Linda Mae Smith
Linda Mae Smith, 73, passed away unexpectedly, April 14, 2024, at her home in Holmen.
Linda was born August 14, 1950, in La Crosse, to Kenneth and Mae Smith. Ahead of her time, Linda would become a pioneer in women’s sports and business. Linda was raised in Onalaska, where she graduated from high school in 1968. Growing up before organized sports for women were common, Linda found alternative ways to develop her natural athletic ability. In addition to working part-time at Coulee Golf Bowl, she would often ride her bike there and spend as much time bowling and golfing as possible. Her efforts were recognized in 1970 when she was voted Athlete-of-the-Year, for her golf and bowling talent.
As a child, Linda had a special relationship with her grandparents, who were her biggest fans and attended all her bowling and golf events. She loved taking trips with them, and fondly remembered a vacation they took to Yellowstone. They were especially proud when Linda entered the Women’s Professional Bowling Association (WPBA) in 1975, where she competed and placed in multiple tournaments for two years.
In the late 70s, Linda worked for Showboat Lanes. She continued to perfect her bowling ability, scoring multiple High Average and Association Tournament awards. A rare “Lefty”, Linda was one of the first women to bowl a 700, which she would repeat multiple times. Linda also participated in Western Wisconsin Women’s Golf Open and won multiple titles. She also made a Hole-in-One on hole nine at Whitehall Golf and Pub.
Eventually Linda turned her passion for bowling into a business. In 1984, she and her long-time friend, Ellyn Sosalla, purchased Whitehall Lanes. The two women were driven and determined, giving all they had to make the business thrive. Against the odds, they ran a popular business together for 30 years. The two were so respected in the bowling community that people would travel from miles away to participate in their annual 9-pin tournament.
One of Linda’s greatest assets was her quick wit and sense of humor. She was always cracking jokes and could fire back one-liners better than anyone. You were guaranteed to be laughing any time she was around.
After selling the business in 2013, Linda and Ellyn moved to Holmen, where they continued to spend time golfing, bowling, camping and of course, enjoying a glass of Tito’s and Diet Dew. She was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and held Badgers Football season tickets for many years. She also loved following and cheering for the Brewers and Packers. Linda was looking forward to summer and camping season at Champions Resort where they shared a permanent campsite with their dearest friend, Tina Peek, making treasured memories for the past five summers.
In 2018, Linda became the first woman elected to the La Crosse River Valley Bowling Association Hall of Fame. She was thrilled when Ellyn joined her in that honor in 2023. As competitive as Linda was, her greatest joy was seeing others succeed. She was a mentor to many in both business and sports, especially women and young children. In fact, Linda would often make anonymous donations to ensure all kids had an opportunity to participate.
Linda will be greatly missed by her life-long friend, Ellyn Sosalla; and their fur babies: Brutus, Riley and Tiger; as well as many dear friends and countless teammates and competitors in the bowling and golf communities.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., at Coulee Golf Bowl. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Coulee Region Humane Society.
