90-year-old bowler still striking down pins

Turning 90 years old isn’t enough to keep Babe Troyer from continuing to bowl.

Troyer,  turned 90 on Dec. 5, has  been bowling in a women’s league in Bonners Ferry since 1985.

The Bonners Ferry woman’s bowling interest began in the 1960s.  She claims  she was never really good, but enjoys the friendships made in her leagues.

“I had a period over six or seven years where I averaged about 150 a game,” said Troyer.  “But I can make close to about 100 now; since I have had several operations my score has gone down.”

Troyer bowls in a women’s league every Tuesday at A.J.’s Lanes.  Her current average is about 87, and according to Troyer, she goes with a high handicap, but did not want to say how high.

Troyer moved to Bonners Ferry with her family in 1936 after graduating high school in Mitchell, Neb.  She married her first husband in 1939 and was married for 26 years until his death in 1965. 

Troyer re-married but has been widowed since 1976.  Thats  when she returned to what she calls her  hometown Bonners Ferry.

“It was always where mom and dad were so that is home,” said Troyer.

Troyer moved in with her sister, Etta Burn, after her sister’s husband passed away.  She later moved after her sister’s death in 2006.  Troyer now lives in senior housing and has a sister, Betty Marcy, who lives in Bonners Ferry near Moravia.

“Betty and I are the only two kids left,” said Troyer.

As for her love of bowling, Troyer said it is the companionship with the other ladies that has been the most enjoyable.

“The people that I bowl with are so wonderful, and I have always have had a good sociable team and always have made good friends wherever I bowl,” said Troyer.  “The women’s league has  always been good group of ladies and they are here too.”