Kheua Bounma

Obituary for a Beloved Mother, Wife, and Grandmother

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and devoted wife, Kheua Bounma (February 1, 1945 – June 25, 2026).

After arriving in Iowa in fall of 1986, she gave her life to the Lord and accepted Him as her personal Savior. She was a woman of strong faith, extraordinary kindness, and unwavering love for her family and for God.

As a loving and devoted wife to Bounkeo Bounma, she stood faithfully by his side as they pastored the Lao Church at Grace Church and later at St. Paul Lao Lutheran Church. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and generosity.

As a mother, she loved her children - Ounpheng Bouangeun, Sing Bounma, Souk Khanthavixay & Sam (Kari) Bounma equally and unconditionally. She continually taught them to love God through her own actions, to put Him first in their lives, and always placed their needs above her own.

Her legacy lives on through her cherished grandchildren—Joshua Khanthavixay, Caleb Khanthavixay, Landon Taylor, Grayson Bounma, and Mia Bounma, as well as her grandchildren in Laos—whom she loved deeply and prayed for every day.

She had a remarkable gift of hospitality, making everyone feel welcome. Her home was always open, and she found great joy in feeding anyone who walked through her door. To know her was to experience her generosity, warmth, and genuine care. She was truly a giver—freely offering her time, her food, and her love to all who crossed her path.

She was known for her joyful spirit and radiant presence. Her bright smile could light up any room, and her unique, loud voice often announced her arrival before she entered. Though she carried her own burdens, she never allowed sadness to define her. Instead, she chose to reflect happiness, strength, and resilience to those around her.

At the center of her life was her deep and abiding faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ. She faithfully read her Bible and prayed daily for her children, grandchildren, and church family. Her faith guided her actions, inspired her generosity, and shaped the incredible legacy she leaves behind.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her sons, and her beloved son-in-law, Nin Khanthavixay.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that her love, faith, and kindness will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Please join the family to celebrate a life well lived at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Kingdom City Church, 1300 Buchanan Street, Des Moines, IA 50316, with a luncheon to follow. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2026, at Glendale Cemetery, 4909 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311.