Final Frame: Scotland County Lanes to Close After 65 Years in Business

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Final Frame: Scotland County Lanes to Close After 65 Years in Business
 
By Echo Menges
 
 
 
MEMPHIS, Mo. — After more than five decades of family ownership and community service, the Memphis bowling alley will close its doors for the final time on Saturday, June 28.
 
For RC and Sue Seppelt and their daughter Tami, it’s more than just the end of a business—it’s the closing of a chapter that has spanned generations, brought people together, and shaped their lives.
 
“It’s been in the family for 56 years,” said RC, who, along with Sue, purchased the business from his father in 1979. The alley first opened in 1960 as Memphis Lanes, founded by Harold Childress. RC’s father later bought it, changed the name, and turned it into a local landmark.
 
RC and Sue had only planned to run it for a decade. “The two owners before us each had it for 10 years,” Sue said. “We thought we’d do the same.”
 
Instead, the Seppelts dedicated their lives to the business. RC, a former factory foreman in Keokuk, launched Scotland County Vending in 1983 while also managing the bowling alley. Sue worked as an operating room technician at the hospital in Memphis before focusing full-time on the family venture.
 
One thing that set their bowling alley apart: they never served alcohol in all their years of ownership. That decision reflected the family’s values and helped establish the alley as a safe, welcoming place for people of all ages.
 
The alley became a hub for local bowlers, birthday parties, league nights, and casual diners. At its peak, the eight-lane facility hosted bowling leagues five nights a week, with a bustling restaurant that could seat about 45 people and a popular arcade complete with a pool table, redemption games, and ticket prizes.
 
Even in recent years, the arcade remained a popular draw for families and kids. Its closure marks not only the end of a business, but also the loss of a cherished family entertainment option in the area.
 
Daughter Tami Seppelt grew up in the business. “I started working here when I was nine, in fourth grade,” she said. Over the years, she became a key part of operations and an accomplished bowler—the only person in the family to roll an 800 series, with an 812 game to her name.
 
Her early days fixing lanes with her grandfather helped shape her work ethic. “She doesn’t raise lazy kids,” Tami joked of her mother.
 
The alley remained a steady presence, even as bowling’s popularity declined starting in the 1990s. “The last year we had leagues was 2021 or 2022,” Tami said. “People just got involved in too many other things.”
 
Still, the business remained profitable—especially the restaurant side. “If we raised our prices, it would be even more profitable,” Sue added.
 
But at over 80 years old, RC and Sue are ready to slow down. “We’re going to rest and do a little traveling,” RC said. “We never could go many places before.”
 
While the family is stepping away, the future of the business remains open. Both the bowling alley and the building, which is owned by Pepsi Cola, are for sale.
 
“It’s been an adventure,” Tami said. “Part of our life,” Sue added.
 
The family says they’re grateful to the community that supported them for decades.
 
“We’ve enjoyed all of our customers,” Sue said. “Most of the people—you get to know them like friends.”
 
“We’ve had business with four different generations,” RC added. “We appreciate the people.”
 
After 65 years of marriage and a lifetime of hard work, the Seppelts are looking forward to the next phase—one without late nights, lane repairs or fry baskets.
 
And for anyone wondering what’s next for Tami?
 
“Semi-retirement,” she said with a smile. “I’ll probably stay around here.”