USBC Hall of Famer Dorothy Fothergill dies at age 80
March 10, 2026
ARLINGTON, Texas – The United States Bowling Congress recently learned of the death of Dorothy “Dotty” Fothergill, a USBC Hall of Famer. She died on Dec. 23, 2025, at the age of 80.
Fothergill was a force to be reckoned with on the lanes, particularly at the USBC Women’s Championships, where she captured six titles from 1970-1973.
Her 1970 performance was especially memorable as Fothergill tied a record that still stands today by winning three event titles (team, singles and all-events) during a single Women’s Championships and establishing a then all-events record of 1,984.
Fothergill also experienced considerable success in the professional ranks, earning back-to-back Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America All-Star (now U.S. Women’s Open) titles in 1968 and 1969, leading to her being named Bowling Writers Association of America Bowler of the Year both years.
She would author a similar feat a few years later, capturing consecutive Women’s International Bowling Congress Queens (now USBC Queens) championships in 1972 and 1973.
By the time her professional career was over, Fothergill had reached the winner’s circle 12 times.
Those accolades and many others led to her induction into the USBC Hall of Fame (Superior Performance) in 1980 and as a charter member of the PWBA Hall of Fame (Performance) in 1995.
In addition to bowling, Fothergill enjoyed skiing and spending time with her beloved pets, friends and family.
CLICK HERE for more information on the USBC Hall of Fame.
Fothergill was a force to be reckoned with on the lanes, particularly at the USBC Women’s Championships, where she captured six titles from 1970-1973.
Her 1970 performance was especially memorable as Fothergill tied a record that still stands today by winning three event titles (team, singles and all-events) during a single Women’s Championships and establishing a then all-events record of 1,984.
Fothergill also experienced considerable success in the professional ranks, earning back-to-back Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America All-Star (now U.S. Women’s Open) titles in 1968 and 1969, leading to her being named Bowling Writers Association of America Bowler of the Year both years.
She would author a similar feat a few years later, capturing consecutive Women’s International Bowling Congress Queens (now USBC Queens) championships in 1972 and 1973.
By the time her professional career was over, Fothergill had reached the winner’s circle 12 times.
Those accolades and many others led to her induction into the USBC Hall of Fame (Superior Performance) in 1980 and as a charter member of the PWBA Hall of Fame (Performance) in 1995.
In addition to bowling, Fothergill enjoyed skiing and spending time with her beloved pets, friends and family.
CLICK HERE for more information on the USBC Hall of Fame.