home that they had built in Mount Mesa. Melch designed the home herself and took great pride in the fact that their home was the first ones to be built in the area. The two led a charmed life in the valley, enjoying their many years together. They made road trips, sailed to Alaska, walked the back roads of Mount Mesa with their dog Tillie. The two had a standing lunch date every week at Nelda's, where they knew everyone by name.

When her husband died in 1980, Melch decided to stay on in the valley though she missed him dearly. She remained in her home until injuries from a fall necessitated that she have some assistance. She has resided at the Burlington since 2006.

Reflecting on her life, Melch stated, "I was blessed to have had two very good marriages to two wonderful men." She said that she regrets nothing she has done in her lifetime, although she did add that she wished had been blessed with children. But in speaking to fellow residents and care-givers that are privileged to spend time with this special lady, they are quick to say, that is they, who have indeed been blessed by her.