Ranae Madsen Olafsson

Ranae was born on July 15, 1952, to Rulon “Paul” and Ramona Madsen in El Paso, TX. Ranae passed away unexpectedly following a short illness on her son’s birthday, March 11, 2025, at her home in Sandy, UT. She was 72 years old.

Ranae married the love of her life, Harald E. Olafsson on August 30, 1973, in the Salt Lake Temple. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a marvelous family vacation creating memories that will last a lifetime.

She loved life and her three children. And most of all she loved her eight grandchildren. She made it a priority to establish a wonderful relationship with each of them. Everyone loved coming to Mormor/Farmor's house.

She had an adventurous spirit and loved traveling the world, experiencing different cultures in many countries, on all seven continents. She was always planning her next trip. She tried to visit a temple no matter where they were in the world.

She had a strong testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and served faithfully wherever she was called. Whether it be Cub Scouts, Primary, Relief Society, and most recently as a service missionary for the Pathway Worldwide Program. She had a generous heart and was always aware of the needs of others. Her service was often behind the scenes as she did not seek to be in the limelight.

She had many talents that included being a skilled seamstress, marvelous home-cook and amateur travel agent. Her favorite sport was golf, whether on the course with her husband or at the card table. She was the ultimate “soccer mom/grandma”.

Ranae is survived by her husband Harald, her children: Liv (Steven) Moffat, their children, Soren, Vivian, Roman and Simone; Erik and his children Claire and Ethan; and Kari (Thomas) Lane, and their daughters Emma and Evelyn. She is also survived by her siblings, RoLayne (Brent) Fowler, Russell (Kaye) Madsen, and Robyn (Alan) Gardner. Ranae is preceded in death by her parents Paul and Ramona Madsen. She also leaves behind many friends, cousins and extended family. She will be dearly missed.

Viewing will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Saturday, March 22 from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at the LDS Wardhouse located at 2180 East Meadowlark Way (9020 South), Sandy, UT 84093. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday at 11:00 am.

To view a recording of the service, please click on the blue tab above that says "Watch Service".