Evelyn was born on August 8th, 1950, in Manila, Philippines, to Ricardo Guzman Cruz and Lydia Lombos Cruz. She was the oldest of eight siblings; six brothers, Dominador Cruz, Alfredo Cruz, Abelardo Cruz, Rolando Cruz, Gerardo Cruz, Ricardo Cruz Jr. and one sister, Marilou Cruz Coronado.
In 1971, Evelyn earned her Bachelors of Science in Medical Technology at Philippine Women’s University. Immediately after graduation, she immigrated to the United States at 21 years of age, on her own, and was excited to accept a position as a Medical Technologist at St. Joseph Health Center in Kansas City, Missouri. She continued to take classes to complete requirements and achieved board certification in the US. Many lifelong friends were found through her work at the hospital, her membership in the newly emerging Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City, and folk dancing in its Filipino performing arts troupe, Sinag-Tala.
Evelyn met the love of her life, Modesto Puno Jr. (Jun) when they were both performers in Sinag-Tala. After several adventurous years of dating, they were married on October 26, 1981. Evelyn and Jun were blessed with one anak; a daughter, Lara Puno Murdock. In 2018 and 2021, Evelyn was blessed with her two beloved apos (grandchildren), Everett and Maya. Evelyn adored her son-in-law Tyler and had an abundance of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews that she loved dearly. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents.
Evelyn was a strong, intelligent, caring woman with a vibrant personality and someone who loved fiercely - a Leo through and through. She loved traveling across the country with Jun, especially on long road trips to Las Vegas. She led the way for her work family in her well-respected 50 years as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at St. Joseph Health Center. Evelyn often spent her free time laughing with family and friends from the Filipino community over the clacking sound of mahjong tiles, and she lent her beautiful voice to the Sampaguita Choir. She enjoyed collecting fabulous jewelry, reading about any topic she found fascinating, and cooking large quantities of comforting Filipino food for her daughter. She will always be remembered for the immense warmth and joy she shared with everyone around her.
A visitation for Evelyn will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM. Burial will occur on Saturday, April 1 at 11:00 AM in Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131.
