Nellie "Lyn" Rose Lien, 82, died unexpectedly but peacefully, at her home on May 25 leaving behind four children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
When all the family would get together for holidays she managed - by the third time or so - to get everyone's name right. She had a memorable laugh and wonderful smile that would warm anyone's heart. She was known to be a very energetic and feisty woman. Nellie was the most giving and supportive mother that we could ever wish for, and was very honest about what she felt was right. There was never a question as to how much mom enjoyed the simpler things in life, from watching a basketball game on TV, or enjoying her favorite game shows like The Price is Right, Let's Make a Deal, and Family Feud, always telling the contestants what they should do. She liked to watch her two younger boys do projects in the back yard, giving them strict instructions as well as her honest opinions. She loved to play bingo at the casinos. She enjoyed talks with her neighbors and having family get-togethers whenever possible. She always enjoyed nice country drives with her son and daughter at the wheel; even though she had great driving abilities, we thought it best that we would drive and let her enjoy the scenery.
Nellie was born in Heaton, North Dakota, to Mabel and Edward Neumilller. In 1951, she married Walter S. Lien Sr. and worked on the family farm until 1963 when the whole family moved to the Willamette Valley. She worked as a nurse's aide at Lebanon and Albany hospitals for many years. Later, she worked at Jenks Hatchery until she retired in 1994.
Lyn is survived by her sons, Sidney, Roger, and Mark Lien; daughter Terri Cooper; four grandchildren, Haley, Dustin, Cody and Krista; and four great-grandchildren: Tatum, Parker, Haylee, and Avery, all of Albany; as well as two sisters, Myrtle Lien of Mandan, North Dakota, and Virginia Proefrock of Nisland, South Dakota.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Walter S. Lien Sr., who passed away in January of 2009.
Mom was fortunate enough to live a long and very happy life. Yet, the day she passed away, a large part of us died with her. She will always be in our hearts and the memories will live on forever.
At Lyn's request, there will be no funeral service but she wanted everyone that knew her that she may not remember your name, but that she loved you all.