Clarence Rhudy Crouse

Clarence Rhudy Crouse, age 81 of Sparta; passed away Friday, January 16th, 2026 at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC.

Clarence was a native of Alleghany County, born July 2nd, 1944 to the late John Rhudy and Ruby Jean Choate Crouse. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Chistopher Malmfelt; a sister, Lois Jean Crouse Mabe.

He was a devoted servant to his community, dedicating many years to education and civic involvement. Throughout his career, he served faithfully as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, and assistant principal, always committed to the growth and success of students and staff. He was an active member of the Lyons Club and the Alleghany Educational Foundation, giving generously of his time and leadership. His faith guided his life from an early age, having accepted Christ as a teenager and remaining a steadfast follower throughout his life. He served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church and later became a faithful member of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, where he also served as a member of the advisory council. On September 2, 1964, he married his beloved wife, Clara, and together they shared a loving life, raising two daughters and cherishing their eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was deeply loved and supported by many special friends, neighbors, and extended family, whose lives were forever touched by his kindness, wisdom, and devotion.

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Clara "Susie" Woodie Crouse of the home; two daughters: Melissa C. Malmfelt of Mint Hill, NC, Marcella C. Galyean (Brian) of Sparta; eleven grandchildren: Amanda Morris (Trevor), Samantha Pierce (Zack), Chase Galyean, Alley Malmfelt, Maddie Malmfelt, Isabella Galyean, Kristen Malmfelt, Annabelle Galyean, Deshon Galyean, Jevon Galyean, Larissa Galyean; three great-grandchildren: Ronan Morris, Judah Morris, Colby Pierce; several nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service to honor Clarence will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, January 31st, 2026 at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship with Dr. Brian Galyean officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm until 3:00 pm at the church and other times at the residence.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alleghany Educational Foundation, PO Box 33, Sparta, NC 28675 or to Mountain Valley Hospice, PO Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017.

The family would like to thank Linda Caudill Nichols for her assistance in caring for Clarence during his time of sickness and to the entire staff of Mountain Valley Hospice and the Woltz Hospice Home.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Crouse family. If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

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