California’s Oldest Resident, Ilse Gertrud Meingast, Dies at 114
California's oldest resident, Ilse Gertrud Meingast, who was also the second-oldest person in the United States, died at the age of 114 in Cotati, Sonoma County.

Sacramento Stockton Modesto, CA, September 3, 2026 — Ilse Gertrud Meingast, identified as California’s oldest resident and the second-oldest person in the United States, has passed away. She was 114 years old.
Meingast died in Cotati, a city located in Sonoma County, California. Her passing marks the end of an era for the state, as she held the distinction of being its longest-living inhabitant.
At 114 years old, Meingast also held a national distinction, ranking as the second-oldest individual in the United States at the time of her death. The summary provided does not include details regarding the specific date of her passing, the cause of death, or information about her life, family, or any biographical milestones.
Further details concerning Meingast’s life, including her birthplace, the duration of her residency in California, or any specific events or circumstances surrounding her longevity, were not available in the provided summary. Information about survivors or memorial services was also not included.
Story summarized from the original created by Brett Stover on fox40.com, see more information here.
