Birdell Corinne “Birdie” Lien passed away peacefully on May 30, 2018 in Billings at the age of 92. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota to Ben and Clara (Johnson) Holte. In the spring of 1928 the Holtes returned to Clara’s homestead claim and began farming north of Poplar, Montana. Birdie and her sister Marlys spent their summers in the tarpaper “shack” on the farm, and winters in Poplar where they attended school.
While Birdie was in high school, Orphey “Bud” Lien of Brockton flew his Piper Cub airplane to Poplar to pick her up for the Senior prom in Brockton. Afterwards, he flew her back to Poplar on a still, moonlit night. Birdie also obtained her pilot’s license a few years later, but soon exchanged dare-devilry for raising children and making a home.
Bud and Birdie were married in 1951 and spent the first years of their marriage in Phoenix, where they owned a Bireley’s soda pop plant. Daughters Karen and Linda were born during this time. The lure of farming was too strong for these two, and they returned to Montana in the mid-50s, began farming wheat, and built a house near the Poplar River, where daughters Barbara and LeAnn were added to the family. Over the years, they worked hard and bought more farmland instead of splurging on vacations or luxuries — typical Norwegians, both of them.
Contentment seems to be the word to describe Birdie’s life. She had few regrets, no enemies, and few aspirations to be bigger, better or richer. Her position in life as loving daughter, wife and mother was the pinnacle of success in her estimation. She had a calm, common-sense, positive attitude towards life. She loved the home and the farm that she and her husband had created. Summers on the farm often involved dawn-to-dusk work, while winters could be slow and seemingly endless. “Sitting around” was only done in the winter. Birdie excelled at cooking, sewing, gardening, and all the other skills required of a farm wife and mother. Typical of the “Greatest Generation,” she would “use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
Birdie was a quiet, private person with a small circle of loyal lifetime friends, many of whom were high school classmates or family members. She is survived by her sister Marlys (Wes) Parmenter of Phoenix, AZ; double-cousin Dale “Buddy” (Phyllis) Holte of Hayden, ID; four daughters, Karen (Scott) Fleener of Poplar, MT; Linda of Billings, MT; Barbara of Whitehall, MT; LeAnn of Loon Lake, WA; and many nieces and nephews. Her four grandchildren, Eric, Woody, Katie, and Ben Sukut, added many joys to her life. Her beloved dog Cooper will be rewarded with the best of care for all the years that he served as her faithful companion.
Nyla Brraten says
So sorry,for your loss.
Chong Ae & David E. Boyd Sr. says
Birdell and Bud sold us the land where Brockton Baptist Chapel sits today, for a price of $100.00 far below the value. We often talk about them and their gift to our church.
John & Elaine Whitman says
Linda, Karen, Barb, LeAnn, & Family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your Mom; our thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Birdie was a beautiful lady inside & out & a wonderful neighbor. We feel privileged to have known her.
Deborah Reich says
Barb and family, I am sad for your loss. Your mom sounds like she led a full and wonderful life and that you were lucky to have such an awesome mom!!
Carol Simensen says
Birdie was such a wonderful person. You were very blessed to have her as your mom. Sadly missed
Laurel Boulds-Fisk says
LeAnn I am so very sad for your loss of your Mom. Sounds like she had a very full life and loved her life! Again my condolences to the Lien family, prayers and thoughts for all of you!
Larry Lynne says
I got to know Birdell when she and her friend, Hazel Lockman, would stop at my antique shop in Williston. I remember Birdell as being such a kind, gentle lady. My condolences to her family.
Alisa says
We are so sad to hear of your loss. I think she would be very proud of your tribute to her. From your reflection of Birdie, she brought much joy to those who knew her; especially her family. What a lovely a legacy to leave for her family and friends to remember.
May you find comfort and peace with one another during this time.
Much love from our family to yours.
Paula Dickenson says
So sorry for the loss of your dear mother. I only met her a few times when LeAnn and I were in high school. She was always very kind to me. Praying for all of you and your families. Paula Parmly Dickenson
Rene Hodrick says
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. May God continue to wrap his ever loving arms around you and your sisters. I pray for peace, comfort and understanding, for all of you.
Barbara Beach Salinda says
From my family to yours…I wish to extend thoughts and prayers for comfort during this time of loss. Praying that the memories that bring joy arise to the forefront and bring smiles to your hearts. Our deepest condolences. Know that you are surrounded by friends and prayer during this time. She will be remembered fondly.
Roberta Clincher & Barbara (Beach) Salinda – Laurel, Montana
Gay & Brian Pennington says
To the Lien Family. My deepest condolences to the family and relatives. Your mom was a very nice person and I’ve enjoy seeing her when she came too town to buy grocery’s. LeAnn it’s been along time since I seen you. We went too school together. Your mom live a wonderful life and was a hard worker. May god be there for you all at this time. God Bless you all. From a classmate in 1978 Gay (Stephanie) Pennington -Billings, Montana
Jerome Taflan says
Condolences to the Lein Family from the Taflan Family,Birdell was a dear freind of our mother Sylvia,sorry for your loss,our prayers are with you,god bless your family.