Elizabeth (Betty) Louise 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, Iowa. 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, IA, graduating at the top of her class. 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. While she and her family missed the lake, we frequently reminded her that home is where your mom is.

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 Jepsen and husband, Kevin of Des Moines; Jean Slaybaugh and husband, Mike of Des Moines; Mark Lien and wife, Cathy of St. Louis, MO; John Lien and wife, Patricia of Lexington, KY; Gail Daily and husband, Tom of Gurnee, IL; Lori Hofer and husband, Michael 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, on Tuesday, April 22, at 10:00 am, with a Rosary at 9:30 am. Following Mass, a luncheon will be held in the parish hall. Betty will be laid to rest with her husband at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in a private family burial that afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church.