Lillian G. Lien, beloved mother of Marilyn Taves & Allen Lien passed to her heavenly home on February 15, 2021 at 12:35 am. She was born December 26, 1928 in Duluth, Minnesota to Carl and Tena Bakken. She was the second oldest of eight girls and the last to pass away.
Lillian grew up in Duluth, MN & Superior, WI. She gave her heart to Jesus as a young girl and lived her life for Him to the end. She attended Duluth Gospel Tabernacle with her mother and sisters. In 1946 she graduated from Central High in Duluth at age seventeen. In August 1946 Lillian and her sister caught a ride to Seattle with their aunt & uncle who were then pastoring the Jones Avenue church, which later became the Philadelphia Church in Ballard. Two months later she met Bob Lien at church. He had just been discharged from the U.S. Navy. They soon fell in love and were married a year later, October 3, 1947. They enjoyed 65 wonderful years together.
Their daughter, Marilyn Joyce, was born April 21, 1950. On December 14, 1953 Allen Roy was welcomed into the family, making it complete.
Bob & Lil were both active in various ministries at Philadelphia Church for 40+ years. Lillian spent many hours in the church kitchen preparing, serving, and coordinating meals & events, including an annual Thanksgiving dinner for Senior adults. Over the years she volunteered many hours in Sunday School & VBS. At age 35 Lillian took a 12 month LPN course at Edison Vocational School in Seattle. She graduated 2nd from the top in her class, but never worked as a nurse. The railroads were merging and she wanted to be ready to work in case Bob was laid off. He retained his job as railroad fireman, & later engineer.
She was a quiet, reserved Norwegian woman but had a strong steadfast faith. Her family was what she cherished most. She preferred to be in the background & was a wonderful support & behind-the-scenes partner to Bob in his ministry to seniors and the sick. Her graciousness and kindness to everyone was wonderful. Bob was part of the Philadelphia Church board that started Westgate Chapel in 1959. They became members and attended Westgate Chapel since the 1990’s.
Lillian was a devoted wife & mother who served the needs of her family with grace and love. She was a wonderful Grandma to Robbie, Sadie, and Shari and Great-Grandma to Nathan, Alex, Kylie, and Cody. She was blessed to spend her last years in Ed & Marilyn’s home. She was so grateful she didn’t have to be in a facility, especially during Covid isolation. She quietly and peacefully passed just after midnight February 15, 2021 at the age of 92. We miss her but are so thankful we know she is reunited with Bob, the love of her life, and safe in the arms of Jesus- her Savior she longed to see face to face.
Lillian is survived by her children Marilyn J. Taves (Ed) and Allen R. Lien (Debbie), her grandchildren Robbie Taves (Katy), Sadie Bund (Jeremy), and Shari Taves, and her great-grandchildren Nathan Bund, Alex Bund, Kylie Taves, and Cody Taves.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Gideons International or Westgate Chapel Missions.
Share your memories of Lillian by signing the guestbook at Washelli.com
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