Choummaly Sayavong

A visitation will be 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Friday, July 8, funeral service will be 12:00 pm, Saturday, July 9 both at Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203.

Choummaly Sayavong, who was known to many as Maly, was a loving 83-year-old mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend who passed away unexpectedly and peacefully with her family at her bedside due to progressive bronchiectasis on July 5, 2022 in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Maly was born in Luang Prabang, Laos. She came by her mothering instincts naturally, raised in a household full of love, with two older sisters and two older brothers. She had two sons and two daughters of her own and lived a simple farming life, tending to her rice patties, ducks, and chickens, and her children and grandchildren. After the passing of her second husband, she escaped to Thailand, hoping for a better life. She was waylaid there for four years before gaining sponsorship and entry into the United States in 1984, where she was reunited with family.

Despite so much change and loss, she never showed her sorrow nor complained. Maly was sustained by her devotion to family. She had a hand in raising each and every one of her grandchildren and many of her great grandchildren. She broadened that unconditional love to extended family and to close friends. She "mothered" everyone that she encountered, encompassing them with her kindness and compassion. Maly was also happiest when tending to her flower garden, sharing a meal or two, and playing with her furry friends.

Maly was a devout Buddhist. She lived her life dream of becoming a Buddhist nun, devoting several years to rigorous study, meditation and prayer. One of the biggest highlights of her life was traveling with her daughter and friends to the Buddhist temple in India. Maly lived a full and meaningful life; and we know she has transitioned gracefully into the next. "Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely." -Unknown.

Choummaly is preceded in death by her first husband, Khamphou Keola, daughter Sinthanong Keola, and second husband, Phay Sayavong.

Survivors include her son, Sourasith Keola, daughter, Chidsuphin (Khammone) Phaikham, and son Somchai (DeeDee) Sayavong, nieces, Duangchit (Onechanh) Thakin and Manichanh Chantarasy, and nephews, Phone (Veingkham) Kittavong and Aie Noy (Tela) Kittavong.

Grandchildren include: Vadsana (Adam) Smith, Supavan (Kevin) Brown, Nanthida (Charles) Horton, Scotty (Visit) Khamdaraphone, Jordan (Petsamon Chanthalome, fiancee) Sayavong, Bob Keola, Isabella (Anthony) Avila, Kevin (Kati Perik, fiancée) Keola, Anousith Chaleunsinh, Linda Sayavong, Cody (Ellen) Thakhin, and Roger Thakhin.

Her many great grandchildren include: Maly, Alison, and Pari Smith; Kalani, Savannakhet, and Kanoa Brown; Lucyna, Zoe, Vivienne, and Finn Horton; Kingston and Kaydence Khamdaraphone; Reese and Avery Avila; Lily, Jasmine, Connor, Jacob, and  Alexander Chaleunsinh; Rylie Vongsamphanh and Kash Pelawatta; Olivia and Evan Thakhin; and Mila Thakhin.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the temple as addressed below:
Attention: Donation in honor of Choummaly Sayavong
Lao Buddhist Temple
725 W. Spruce St.
Olathe, KS 66061