At 77 years of age, Linnie Ruth Sepulavdo has been named this year’s Tamale Fiesta First Lady.
She was born on November 2, 1945 to Amos Parrie and Myrtle Sepulvado Parrie, she attended Ebarb High School but couldn’t complete her education due to her commitment to raising her nephew.
Remarkably, she began cooking full-course meals at the tender age of ten, assuming the role of preparing every meal for her father while her mother worked. Her introduction to making tamales came at fifteen, when she observed and assisted her Aunts in the process.
In 1962, she entered into a marriage with Robert Wayne Sepulvado, tying the knot at just 16 years old. The couple went on to have five children: Darlene, Robert Junior, Regina, Brandy, and Adam. They navigated the challenges of raising their children on the income earned from Robert’s work at a lumber mill. As her children began attending school, she joined Larry Malmay’s team in Many, where she spent around three years crafting tamales until his unfortunate passing.
Following Larry Malmay’s death, she joined the employ of his father, Mr. E.B. Malmay, in Zwolle. This eventually led to the establishment of the Zwolle Tamale Factory, which proudly featured Linnie’s signature tamale recipe on its product packaging. Her collaboration with Mr. E.B. Malmay extended over five years, during which she was instrumental in setting up the factory. Later, she transitioned to the role of head cook at Zwolle Nursing Home, where she dedicated 14 years of service before deciding to step into a new chapter.
Linnie decided to pursue her passion for tamales and embarked on the entrepreneurial journey with her husband by her side. In 2003, they inaugurated their own venture, now widely recognized as L&W Tamale House. Over the course of two decades, the establishment has become a beloved culinary institution in Sabine Parish and neighboring areas. The popularity of Linnie’s tamales isn’t confined to the local region; they have traveled to distant corners of the United States, even making their way to Alaska.
A testament to her influence and significance, Linnie proudly bears the title of Zwolle Tamale Fiesta First Lady, a testament to her pivotal role in this cherished event. In fact, she contributed to the creation of the first tamales at the inaugural Zwolle Tamale Fiesta, working alongside the founder of the fiesta, Rogers Loupe. Her journey from a young girl cooking meals for her father to a respected tamale artisan and business owner exemplifies her dedication, resilience, and the impact she has had on her community.