Loye Ranae McDonald

Loye Ranae Harris McDonald was born at her grandparents’ home in Randlett, Utah, on August 30, 1939. She passed away in Draper, Utah, on November 1, 2026.

Loye grew up in a farming community where family and hard work were valued. When she wanted to learn an instrument, Grandma Brough taught her to play the piano. When she wanted a bike, she earned it by harvesting alfalfa seeds. Her mother made the family’s clothes, including Loye’s wedding dress.

Loye married her high school sweetheart, Gary, on Valentine’s Day 1958. Soon afterward, they were called to serve as missionaries in the Uinta Basin Indian Mission. They lived in the Randlett chapel, where baby Steve learned to walk in the aisles. This mission experience strengthened Loye’s testimony of temple ordinances. On February 16, 1960, she and Gary were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

Loye and Gary later moved to Salt Lake City in search of better work opportunities. Loye loved being with little ones, so after the birth of their second child, Ranae, she chose to become a full-time homemaker. Their youngest child, Cherie, came later, which completed their family.

As their children grew and married, grandchildren began to arrive. Loye described this as her favorite part of life. All her grandchildren lived nearby and visited often. She was a great listener who always had time for her grandchildren and their problems.

Loye was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings. She valued frugality and peacemaking and devoted herself to the quiet, daily work of family life. She had a spicy wit and an unwavering devotion to her family and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Loye is survived by her children, Stephen (Maureen) McDonald, Ranae (Martin) VanAmen, and Cherie (James) Brunatti; twelve grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert (Gloria) of Driggs, Idaho and Dalen (Sue) of Alpine, Utah, and her sister, LuAnn (Byron) of Preston, Idaho. Loye is reunited with her beloved Gary, with whom she shared 68 years, 6 months, and 28 days of marriage. After just 51 days apart, 51 days that proved too long, she simply could not be without him. We find comfort and joy in knowing they are together again, exactly where they belong.

Loye’s family extends sincere thanks to Beacon Crest and Inspiration Hospice for their devoted care.

A viewing will be held Sunday, November 8, from 6 to 8 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 12353 S. 600 E., Draper, Utah 84020. A second viewing will be held Monday, November 9, beginning at 10 am, followed by the funeral service at 11 am at the same location. Interment will follow at approximately 12:30 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah 84092.

To view Loye's service online via Zoom, please click the tab above that says "Watch Services" or follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86808057111