Richard Thomas Rudolph

Richard Thomas Rudolph, 58, passed away on September 7, 2025. Born February 26, 1967, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Richard lived a life marked by faith, service, hard work, and a deep love for his family.

Richard was raised in Southern California and graduated from Mission Viejo High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Business from Montana State University in 1990, where he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. He went on to complete his Master of Business Administration in Finance at the University of Denver in 1994. Professionally, Richard excelled as Vice President of Commercial Lending, and earlier in his career was a multi-year award-winning sales representative for GE Capital, including recognition as National Top Salesman of the Year.

A man of service and dedication, Richard was commissioned through Montana State ROTC and served in the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve, resigning his commission as a Captain. During his tenure, he received two Army commendation medals and a Colorado State Emergency Service Medal; he also earned his Airborne Wings. He carried the values of discipline and perseverance that he learned in the military throughout his life. In addition to his own service, one of his proudest moments was administering the oath of office in the commissioning ceremony of his son, Lantz, as a U.S. Army officer in 2014.

Richard was also deeply committed to his faith. A lifelong Christ follower, he was active in each church community where he lived. During his college years, he participated in a mission project in Santa Cruz with Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ), an organization of which he was an active member. During his years in Washington State, he served at Woodinville Alliance Church in men's ministry, youth groups, and international missions-including a meaningful trip to Songea, Tanzania with his daughter, Taryn.

Richard lived life with energy and vigor. He was passionate about athletic competition, completing the Hood to Coast Relay multiple times, earning his black belt in karate in 2020, and finishing the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon in Washington, D.C. in 2021 alongside his daughter, Cassie. He was a member of several sports leagues, including his long-time basketball and flag football leagues. He was also an avid football spectator-cheering on the Seattle Seahawks, Oregon Ducks, and Montana State Bobcats. He also had a passion for muscle cars, particularly his cherished Oldsmobile 442, which he and his father souped up to nearly 500 horsepower for drag racing at the Orange County International Raceway. Rich and his sister could often be found driving around in his 442 on the streets of Mission Viejo in their high school years. His heart lay in the American country; summers spent in Circle, Montana were among his fondest memories, where he enjoyed listening to country music, family time, and attending rodeos- even once including a brief attempt at bull riding.

Richard's greatest pride and joy was his family. He raised his three children in Redmond, Washington, and cherished their accomplishments and milestones as his own. His legacy lives on through them.

He is survived by his children, Taryn, Lantz, and Cassie; his parents, Tom and Edie Rudolph; and his sister, Christine Dodds.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary and Crematory, 1001 Alderson Ave., Billings, Montana. A reception will follow at Meadowlark Brewery at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Folds of Honor in Richard's memory.

Richard will be remembered for his faith, his adventurous spirit, his sense of humor and his unwavering love for his family.