Sally McLachlan Obituary

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Sally Marie White McLachlan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. 

Sally was born on May 14, 1930, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Byron Lorenzo White and Georgia Rankin, who raised a family of eleven. Even from a young age, Sally's compassion for others was evident-she earned the title of "Queen" at her elementary school by caring for children who were less fortunate, as she was always looking out for those in need. 

Sally was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong pioneer heritage on both the White and the Rankin side. 

On September 5, 1946, she married the love of her life, Ralph West McLachlan. Together, they built a life and a legacy on Ralph's family farm in Granger, where they raised seven children. Their life together was rich with love, laughter, and shared adventures. Some of Sally's favorite activities with Ralph included deer hunting and dancing the night away at the Eagles Club on Friday nights. 

Sally had a strong work ethic-her hands were never still, and through her actions, her children learned the value of hard work. She found joy in gardening and baking, but above all, she loved cleaning-especially when paired with music. With her beautiful voice, she'd sing along to her favorite artists, Patsy Cline and Jeanette MacDonald, though her children would all agree that their voices had nothing on their mother's. 

Sally's love for serving others was a constant throughout her life. Whether preparing a home-cooked meal, lending a hand around other people's homes, or ensuring that children had shoes and clothing, Sally was always ready to help. Her generous heart and nurturing nature touched many lives. 

Sally was passionate about her peacocks and her prized family recipes. She loved the beauty and color of her peacocks' feathers, collecting every feather that fell. Her blue cheese recipe-formulated and passed down from her mother, Georgia-was raved about by all those who tasted it. 

Sally was constantly surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who admired her deeply. She never failed to provide them with a homemade cookie or an ice cream cone when they came knocking at the door. 

Our loving mother and grandmother's feisty, independent, and determined personality will be missed by all. 

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph; nine siblings; son-in-law Dean Mackay; daughter-in-law Lori McLachlan; son-in-law Craig W. Bardsley; and grandsons Nick Bardsley and Jared Mackay. 

She is survived by her brother, Bob White; her children: Cindy (Dean) Mackay, Starlene (Larry) Quarnberg, Ralph (Debbie) McLachlan, Randy (Lori) McLachlan, Tammy (Roger) Parkinson, Sally Harvey, and Jeanette (Steve) Wahlen; as well as 25 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and 25 great-great-grandchildren. 

A viewing for the family will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the McLachlan Farm, 4499 South 3200 West, West Valley City, Utah. Following the viewing, there will be a family graveside at Valley View Memorial Park, 4435 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah. 

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Sally's daughter, Star, for being her personal nurse for over twenty-five years; Denise Wilson for being her devoted therapist; and Clay and Charlotte Peterson for being her loyal ministering teachers for over twenty years.