Karen Crawford (known by her many loving nicknames: “Grandma Kay,” “Ethel,” and “KK”) passed away of natural causes with her husband and daughters by her side on June 26, 2018. She went peacefully at home looking out onto the golf course where she built her life. She will be remembered for the amazingly kind and fun-loving woman that she was to all around her.
She was born Karen Anderson to Milton and Edna Anderson on October 29, 1940. She was the second of five children, they grew up on North Hayes Street in Montana, where their house was the center of activity for all the neighborhood kids. As a child, she spent summers in Lincoln, Montana at the family cabin. She attended Hawthorne Elementary and Helena High. Her high school years were filled with activities, like: twirling, H-Club, and half-court basketball.
She married her high school sweetheart and had three daughters Karrie, Kim, and Kris. Karen learned to be a farm and rodeo wife. She was a ranch hand, short order cook, 4-H leader, and all-around wonderful mother. Karen had a kindness everyone noticed, a beautiful smile, and deep blue eyes that made you feel loved. Karen retired from the State of Montana in 1991. After retirement she worked various part-time jobs and helped take care of her grandkids.
She married Harry Crawford in 1979; they had known each other since childhood and went on to have a full and eventful marriage together. They traveled to 48 states together, getting to know as much of the United States as they could. They enjoyed golfing together, especially at “The Fat Harry Open.” They had many close friends, who enjoyed ski trips, golf competitions, and countless laughs and memories together. They spent several winters in Cathedral City, California, where Karen loved golfing in the sunshine, water aerobics, and cocktail hour with friends.
Karen and Harry have 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Karen and Harry were the biggest fans to all their grandkids at every opportunity and extracurricular event. Karen was one of the most gentle, mild-mannered souls. Her example has influenced and will continue to influence all of us. She used her life to show us how to be better, kinder, more loving parents, friends, and partners. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents Edna and Milton Anderson, her sister Connie Anderson Galivan, brother Mickey Anderson, and daughter Karrie Kelly Wattnem and survived by husband Harry Crawford, brother Bobby (Donna) Anderson, sister Kathy (Jim) White, daughters Kim (Randy) Kelly Kallistad, Kris (Chuck) Kelly Schommer, stepdaughter Marti (Bob) Pearce, stepsons Joe (Lori) Crawford, Sam Crawford, Stewart (Terry) Crawford, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A service celebrating Karen’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 3rd at Jorgensen’s Restaurant 1720 11th Avenue in Helena.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday August 3, 2018
Jorgenson's Restaurant
1720 11th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday August 3, 2018
Jorgenson's Restaurant
1720 11th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Allen Stenhjem Family says
Harry
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and the Crawford –Kelly families God Bless……………Allen / Glenda
Jay and Shari Redfern says
Harry and family, So sorry about Karen, Loved visiting with her. She was such a neat lady.
Terry Harris says
Harry, sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcia says
My deepest condolences are with the family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you find comfort in one another as well as in God’s promises for the future. Revelation 21:4
Sharon Redpath says
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Karen was my friend for 63 years and you could never ask for a more wonderful & loyal friend. She was strong, loving, kind & precious. She was a wonderful mother, wife & friend. She loved her daughters with everything in her. The loss of her beautiful Karrie was devastating, she handled it with such courage & stayed strong for everyone else. She was one of a kind, we will all miss her so much. No more pain Karen, say hi to Rich, Karen & Myrna for us. Harry, you stay strong for all the children, they need you now. God bless you all, with love!
Judy Warner says
Harry,
We are so sad to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a beautiful person inside and out. We are still in Canada, so we will see you in the Fall. Stay strong for you and your family.
Lots of love,
Harley and Judy
ALGERIA SHRINE says
So saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She was always a good friend to Sue and I. I will remember always her great smile and upbeat personality.
BILL SPURZEM
Harry, my heartfelt condolences for your loss.
JEAN MAYER MORRISON
ALGERIA SHRINERS WILLIAM SPURZEM says
po box 1174
15 no jackson st
Judy Reddy says
I am so sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. I had many a great time with her at Bill Roberts ladies league. She was so fun, and such a good golfer too. A genuine and sweet person. Condolences to Harry and the rest of the family. She will be missed.
