Randa Mae Widby
Wenatchee, Washington
November 18, 2007

Randa Mae Widby, age 66, was born to Bert and Clarissa Krangnes on October 12, 1941, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Wenatchee. She passed away Sunday, November 18, 2007, in her home after a long pulmonary illness. She spent her childhood as an only child, living with her parents in a number of Washington state communities (Mansfield, Goldendale, Colton, Marcus and others), where her father rose through the ranks of being a school teacher, principal and superintendent. Randa spoke lovingly of the many automobile trips she and her parents took during the early days; of the sights and picnics along the way that were a joy to experience. Upon graduation from high school in 1959 in Marcus, Randa attended WSU in Pullman for a short period, then graduated from beauty school in Spokane, WA. She gave birth to her only child, a son, in Spokane. Randa moved to Seattle for a period of time, then made her home in Anchorage, AK, in 1966 where she was employed with the government. Eventually, she found her 'nitch' in real estate, appraising for Stephen Noey & Associates of Anchorage. In 1984, Randa went on to work as a real estate appraiser for K.R. English & Associates. Following the death of her mother, she returned to make her home in Wenatchee. Randa worked for Appraisal Affiliates, then became affiliated as an independent appraiser with Jay H. Widby, whereupon they formed Apple Capital Appraisers in June of 1987. Randa excelled in the appraisal field, becoming a Certified Appraiser and a Reviewer of Appraisals for the State of Washington. Her zest for life was demonstrated in her beloved activities. While living in Alaska, she was active in the Fur Rendezvous and Sweet Adelines. During her adult life, she enjoyed activities with the Sons of Norway, Rebeccas, bowling and and the 'Red Hatters'.

Randa married Jay Widby in June, 1988, and they enjoyed many travels and cruises over the next ten years, until her health problems developed. Family and friends will remember her as a "one of a kind" who loved life and was known for working hard and playing hard. She often said that her fondest memories were of fun times with family and friends. Her greatest joy was talking about her Norwegian 'roots'. Several of Randa's Norwegian relatives still reside in Conway and Stanwood, WA, plus others in Norway. The Viking strength that carried her through many of 'life's challenging moments' gave her perseverance and was an inspiring facet of Randa that amazed those around her. She would often say, "I'm a stubborn Norwegian and proud of it."

Survivors include her husband, Jay H. Widby of Wenatchee; her son, Blane Cornell of Vinton, IA, whom she was reunited with on October 6, 1998; her daughter-in-law, Patty Cornell; her granddaughter, Amber Cornell of Cedar Rapids, IA, along with great-granddaughters, Ashleigh, Caydince and Andrianna; her step-daughter, Julie Raney of East Wenatchee; step-son, Jesse H. Widby of Wenatchee; sister-in-law, Mary Bolyard of Wenatchee; her step-grandson, Jaxom Widby of Lynnwood; her step-granddaughter, Kayla Widby of Chelan; and her former step-daughter, Judy Prins, plus former step-grandsons, Jeremy and Brandon Prins, all of the Portland, OR, area.

Randa's wishes will be carried out by her husband to place her cremated remains at the gravesite of her parents at the Krangnes family plot in Conway, WA. No services will be held per her request. Randa's health deteriorated over the past six years with pulmonary complications. A heartfelt thanks goes to the Hospice program through Home Care of Wenatchee, with very special thanks to her hospice nurse, Trisha, for all her loving care.