Kiriya "Thai" Areeram Lofton

Kiriya Areeram Lofton (AKA) Thai 36, of Gray, TN, passed away on March 28, 2023, at home. She was born in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. She is the daughter of Ukot Areeram and Myure Chavirak.

In addition to her parents, Thai is survived by her loving husband, Major Michael Lofton – US Army, Retired, and her brother, Tony Areeram.

Thai devoted her life to being a strong wife and staying by her husband’s side as they both faced the many challenges of military life; Change of Duty Stations, Military deployments, and hospitalization of her Husband from combat injuries. Thai was her husband’s caregiver at Fort Belvoir Military Hospital for a year attending to her husband's every need as he recovered from his military injuries.

Kiriya's interests were cooking, traveling, studying and teaching Buddhism and meditation, and volunteering within the Buddhist community. She also volunteered within her husband’s military command and was always by his side.

Kiriya loved to travel throughout the United States and throughout Asia. She dedicated much of her time as a student of the Buddhist faith and teaching others. She enjoyed volunteering within the Asian communities. Her altruistic nature and genuine desire to help others were truly inspiring.

Those who knew Thai will remember her as a kind-hearted, thoughtful, and adventurous soul who loved to travel and experience different cultures. She had a unique ability to make everyone around her laugh and feel appreciated and loved. She brought laughter and the spirit of life in every circle of friends and family she came in contact with. Her big smile and contagious laughter were a gift that made those around her also fill up with laughter and happiness. You could not help but smile when you saw Thai. She focused on positivity in her life and every new day was a gift to share with someone. Thai’s memory will live on through the countless lives she touched and the positive impact she had on others and the communities she volunteered in and supported.

As we reflect on Thai’s life, we are reminded of the importance of family, faith, and community. Her spirit of adventure, love for cooking, traveling, volunteering, and her Buddhist faith have also touched the lives of many. While her time with us was short her impact was very strong and long-lasting. May we keep Thai’s memories in our hearts forever she was a gentle soul who was with us briefly to show us love, compassion, and friendship.

Rest in peace Thai, you will be missed and will live in the hearts and minds of those that love you.

Snyder’s Memorial is honored to have served the family of Mrs. Kiriya Areeram Lofton AKA Thai.