Ronald "Stinker" Crowe

Ronald Lee Crowe, lovingly known as “Stinker,” passed away September 4, 2025 at the Billings Clinic after a short battle with cancer. He was 78 years old.

Born on July 4, 1946, in Poplar, Montana, to Beatrice Redwood Belton, Stinker grew up with a spirit of adventure and a heart full of love for his family and friends. He attended school in Poplar and later boarding schools in Pierre and Stephan, South Dakota. He went on to graduate from cosmetology school in California, though his restless nature led him through many jobs and countless adventures throughout his life.

Stinker married Karen Kurokawa in Kansas City, Missouri. Though their marriage ended in divorce, the two remained lifelong friends. He never had children of his own, but his nieces, nephews, and friends’ children filled that role in his life. Known for his wild stories, resourcefulness, and protective nature, he gave the gift of unforgettable adventures and lessons — including how to roll out of a moving car to escape kidnappers. Whether it was teaching his siblings how to hop trains to Havre and back, or sharing late-night escapades with his sister, Stinker always made those around him feel safe in his company. He had a huge role in raising his nieces and nephews - always scaring them in his scary mask.

In his younger years, Stinker was a traveler at heart. He hitchhiked across the country, visiting beloved family and friends — Uncle Huck, Aunties Alice and Lucille in California, the Andersons in Oregon, and his longtime friend Carol Brunelle in North Carolina. Wherever he went, he was welcomed with open arms. He was blind but that didn’t stop him from driving. Every weekend Stinker and grandma Bea would go rummage saleing. He had a collection of 346 salt and pepper shakers. He was known for his clothing style and interior designs.

Stinker is survived by his brothers, Babes (Marla) Prichard and Mike Crow, Sr.; sisters, Rhonda Mason and Terry Barrons; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends who will carry his memory forward.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice Redwood Belton; grandparents, Florence Davis and John Norbert Lerat; brothers, Quentin “Butch” Crow, Jr., Richard “Dickie” Crow, Sr., Leonard Crow, Carren Crow, and Robert Belton; cousin, Gloria Delorme Burgess; uncle, Charles Ricker; and aunties, Lucy Alexson, Vera Red Elk, and Alice Ricker.

Stinker will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, mischievous grin, and the love he shared so freely with his family and community. His stories will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

If we have forgotten anyone, please forgive us. Stinker would want everyone he loved to be remembered in their own way.