Somkong Christine Vong, age 54, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 29, 2021. In her last moments she was surrounded by the love of her husband, children, mother, and siblings. She had a long battle with ovarian cancer for almost 10 years. She was an inspiration to many as she continued to teach while she fought the fight, and never once complained up through her last breath. She had a positive outlook on life because of her steadfast faith. She exemplified this through her commitment to her family and her mission to others as a pastor.
Somkong was born on September 17th, 1967 in Vientiane, Laos. She immigrated with her family to Iowa at the age of 8. She was determined to get a higher education and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance at the University of Iowa in 1989. She married her high school sweetheart and best friend Nib Vong on November 17th, 1990. She went on to get a Masters of Education from Drake University in 1996. She raised three beautiful and amazing children with her husband. She spent the rest of her professional career teaching math at East High School with the Des Moines Public Schools.
Kong was a devoted pastor at Lifesong Church of the Open Bible. She was an example of how to live one’s life in Christ. She encouraged people to be obedient to the word of God. One role that brought her great joy was in counseling young couples before marriage. In fact, one of her last official acts was to officiate her nephew’s wedding.
Anyone who knew her, knows she was one of the kindest, most generous, and fun loving people. She was the bridge, the peacekeeper, the rock for many. She loved taking pictures and captured so many special and significant memories for her family. She was often busy in the kitchen recreating or reinventing some delicious dish. She loved sharing food as she knew it brought joy to people. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandson Noah.
She is survived by her loving husband Nib Vong; daughters Jasmine Vong (Jeffrey Newland) and Melanie Vong (Ben Williams); son Kenny Vong; mother Thong Kham; grandson Noah Williams; siblings: Pangkham (Leuth) Phiathep, Khamla (Amla) Loren, Sommay Soulinthavong (Kirk Dressler), Sone (Thane) Lovan, Monick (Michael) Reese, Somphit and John Dye, Walter (Pepci) Kham; and many nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by father Khanh Kham, father-in-law Khamphoa Thongchine, maternal grandpa Kinh Cam, maternal grandma La Cam, and nephews Xavier and Neil Kham.
Please join us for a memorial service at 2PM on Monday, November 1st at First Church of the Open Bible, 2200 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50310. There will be a closed casket visitation prior to the memorial service at 1PM at the church.
