July 17, 2014 at 3:41 p.m.

Ruth Lien

Ruth Lien
Ruth Lien

On July 11, 2014, Ruth Martha Lien, 85, passed away peacefully in the comforting presence of her seven children and several grandchildren.  
Ruth was born on February 6, 1929 in the small farming community of LeSueur, Minnesota to parents Otto Adams and Martha Borshardt. As a teenager, Ruth hitchhiked to the Twin Cities, where she began working as a waitress at a restaurant. Her independent streak and strong resolve were forged at a young age. In 1946, she married Willard Raymond Cottingham and gave birth to two children, Gerald and Geraldine Cottingham. In 1951, Ruth was suddenly widowed. At that time, one of her restaurant customers began collecting funds to help Ruth and her children. That customer was Robert O. Lien, who later married Ruth on November 8, 1952 in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Bob and Ruth eventually moved to Lindstrom, Minnesota.  Ruth gave birth to five more children - Deborah (Lien) Sack, David Lien, Dennis Lien, Alan Lien and Jason Lien. In her early years in Lindstrom, Ruth raised horses on the family farm and ran her own restaurant, the Atom Inn. Her specialty was sweet rolls. Ruth owned and operated the Bridal Boutique, where she enjoyed helping couples prepare for their special day. Bob and Ruth were involved in the Lindstrom Commercial Club and, in 1963, helped start Lindstrom's Karl Oskar Days. In her later years, Ruth enjoyed volunteering at the Margaret S. Parmly Residence for seniors.
Ruth was preceded in death by husband Bob in 2000.
Ruth is survived by her sisters Darlene Johnson and Marjorie Oliver, her seven children and their spouses Gerald (Karen Cottingham), Geraldine (Mitch Madison), Deborah (David Sack), David, Dennis (Chris Lien), Alan (Carolyn Olson-Kunz) and Jason (Emerald Gratz), 16 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren.
During health issues later in life, Ruth remained strong, positive, never complained, and always kept her sense of humor. Her constant response was "I am fine, the Lord has been good to me." Ruth's family will miss her unconditional love, selfless attitude, and, of course, her playful sense of humor.
Visitation was at Grandstrand Funeral Home Wednesday, July 16.  Funeral services at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lindstrom Thursday, July 17 at 11 AM with a luncheon following.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Ecumen Parmly LifePointes (the Margaret S. Parmly Residence), 28210 Old Towne Road, Chisago City, Minnesota 55013 in memory of Ruth M. Lien.  Condolences may be left online at www.grandstrandfh.com   

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