Merle Elizabeth White

Merle Elizabeth White, 92, of Indio, Calif. passed away on January 9, 2015 in Palm Desert, Calif. She was born on Mother's Day, May 14, 1922 in Loma Linda, Calif. She was married to Raymond M. White for 40 years until his passing in 1986. Merle lived her entire life in the Coachella Valley. She was a professional piano teacher for 50 years who taught hundreds of valley residents who fondly remember her lovely annual piano recitals. She was a faithful and devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Indio, (Shepherd of the Valley) where she served for many years as a Sunday School teacher. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star for over 60 years. She is survived by her son, Stuart (Linda) White of Yucaipa, Calif.; daughters, Beverly (Gary) Okamoto of Palm Desert, Tanya (Don) Crager of Bermuda Dunes, Calif., Pamela (Mark) Wasserman of La Quinta, Calif.; eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandson, all of whom adored her. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Ernest and Edna Duncan; her husband, Raymond White; and her granddaughter, Kimberly White. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 11:00 am, one hour prior to the service celebrating her life at 12:00 pm in the Ramon Chapel at Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, Calif. Graveside services will follow at the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery.