Thomas Dudley age 81 of Miles City, MT passed away Saturday March 23, 2013; in Florence, AZ with his beloved wife Lee at his side.
Tom was born in Terry, MT on September 23, 1931; the son of Thomas and Theodora “Teddy” Dudley. He spent his first seven years in Broadus, MT before the family moved to Miles City. Tom spent his childhood summers doing what he loved best – being a cowboy. He worked three summers for Matt and Pearl Damm learning to wrestle and brand calves. In the summer of 1947 Tom worked for his good friend George Shy’s father trailing cattle, feeding and keeping count. This was the first summer he was “batching” at age 15 and making 60 dollars a month. Tom was involved in FFA during High School and attended the National Convention in Kansas City before graduating from Custer County High School in 1950. Most of the 1950’s were spent in New York State working at one of the biggest dude ranches in the area, Hidden Valley Dude Ranch. Tom saved money to attend horse shoeing school in California for three months before returning to New York, adding Ferrier to his name along with wrangling dudes. The tips from the guests, 25-30 dollars and the Friday night rodeo at the Painted Pony Ranch kept money in his pocket and he got to try his luck roping, bulldogging and riding broncos. After returning to Montana in 1958 Tom continued to shoe horses around the Billings and Miles City area until the fall of 1961. Tom moved to Canada, set up camp in a tent, and started a cattle outfit that didn’t make much money but gave him a valuable life experience.
Tom came back to Montana in the fall of 1963 and went to work for Bill and Peg Grieve. The Diamond Ring Ranch was the best job he ever had. Tom became part of the Grieve Family although Sundays were reserved for spending valuable time with his mother, Teddy, in town. Wednesday evenings Tom roped at the Sage Riders, always enjoying the challenge.
Then he got acquainted with Rosa Lee Reed. They were married on July 21,st 1971 in South Dakota and Tom gained three daughters. Next to his wife, they became the light of his life. Tom introduced them to the country life with riding, branding and calving. Tom worked at the Fort Keogh starting in 1977, with the cowboy crew, and continued to shoe horses until he retired in 1994.
Tom and Lee enjoyed camping, fishing, and traveling. They spent 16 years in Florence, AZ during the winter months. Tom enjoyed wood working, caning seats for old chairs, visiting and telling stories with old friends and shooting pool. He was a loyal PBR follower. Papa loved his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their different events and gatherings during the holidays.
Tom was proud of member and past president of the Range Riders Museum. He enjoyed volunteering his time and believed in preserving the rich history.
Tom is survived by his wife Rosa Lee Dudley of Miles City, MT; three daughters: Terry (Scott) Koch of Portland, OR; Mary Jo Engebretson of Billings, MT; Vicki (Gregg) Glueckert of Billings, MT. His beloved grandchildren Brandon Engebretson, Mallory Erickson, Reed Koch, McKinzey Koch, Thomas Glueckert, and Mary Melissa Glueckert. Mrs. Jeannine Martin (sister) of Kalispell, MT along with numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was preceeded in death by his parents Thomas and Theodora “Teddy” Dudley, Roger Dudley (brother), Lora Marie Scott (sister) and Becky Scott Wolf (niece).
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2013 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 29, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Range Riders Museum or the Drop Inn Center in Miles City, MT. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 28, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday March 29, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 28, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday March 29, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Susan Sabol says
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Delite Dukart says
Lee & girls, what a great fellow Tom was. I can remember as a kid that “Tommy ” told the best stories. He had a knack for telling them and there was almost always a chuckle at the end of them. I’m thinking of you all.
Linda Hodgson says
Rosa, Vicki & family…I am soo sorry to hear about Tom! So enjoyed visiting with him when he came into the bank. What a nice friendly man….he will be missed. Prayers & thoughts to you all.
all
GARY AND PAT HELM says
LEA, SO SORRY ABOUT TOM. HE WILL BE MISSED. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
Dannette Cremer says
Lee – My condolences to you and your family. I always enjoyed visiting with Tom when he came into the office. Prayers to you during this difficult time.
Gail Blevins Pliley says
My thoughts and prayers for your family. Though it has been many years since we have had contact, your family has always been remembered. God bless you.
Gail Blevins Pliley
Marie Farnum Kluver says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom always met you with a smile and a firm handshake. Our families shared many wonderful times together.
Brenda Pauley Witkowski says
So sorry to hear about Tommy’s passing. My Poppa Bob Pauley and Tommy were good friends and I remember him from my childhood. May you be comforted by memories!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marty & Kathryn Stanley says
We were sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We have many good memories from our days at Fort Keogh. Tom was a wonderful man, a real hand and great to work with. I am sure that Tom and Dad are up in heaven telling stories and teaching everyone how to get a horse shod (both graduating from Cal Poly) and swing a rope. May you take comfort in all of your memories and knowing that you have many friends who will keep you in their prayers.
Cindy, Ron, Teddi and Jennifer Scott says
Aunt Lee, Terry, Mary Jo and Vicki,
We are all so saddened to hear that Uncle Tommy has left us. We will all miss him so much, and we are all thankful for all of our precious memories of him. Please know that we are thinking of and praying for each of you right now and wish we could be there with you. We Love you.
patricia christopherson says
Rosa:
So sorry for your loss of Tom, and the pain that you are experiencing as a result.
Glad that you had so many wonderful years together. Blessings and prayers…..
Pati Christopherson
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Robert Dudley. May you find comfort in your happy memories and in remembering the fine qualities you recall of Mr. Dudley. Please know that God promises to be, “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34; 18) Our loving Creator has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25; 8) Please look forward to the joy of again seeing Mr. Dudley in perfect health in Paradise conditions. Faith in these promises will hopefully ease the pain of loss. Meanwhile we have the opportunity to follow Jesus’ instruction to continue to take in Bible knowledge that leads to everlasting life (John 17:3).
Bernie Borash says
Lee and her family will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. The pool hall is not the same without Tom and the game is most difficult without Tom’s guidance. We deeply miss him.
Dave and Marita Olson says
Mary Jo, Brandon and family. So sorry for your loss. We enjoyed the time we stayed at Tom’s for the wedding.
Dave and Marita Olson
Blanchardville WI
Joan Eddy says
Lee, Terry, MaryJo, Vicki & families,
My deepest condolences. My prayers are with you and your families. I always think of Tom with the upmost respect and admiration. Tom is what a cowboy is supposed to be….a gentleman in every sense.
My love to all of you.
Joan