Phou Sonephady was born on June 17, 1940 to Chum Chanthavong and Bounthanh Chanthavong in Laos. She is the third child of four kids and was the only girl. In 1980, Phou and her husband Keung Sonephady immigrated to America with their twelve children and resided in San Diego, California for a year then to Fresno. They had a total of six boys and six girls, whose names are Betty, Lay, Sing, Lee, Kim, Oy, Eva, Ong, La, Tene, and Khek. From the twelve children, she became a grandmother to thirty grandchildren.
At the age of 80, on January 18th, 2021, Phou was laid to rest peacefully with her children and grandchildren by her side. She lived a great life full of love and laughter. Phou was a very joyful presence and enjoyed spending quality time with the family. The family is so grateful for the lessons she taught us and the strength she has shown us. Her warm spirit will be missed and loved forever.