Lawrence and JoAnn White

Lawrence and JoAnn White celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at their ranch in Little Lake Valley with an intimate gathering of family and friends.

Their courtship began with a chance meeting at a café outside of Petaluma. She was traveling from Watsonville to take new residence in Ukiah and he was a soldier on leave, from Ft. Ord, hitching home. The waitress asked JoAnn (aka Annie Jo) if she could give the nice soldier a ride to Ukiah.

They were best friends right from the start, beginning with their first date at Southworth’s, where a painting of a nude lady hanging above the bar, embarrassed JoAnn. Interestingly, after 60 years, almost to the day of their anniversary, the painting was taken down. Their daughter Christine was able to get a photo made for their dining room.

They married May 8, 1954 at St. Mary’s Church in Ukiah.

Their life has been active and blessed with many friends. Moving to Los Gatos, Larry became a commercial Real Estate Broker, and participated in the Lion’s Club.

The happy couple raised 5 children: Christine, twins Kym and Joseph, Jeffery, and Jennifer. They have 14 grand- and 5 great grand children living in Willits and Los Gatos.

As a family they enjoyed skiing and camping. The couple hosted many large parties celebrating a love of food, wine, and laughter.

Their extensive travels include trips to Europe, Asia, Egypt, Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. Floating down the Nile river for New Year’s, ranks among their favorite excursions.

Still the honeymoon couple, they retired 30 years ago to a ranch in Willits, restoring an 1870’s American Farmhouse. Their many Ukiah friends welcomed them back.

JoAnn became a successful champion horseback rider, and Larry took to raising cattle.

Their belief is “there’s no place like home with your best friend!”