Ruth Leaman remembered as York County bowling icon

Ruth Leaman was an inch or two shy of being five feet tall, but she was a giant in the local bowling community.

When Leaman, 91, died earlier this month, York lost an icon. She and her husband, Herb, owned and operated East Lincoln Lanes from 1963 until 1994.

Leaman earned a reputation as one of the most likable and personable people in the bowling business. She also was an excellent instructor, perhaps teaching more young people to bowl than any one individual. The junior league program at East Lincoln Lanes was unmatched.

Brian Heindel of Red Lion recalled how Leaman "picked up kids on Saturday mornings in her station wagon." He added: "I have great youth bowling memories."

Tracy Hedrick said: "Ruth held a special place in many people's hearts, including mine."

"Few people in a small community business have touched as many lives as Ruth," said Dane Slenker, a longtime East Lincoln bowler. "She had a way of making us all feel like family. It didn't matter if you were a Hall of Famer or an once-a-week casual bowler."

Leaman remained an active league bowler. At age 90, she competed in the Jim Mack's/Ladies Major League at East Lincoln on Thursday evenings.

Leaman was a member of the Pennsylvania State Women's Bowling Hall of Fame and the York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame.

Note: Suburban Bowlerama plays host to a Junior Gold Qualifier Tournament at 9 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 25. The entry fee is $35 per bowler. For information, visit www.bowl.com.