April 2017 -
35
RITA WHALEN - "AMERICAN HERO"
Bowls 207 at Age 92
by Frank Weiler
MORENO VALLEY - Rita Whalen has been bowling for nearly fifty years, the last
twenty-five at Moreno Valley Bowl. She currently bowls once a week in the Adult
Practice League and averages 120. Rita uses the ten pound ball she purchased a
decade ago and has no plans to change to another.
Rita started bowling when she accepted an invitation from her sister and some
friends to join them on the lanes. She loved the experience and has been bowling
ever since. When Rita was younger she bowled five to six days a week. She did
then and still does love the competition and socializing that bowling provides.
Rita loves bowling. BOWLING has given her so much: friends, fun and a reason
to stay active. BOWLING is a sport and one of the few physical activities a ninety-
two year old can participate in competitively as well as and sometimes even better
than "youngsters" half that age.
Of course RITA GIVES BACK TO BOWLING as much and even more than she re-
ceives. By example SHE TEACHES OTHER BOWLERS about FAITH in themselves,
about HOPE in the future and how to LOVE life, especially the everyday joys life pro-
vides.
Like most women of her generation Rita was a full time mother, homemaker and
housewife most of her life. She raised five children, four boys and a girl. While
none of her children bowl regularly, son GERRY MARNIEN helps Rita continue to
bowl by providing transportation whenever necessary.
In addition to the above, Rita is an American hero. She is a member of what Tom
Brokaw refers to as our nation's "GREATEST GENERATION". One of the highlights
of her life was working as a welder in the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard during
WORLD WAR II. She helped build battleships!!!! She did her part to defeat fascism
In the 1940s.
Congratulations Rita on your big game and THANK YOU for your service to our
country.
PBA50 Schedule
Saturday, April 15, 2017 - Monday, April 17, 2017
New Port Richey, FL
Monday, April 17, 2017 - Thursday, April 20, 2017
New Port Richey, FL
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - Tuesday, April 25, 2017
The Villages, FL
Sunday, April 30, 2017 - Wednesday, May 03, 2017
Mooresville, NC
Saturday, May 06, 2017 - Tuesday, May 09, 2017
Farmingdale, NY
Saturday, May 13, 2017 - Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Indianapolis, IN
Sunday, May 28, 2017 - Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Brentwood, CA
Thursday, June 01, 2017 - Saturday, June 03, 2017
