Melva Elaine Hicks Recek, 91, passed away peacefully at home on August 8, 2015 in Salinas, California surrounded by her family. A lifelong Salinas resident, Mel was born April 3, 1924.

Mel graduated from Salinas High school in 1941 and married her high school sweetheart, Loy. She worked for the Salinas City Elementary School District for more than 30 years as the Principal's Secretary where she positively shaped the lives of hundreds of children at Roosevelt, Monterey Park and Kammann Elementary Schools.

For over 20 years, Mel was a committee member of the California Rodeo and volunteered in the Rodeo Historical Museum. This was only fitting, as the chaps Mel wore as a child while riding calves still hang in the museum today. Mel was an active member of the Alpha Nu Sorority for more than 35 years. She enjoyed her bridge club and was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church. Mel loved to play golf and was a member of the Salinas Fairways Women's Club and the Twin Creeks Women's Club. Mel and Loy traveled frequently with three other couples throughout California and Hawaii playing golf. Through the years, Hawaii always held a very special place in their hearts. 

Mel was preceded in death by Loy, her husband of more than 70 years.

She is survived by her daughter Loyann Stoneburg (Ross) of Salinas; son Dale Recek (Joanne) of Orlando, FL; granddaughter Jennifer Stoneburg and great-grandchildren Alisa, James & Jessica Flores of Salinas; grandson Jason Recek (Erika) and great-grandson Adam Recek of Orlando, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Mel's memory to VNA & Hospice, P.O. Box 2480, Monterey CA 93942 or your favorite charity.