Nong Arounnothay

Nong Arounnothay, age 58, of Van Buren, Arkansas, passed away on February 20, 2026.

Nong was born on May 1, 1967, in Vientiane, Laos, to Sanh Van Luong and Ben Thi Thong. She later made her home in Arkansas, where she built a life centered on faith and family.

On March 2, 2020, she married Andrew Saysana Phansiri. Nong was a devoted wife, loving mother, sister, and friend. She was an entrepreneur and a nail technician, taking pride in her work and the relationships she built with her clients over the years. She was a woman of Christian faith whose life reflected warmth and generosity. She found joy in gardening and cooking, often expressing her love through meals shared with family and friends. Those who knew Nong will remember her as charismatic, loving, and generous. Her presence brought light and comfort to those around her, and her memory will be treasured by all who knew her.

Nong is survived by her husband, Andrew; her two children, Brinda Syharath and husband Ricky Syharath, and PJ Arounnothay; her two stepdaughters, Betty Phansiri and Maxine Hartley and husband Chris Hartley; her grandson, Arthur Hartley; and many cherished nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her siblings, Savanh Luong, Jenny Vongdara, Thong Van Luong, Thong Van Kou, Thong Thi Hom, Maxine Luong Inthavong, and Khamla (Jacky) Luong, Thong Thi Phuc, and Ben Luong.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sanh Van Luong and Ben Thi Thong; and her siblings, Inthavong Luong and Mani Penny Quang.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at West Ark Church of Christ, officiated by Jasper Phomakay. Pallbearers will be Phinit Vongdara, John Vongdara, Kevin Sengkhamvilay, Matthew Inthavong, Jacob Luong, and Tyler Luong. Sebastian Luong is the honorary pallbearer. Burial will follow at Forest Park Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A wake will be held at 232 South 40th Street, Van Buren, Arkansas 72956. Services entrusted to Lewis Funeral Chapel.

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