Leonora Diane Choonarong

Born Leonora Diane Welch on May 14, 1954 in Detroit Michigan to Willa (née Hardeman) and Almo Welch. She was the youngest child born to Almo and Willa. Willa relocated with Leonora and her siblings to southern California eventually settling in the High Desert, where Leonora spent much of her life.

Leonora first married in 1971 at 17 years old. This first union resulted in two children, Derrick and Tonya. Leonora was very proud of her children and often shared their accomplishments with friends and strangers alike. Leonora married again in September of 1982. She and her second husband raised her children together as a family. Leonora married a third time in May of 2002 to Somsak. Seven years into this third union Leonora was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. In their later years, she and Sak opened their home to many foster children.

Leonora was industrious and had many careers which included a machinist and a boiler operator for a large chemical company. She was a technician at the local glass plant until an injury prevented her from working in a production environment. In addition to being a hard worker, she was a friend to people from all walks of life. Those that knew her loved her for her self assured, confident nature as well as her sense of humor.

In 1975 Leonora was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and as such had faith in the resurrection hope (John 5:28 & Rev 21:4,5) and looked forward to seeing her many loved one’s again.

Leonora was proceeded into death by her parents, and by sisters’s Joyceanne Welch, Wynell Snyder, Marsha Foreman, and brother Hilery Welch. She is survived by husband Somsak Choonarong of Victorville CA; 2 children Derrick Oliver of Henderson NV, Tonya Oliver of Arizona City AZ, 1 grandchild Deja Oliver of Los Angeles CA and 3 siblings Marilyn Williams of Victorville CA, Sandra White of Fairfield CA, Louis Moton of AR. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, great-nieces, nephews, and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, those who would like to pay respects to Leonora’s life are requested to send contributions to the City of Hope through the tribute page.