Julia Elise Lien

Julia was born March 11, 1911 in Colfax, ND to Emil and Emilia Fatland. She went home to the Lord on February 15, 2013. Her loving sons and daughters-in-law, Howard and Leona Brisbin of Arlington, Jim and Alice Brisbin of Burlington, Andy and Dottie Lien of Arlington, and loving daughter Dorothy Ross of Marysville survive her. Julia also leaves a combined total 117 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Her sister, Gladys Beaty and sisters-in-law Sally Lien and Carmella Fatland also survive her. Her “darling” Al, mother, father, brother, sisters, 3 daughters, 1 daughter-in-law, 3 sons-in-law, and 1 granddaughter preceded her in death.

Julia was the oldest of 6 girls and 1 baby brother. She was her Dad’s helper. They farmed in N.D. for many years. By the time Julia was 12, she could do about anything on the farm. She could drive 7 horses on a triple plow and arrow cultivator. She would help seeding grain, cultivating corn, cutting hay and would drive a team of 4 horses on a big grain wagon 6 miles to town to the grain elevator. She always said she “enjoyed farm life.”

Julia moved to Washington State in 1932 with her husband and children. Mom found herself alone in 1943 and the sole supporter of her six children and so she went to work as a waitress in downtown Arlington. Al started showing up at the restaurant and soon began walking her home. They became friends and soon Al asked Julia to marry him. She did and they began their new life with the six kids in their home off the Tronson Road. When they had Andy, the family was complete.

Julia loved being a wife and mother. She had a garden, fruit trees and berries. They raised cows, pigs and chickens. Al went to work at the Arlington Post Office and life was good. During her life, Julia was a proud lifetime member of the VFW (since 1947), a volunteer at Josephine Sunset Home, a volunteer at Helping Hands, and a member of the Loyal Heights Sewing Club. Julia loved her church and was a member of Mission Circle since its inception in 1950. She was President for most of the 60 years and loved all the members who were part of it. She also was a Sunday School teacher and the Superintendent for a few years at Our Saviour’s. Over the years, Julia has made well over 4,000 quilts and probably crocheted over 2,500 baby sweaters for the missions, give or take a few. Many were shipped to other countries all over the world for those in need. Mom loved her mission work and was still active and helping at the “Quilt Til You Drop” at Our Saviour’s on January 21st.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cascade Valley Senior Center where she lived for the past 3 years. She made so many new friends and loved all of them. We would also like to thank the staff at Regency in Arlington who took such wonderful care of mom in her last days and for the compassion and care she received from Suzanne of Hospice. Also, thank you to Pastor Summers for visiting Mom and helping the family through this time. Mom’s wish was that memorials be made to Our Saviour’s Mission Circle or Our Saviour’s Church.

Mom accomplished so much in her 101+ years on this earth. She was an amazing woman who loved Jesus, her family, her church and her 100’s of friends. We will all miss her so much, but we know she is where she so wanted to be – in Heaven with the Lord. Colossians 3:17-20.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 23rd at 11:00am at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Arlington WA.