Khangaew Erwin

Jun 12, 1943 -

Jan 29, 2026

Khangaew "Sontaya" Erwin, age 82, was called home by our Lord and Savior on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 12, 1943, in Mae Chan, Thailand, Sontaya had a fervor for life and love, and faced both with unwavering courage and exceptional strength. Sontaya dedicated her youth to providing for her family, leading her from the quiet hills of Chiang Rai to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Her grace and beauty captivated all around her, including the love of her life, Robert. The year was 1972, and with a love that knew no bounds, barriers of language and borders ceased to exist. Thus began her new journey to the United States.

Rooted in Christian faith and a force to be reckoned with, Sontaya was known for her fiery disposition: a quick-witted woman with a heart of gold. Her life was a testament to her endless loyalty, generosity and honesty. Her dedication to her family was only paralleled by her devotion to God. Sontaya demonstrated the meaning of faith in her every action. From the scent of her kitchen drawing in voracious grandchildren, to the flowers blossoming in her garden after the harsh winters, life followed Sontaya everywhere. Now her life and legacy will follow those who loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Robert "Bob" Erwin; children, Montri (Naruemon) Pongdeeden, Anchalee (Thawat) Phamonchan, Nichanan (Ratthasart) Kulnapang, Surapong (Sureeporn) Buranont, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Erwin and Bobbie (Tucker) Kellow; grandchildren, Miranda (Joshua) Kimpton, Areeya Buranont, Brandon (Jocelyn) Erwin, Breanna (Thomas) Potter, Cherilyn Buranont, Joseph Erwin, Emery Kellow and Orachira Buranont; and great-granddaughters, Karsyn Kimpton and Reagan Kimpton.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Loi Luangchan.

Sontaya's Celebration of Life will be held at Muldoon Community Assembly on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at 11 a.m.