Independence bids farewell to Sally and Perry White

It’s a sad day for the communities of Independence and Lone Pine as two of their favorite, long-time residents, Perry and Sally White are moving out of the area.

On Saturday evening, July 18, dozens of local residents from both towns attended a potluck dinner to honor and say goodbye to the long-time, well-liked couple.

They have lived in Independence for more than 25 years. Perry has been the pastor at the Sierra Baptist Church and president of the Independence Lions Club, as well as a former board member of Healthy Communities of Southern Inyo County and a local radio show host.

Sally spearheaded the Independence Christmas bazaar for many years. She came to know many residents as well via serving as the postal carrier for the Independence area.

Several speakers mentioned that Sally and Perry have been an integral part in almost every civic and social event in Independence from running the local food bank to helping organize the Independence community Thanksgiving dinner. It is a grateful community and the Whites will be sorely missed.

The couple is moving to Beaumont, Calif., to take care of aging and ailing parents. They promised those at the dinner that they plan to visit the Eastern Sierra as much as possible to visit their friends, so “keep the lights on.”

At the end of Sally’s and Perry’s remarks, they were given a standing ovation.