Lay Ly

Lay Ly, 85, of Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed away peacefully at 9:28 P.M. on March 18th, 2016 surrounded by family and loved ones. Lay Ly was born May 5th, 1930 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia to father H Ly of China and mother Thahn Ly of Vietnam. She married husband Sgt. Thorn Ly and gladly raised their large family whilst practicing midwifery as he served his country. She was widowed in 1975, surviving through the turbulent Khmer Rouge genocide. Her fortune turned when Lutheran Social Services selected her and her family to make a new home in Sioux Falls, SD; and away from the transient life of refugee camps and uncertainty. Lay Ly thrived in her new life in the United States, which included an enjoyment of traveling, cooking, Chinese/Cambodian cultural practices, which were driven to near extinction, and the other domestic and hospitable arts. She also became an avid fan of James Bond, Indiana Jones, Van Damme, and of course Chuck Norris shows and movies which she shared with great delight and gusto. Lays tenaciousness and resiliency helped her endure cultural shock, PTSD, and bolstered the drive in her later years to raise her six grandchildren into thriving adults as well. Lay did this while continuing to practice midwifery for the local Chinese/Cambodian population of Sioux Falls, therefore touching; countless other families and their children. Lay was known as an excellent story teller and made the time to share herself openly as she welcomed guests warmly. Lay continued to live a long life twice the expectancy she would have had in Cambodia, and often boasted her appreciation of her new circumstances. Lay Ly is survived by her children: daughters Ny Thoung (Heng Bun), Na Thoung (PaiWon), son Tha Thoung (Hath Thongsounh), grandchildren: Muy Hour Lisa Bun, Lee (Kim) Bun, Lim (Amber) Bun, William Kim, Arlene Kim, Jariya Soundara, and great grandchildren: Kalia Mundt, Sophia Pritchard, Olivia Pritchard, Sovanni Bun, and relatives still in Cambodia. She is preceded in death by her husband Sgt. Thorn Ly, her daughter Huit Thoung, and all other relations being lost during the turbulence of war. Services for Lay Ly *Buddhist services are open to guests unless otherwise notated* Buddhist Monks blessing, rites, and receiving reception Where: Family Home 1423 East 3rd Street, Sioux Falls, SD, 57103 When: Open house style from 10:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. Saturday, March 26th, 2016 Viewing and Visitation Where: Chapel Hill Funeral Home 901 S Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 When 2:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M. Saturday, March 26th, 2016 Cremation: Immediate family only at 4:30 P.M. Second visitation Where: Family Home 1423 East 3rd Street, Sioux Falls, SD, 57103 When: Open house style from 5:30 P.M. Saturday, March 26th, 2016 Thank you to those who have shared directly or indirectly with Lays life. In lieu of flowers, donations to offset costs may be made to Lim Bun in C/O Lay Ly. We will always carry her memory in our hearts and practice her wisdom in our lives. Rest in peace Lay, you will be missed.