Thay Phomphonesy

Thay Phomphonesy, 97, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on August 17, 2026.

Thay was born in Pakse, Laos, on January 1, 1929. She spent her young adult years working in a family-owned restaurant with her husband, Zheiw (Sui) Lee. In 1976, Thay and her family began their journey on foot to flee war-torn Laos and arrived in Thailand as refugees. She lived in Thailand until 1979, when she immigrated to the United States. She enjoyed many long years of world travel, spending time with different family members, and watching her family grow and expand across generations.

Thay was preceded in death by her husband, Zheiw; son, Thomas; grandchildren, Bernard and Jean; and great-grandchild, Brandon.

She is survived by her daughter, Amy (Phil); son, Michel (Pauline); daughter, Somjai (Ekgapoom); and daughter, Suwannee (Surapan); 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Little & Sons Funeral Home on E. Stop 11 Road in Indianapolis, IN. All who wish to pay their respects are welcome.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on the same day and at the same location.

The family of Thay wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all family members and friends; University Heights Health and Living Community; Franciscan Health Palliative Care; Franciscan Health Family Medicine; and Franciscan Health Indiana Heart Physicians.