Dorothy Kay (Parker) Lien, age 80 of Dovray, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025, surrounded by family at the Good Samaritan Society in Westbrook. A Memorial Visitation Event will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 2nd at the Westbrook Funeral Home. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dorothy Kay Lien was born on July 7, 1945, to Lem and Mavis (Engelsen) Parker in Windom, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith, then graduated Westbrook High School with the class of 1963. During high school, Dorothy attended Cosmetology school. She continued her education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Education from South Dakota State University. Dorothy and Ron Lien were joined in marriage on January 29, 1967 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Dorothy taught Title I classes at the Westbrook Elementary School for a few years before becoming a full-time mother and homemaker. In her retirement years, Dorothy’s happy place was their cabin on Blind Lake in Pine River, MN. Dorothy valued family above all else and their lake home was a remote and relaxing gathering place for her to spend time with her kids and grandkids. She was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Dovray, volunteering in the women’s serving group and quilting group. Dorothy was on the board of the Dovray Area Boosters and enjoyed cooking meals there for community members. She enjoyed shopping, antiquing, collecting items to repurpose, and “visiting” with friends and family. Dorothy also enjoyed crafting and sewing for her grandchildren. In her later years, Dorothy enjoyed watching rodeos and old Westerns with Ron, while cuddled up with her cat Patches.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Ron Lien; children Neesa (Tom) Ruesink & Parker Lien; grandchildren: Austin, Logan (Jen), & Annika Ruesink, and Spencer, Hunter, & Ava Lien; great-grandchildren Kinsley & Weston Ruesink; sister Dixie (Marlie) Engler; nieces and nephews: Nancy, Lindsey, & Mike; and sisters-in-law Linda & Marilyn Lien. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Don (Bonita) Parker, nephew Lonn (Sheryl) Engler, parents-in-law Kenny & Roseal Lien, brother-in-law Jim Lien, and many aunts & uncles.
