Rudy Vally Crawford, amateur comedian and crooner, son of Joseph R. Crawford and Mabel White was born on August 24th, 1931, in Mandan, North Dakota. In 1947, at the age of 16, he lied about his age and joined the Army. After basic training he was sent as part of the Army of Occupation in Japan, where witnessing the aftermath of the nuclear bombs made a lasting impression. While he was stationed in Japan the Korean war started, and his unit was immediately sent. He stepped from the transport as one of the first soldiers to arrive at the Pusan Perimeter. During the war, Rudy said he walked all the way from Pusan to the Chinese border and back to the 38th Parallel. For his bravery during a battle, he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor.
Rudy met the love of his life, Neva McIntosh, in Columbus, Montana and they were married on January 1st, 1963, in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. They were blessed with three of the most wonderful children: Doreen Gail, Duane Gerald and Douglas Glenn. Neva proceeded him in death on November 10th, 2017.
Rudy worked as a roofer and a tree trimmer. He owned a bar in Billings and bragged that he was issued the very first “dancing” license by the city. For a short time, he owned a farm outside of Columbus and a retirement home in town. He drove the ambulance, and Neva was the head nurse. Most of his adult life Rudy worked for Burlington Northern railroad in Laurel and Glendive Montana. Summers were spent water skiing, racing motorcycles, playing softball and occasionally boxing at Sunny O’Day’s Bar. After his retirement, Rudy and Neva moved back to her hometown of Forsyth. He spent his time playing Horseshoes, Pinocle and watching the Dogies. Rudy and Neva were both honored by the Highschool for being such dedicated supporters of Forsyth sports. One of his greatest joys was playing horseshoes. He won the Class F world Horseshoe championship and was instrumental in getting regulation horseshoe pits installed in the park in Forsyth.
Rudy will always be remembered and cherished by his family. Doreen and Richard Miller of Lockwood, Montana. Duane and Annette Crawford in Flintville, Tennessee. Doug and Danielle Crawford of Rapid City, South Dakota. He has four grandchildren: Jodi Miller, Justin (Cassie) Miller, Amanda (Davis) Stephenson and Jacob Crawford. He has four (plus one on the way) great grandchildren.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Thursday December 18, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
12:00 pm
Thursday December 18, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
12:00 pm
Friday December 19, 2025
Yellowstone National Veterans Cemetery
Laurel, Montana 59044
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Thursday December 18, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
12:00 pm
Thursday December 18, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
12:00 pm
Friday December 19, 2025
Yellowstone National Veterans Cemetery
Laurel, Montana 59044
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Richard and Cindy Woelich says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family for your Loss of Rudy. God Bless…
Lynn Tompkins says
Rudy was a “special” to me. Met him years ago when his sons asked for P.A.L.S. assistance for their parents. He thawed out when we started doing the chores.
Joby Parker says
Rest in peace Rudy. You were the sweetest and dearest person. I never saw you without a smile on your face. All who knew you, could call you friend.
Coffee at the Senior Citizens Center will just not be the same.
Say hello to your beautiful wife for me!🙏
Lin Koerper says
To Rudy’s family, Prayers for peace and comfort during this time. He will be sorely missed at the Senior center in Forsyth. He was always the life of the party. Making up stories was an ongoing thing in which he throughly enjoyed!! I loved talking our military days and usually end up with me marching around the center singing “The Battle of New Orleans. He was a very special guy and his memory I will treasure.
Karen Anderson says
Rudy you will be missed. When I got to cook at the senior center, I always looked forward to you coming in for morning coffee and then lunch. When you came by the kitchen you asked how Cookie was this morning. Your smile and sense of humor will be missed. Hearing about the Virginia was worth a smile. Everyone on Thursday should eat dessert first before their meal.
Ruth and Ron Burman says
My Sweetie, you always had something kind to say to me.And,your stories always had everyone laughing around you.Now,you are with your Beloved Wife and mr.Jetter and your kitty.The world will be colder and lonely without your smiling face.
Sharilyn Harvey says
Rudy you will always be remembered (Neva too.) I always enjoyed our chats. Prayers and condolences to your family.
Dwayne Albertson says
It was always a pleasure to visit with Rudy. He always had a smile and a story to share.
My condolences to the family.
Donna Love says
Rudy ‘s cheerful nature was a delight. He always kept us smiling at the Senior Center and he will be missed.
Cori (Fink) Goddard says
I remember traveling with my grandparents Ben and Kay Berdahl along with Rudy and Neva to many horseshoe tournaments. Such great memories of all of them!!
Lynn Waller says
Rudy and I were great buddies for so many years. I loved his awesome stories . He and Neva made the Senior Center so much more fun once I got Rudy talked into coming to the Senior Center. He was loved by so many!