Denise Hayden says
So sorry about Karen Harry. Will miss seeing her at Jorgs on Sundays. Kimmy, Kris love you both will miss your mom! We got lots of memories as valley girls on Frontage RD. I was the first to get Karen to pierce my ears!! Love you all.
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Family & Loved Ones of Karen. I am truly sad for your loss of your Lovely Wife, Mother, Grandmother & Friend you all held so Dear. It’s difficult to accept the fact that we all will face our Final “Hurrah” on this Beautiful, Wonderful Exciting Earth., Truly, now is the time to be prepared for our own “Heavenly Home Coming”. Blessings & Rest In Peace Dear Karen.
Tom Juhl says
Sorry to hear of Karen’s passing my condolences to the Family……
Bob & Bev Knudson says
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. ? She was a wonderful lady! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ❤️
Marsha Dahl Belville says
Harry and Family- We are so saddened by Karens passing. She had such a gentle way about her and was such a loving person. She will be greatly missed by many people. Our thought are with you and the families.
John McCluskey says
I’m so sorry for your loss Harry. Karen was such a beautiful, sweet person and the two of you were just meant for each other. My sincere condolences Harry.
Vanessa Tolson says
Harry & family
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing she was a beautiful lady inside & out. I always admired how strong of a person she was through her life’s ups & downs. When she had to quit golfing our group missed her smiling face & great attitude. Rest in peace my friend.
Marilyn Nicolay says
Dear Harry, Bob, and families; Karen was a dear and special friend. We had some wonderful adventures together that will be forever remembered and cherished. She was beautiful, fun and loyal. I adored her and will really miss her. I am so sorry about her passing; the world was a better place with her in it. Rest in peace, sweet Karen.
Kim and Henry Flatow says
Harry and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We know how special Karen was.. Our thoughts are with you.
Diana Krieger says
My sincere condolences to Karen’s family. She was a genuinely nice person who will be missed by many.
Dudley williams says
Condolences to the Crawford’s&Anderson families. I’m sure she will be missed by everyone.
Tim Easton says
Harry and family.
So sorry for your loss. Know you are in my prayers. Rip Karen.
Rich Munger says
Harry, my sincerest condolences to you for your loss of Karen. She was beautiful in looks and personality.
Michele Steele says
Karen was one of the sweetest women I have ever known in my whole life. Always had a smile on her face and always making sure that the people around her were taken care of. She truly was one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. So sorry for your loss!
Dawn Piazzi says
Uncle Harry I’m so sad. I didnt know she played half court b-ball, so did I! We could have shares stories! Thinking of you and all of her family and friends. Love-Dawn
John & Cherie Dahl says
Harry, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family ?
Sandra Nachtsheim says
So sorry to read of Karen’s death. My thoughts are with you Harry. Sandra Stanghill Nachtsheim
The Blixt Family says
Harry, Kim, Kris and Family,
We are all so sorry for the loss of Karen. We have such wonderful memories including the many years of rodeoing and raising our children together! She was truly a beautiful person and dear friend. The Blixt Family will miss her.
Chuck Johnson says
I got to know Karen when she was a key member of the staff of what’s now known as the state Office of Political Practices, and I was a newspaper reporter. Karen was one of the first staff member hired, if not the first, and remained on the staff through a number of commissioners. Karen was highly competent, helpful and friendly to political candidates, members of the public and reporters trying to figure out often-complex laws and regulations. She exemplified the best in public service. My condolences to her family.
The Olson family’s says
She was such a lovely lady her soul here on earth will be missed greatly her presence was always positive And profoundly a genuine one our hearts and prayers go out to all
George and Elaine Harris says
Harry and family
Our sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved Karen. The sentiments and love expressed about and for her can be cherished in your memories of her forever. Thinking of you and praying for God’s Peace in your hearts.
George and Elaine Harris
Dorothy Bruer Thiede says
My heart is very sad you all. First met Karen when we worked at Dairyland…I was 16…Karen was always so nice to me and continued are friendship throughout these many years…she is missed by so many people…prayers for you all
Judy Palmquist says
I remember cousin Karen from when I was very small. I always remember her with that calm easy smile, even when she was a teenager. She never put herself above others. One of the prettiest women I’ve known, inside and out.