Melia Diffenbaugh

1923 - 2010

Melia Diffenbaugh 1923 - 2010 Melia Diffenbaugh, was an icon of strength and love. She was born in Massillon, Ohio in 1923 and was one of eleven siblings. She moved to Bakersfield in 1945 and was married to Blase Diffenbaugh for fifty-two years. She lived faith through her actions as she was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church since 1945. She was a great steward of her resources and supported a variety of charities. She was the next door mother and doting grandmother, willing to be an advocate for those who were in need. She was generous with her time for both people and animals, alike. She was known for taking in strays. She was like a mother to all of her siblings. Millie was proud of her Lebanese heritage and has shared traditions with her four sons and their children. She was the "glue" for her family, always helping them to reconnect with one another. Millie treasured the past, while embracing the future. She enjoyed reading classical literature and loved to revisit history. She was a lifelong learner, keeping up with current events and technology. She kept a rigorous social life through the many organizations that she belonged to including St. Lawrence Mother's Club, Longfellow, Washington and BHS P.T.A. clubs, Cub Scout Den Mother, St. Joseph's Altar Society, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. Margaret Mary's #82, Young Ladies' Institute, Legion of Mary and St. Joseph's Prayer Blanket Ministry. She graduated from Alliance Ohio High School Cum Laude, Class of '42. She worked for the Draft board during WWII, retired from the Kern County Health Department and was the "world's longest serving" Avon Lady. However, her highest calling was being a mother and friend to anyone who needed her. Melia Diffenbaugh is preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Anna Bryan; brother, Charles and sisters, Barbara and Shirley Joan. She is survived by 7 siblings: Betty Wright, Esther Ridlon, Lucille Capps, Joseph Bryan, Pepper Golesh, Patricia Ferrand and Judith Scarvie; sons: Carl and Vicky, Phil and Susan, Tony and Juliana, and Andy and Marita; grandchildren: Aimee, Simon, Aaron, Klara, Sarah, Kyle, Kaitlyn, Nick and Nathan; and great-grandson: Kane. Graveside services have been held. www.bakersfield.com/obits