Elizabeth Lien

Elizabeth (Betty) Louise Lien, passed away on April 17, 2025 at her daughter’s home in Des Moines, Iowa. Betty was content and happy, and very much appreciated the opportunity to spend her final days with family.

Betty was born on July 23, 1936, to Verner and Gertrude (Klesel) Young, in Garner. She enjoyed her early years on the family farm with her brothers Leonard (Slim) and Bill and her grandfather Ferdinand. Betty later attended nursing school at Mercy Hospital in Mason City. It was during her time at nursing school that she met her husband William (Bill) Lien, marking the beginning of a true and lasting love story.

Bill and Betty were married in 1957. They happily welcomed six children into their family. Work related moves dotted the first several years of their life together until they owned and operated their own retail business in Denison, IA. In later years, they spent 29 happy years together at Table Rock Lake in Kimberling City, MO. 

Following Bill’s passing in 2016, Betty moved to Des Moines to be closer to her daughters. 

She was a devoted, life-long Catholic and had a special love for the Virgin Mary and the Divine Mercy.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Bill; her parents, brothers, and grandfather; as well as many in-laws. 

Survivors include her six children, Tama (Kevin) Jepsen of Des Moines; Jean (Mike) Slaybaugh of Des Moines; Mark (Cathy) Lien of St. Louis; John (Patricia) Lien of Lexington, KY; Gail (Tom) Daily of Gurnee, IL; Lori (Michael) Hofer of Torrington, WY; and fifteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who brought her much joy. She is also survived by many extended family members including in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale, IA. Betty will be laid to rest with her husband at the Iowa Veterans Cemetey.