Susan Bohleen Crowell was born on March 3, 1946, to Nova and Roger Bohleen. A year later, her brother Calvin was born. She was raised in the Shields Valley. She attended Porcupine School and graduated the Salutatorian from Wilsall High School in 1964. She attended beauty school in Billings, MT.
She married Max Crowell at her parent’s ranch near Wilsall. She lived and worked in Alaska, returning to Montana in 1970. They later divorced, remaining friends until his death. She also lived in Washington where she met Yvonne Hatfield, her roommate and good friend until Yvonne’s death. She made her home in Laurel where she made many friends through the years. She worked as a karaoke host around the Billings/Laurel area. She was known as the “karaoke lady” around Billings for many years. She met and became close friends with Joan Bradshaw, Valerie Dvorak and Dusti Hawkins “The Golden Girls.” She also became close friends with Jimi Rodriguez and Scott Bucher, who gave her the nickname “Apache Red.”
She was a true entertainer whether it was music, making friends or telling a good story. She was also a very accomplished pool player and played pool on many leagues. She played daily until her illness. She won many competitions and tournaments, including a gold medal at the Big Sky State Games, and was proud to have played in Las Vegas. Susan was the most positive and big- hearted person. “You’re never fully dressed without a smile,” was a phrase she used often. She truly never met a stranger. She was generous, caring, and was always willing to help someone less fortunate than her. She was loved by her family and friends and is survived by, Valerie Dvorak, Dusti Hawkins, Scott Bucher, Jimi Rodriguez and her karaoke family, cousins from the Bohleen and Jones families, Calvin’s wife Suzie Bohleen and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Calvin, Max Crowell, and grandparents. She is also preceded in death by her good friends Joan Bradshaw and Yvonne Hatfield.
A memorial potluck dinner in her honor will be held at The Caboose Saloon in Laurel, Montana on April 14, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. Memorials may be sent to Jenell Huff, Wilsall Foundation, P.O. Box 387, Wilsall, Montana 59086.
