Evelyn Landez

Evelyn Belen Landez, 76, of Council Grove, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas surrounded by family.

Born on December 23,1949 in Iloilo City, Philippines, she was the daughter of Antonio Bansagan a merchant Marine and Lucia Abelarde owner of their family owned Sari-Sari Store. As a young girl, she learned the value of hard work early by helping at her mother’s store, but when she wasn't working, she was living out the childhood dreams of her era: the thrill of drinking Coca-Cola straight from the local bottling plant, escaping into the magic of the neighborhood movie theater and running along the shores of the beach.

As she grew older, Evelyn discovered a passion for martial arts. Through this discipline, she lived her life with a rare grace, power, and independence. This strength was something she continually taught her daughters and grandchildren: Always stand up for yourself and do what’s right, no matter what.

Throughout her life, Evelyn was a diligent servant of the Lord. Her profound faith took root in Iloilo City in the 1960s, where her devotion was widely recognized when she spent days in deep prayer at a local convent. Upon her emergence, the community celebrated her commitment with a joyous parade, showering her with flowers and honoring her with a special 'most righteous' title. She carried that same radiant spirit and devotion throughout her entire life. She graduated from Iloilo High School in 1964 at 15 years old and went on to attend Iloilo City College for 2 years, specializing in dressmaking and design.

Following graduation she worked at Author de la Cruz Tailoring, where she also designed the storefront window displays and was gifted the beautiful garments she created. She would say with a smile, “I didn’t have to go shopping, I made my clothes.” As the years went on, she embraced the music of her generation, she enjoyed going dancing with friends, listening to Elvis and The Beatles & eventually seeing The Beatles live in concert.

Her journey then took her to Olongapo, where she began working at the Chow House restaurant adjacent to the U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay. A local American-era and military-town eatery that catered heavily to American Gls. This move changed her life forever, as it was there that she met her future husband, US Navy fireman FN Landez who “followed her everywhere” she fondly recalled. They shared a deep love and got married Sept 16, 1979.

In Jan 26 1979, Evelyns next adventure, was leaving the only home she had ever known to travel to South Texas, where she lovingly embraced a new chapter with her in-laws and their family. Limited in English and big in faith, she boarded the plane clutching a Virgin Mary statue under one arm, guided by a dedicated stewardess on the other. When the distracted guide accidentally missed several stops, an already long journey turned into an exhausting, multi-hour detour filled with nausea and intense prayer. Finally arriving, she fell safely into her husband’s arms and had to be carried out- a mishap no one will forget.

In 1980 they joyfully welcomed their first daughter and their second in 1982. A cherished and favorite memory of Evelyn was her completely ecstatic smile the day she got to "drive" her very first vehicle: a Mowett Mustang riding lawnmower.

After making three moves within Texas, then hearing about a Kansas job offer, the family packed up the van and moved to Dwight, Kansas, in June of 1986. There, they relocated three times before settling into a home where they spent 21 wonderful years raising their two daughters in a loving, close-knit town.

Evelyn was a dedicated worker who lovingly supported her family through sewing and cleaning before joining the Cottage House Hotel in 1989. She thoroughly enjoyed her 12 years there, cherishing the lasting friendships she built with coworkers & the guests traveling from all over the world. Many guests left written comments praising her warmth and the extra mile she went to ensure a comfortable stay. Another incredibly proud day for Evelyn was July 20, 1990, when she achieved her U.S. Citizenship. To celebrate her determination, her boss and coworkers at the Cottage House threw her a joyous party.

On January 2, 2002, Evelyn began working for USD 417 in the food service department at the high school, a job that brought her immense joy. She cherished her coworkers and deeply loved interacting with the students.

As she often said with a chuckle, “those kids are crazy, they make me laugh,” and they truly brought daily joy to her life. In return, the students always spoke highly of her kindness. Her warm heart and generous spirit made her legendary among the kids, as she was famous for ensuring no one went hungry—always serving generous portions or giving them extra food if they were still hungry. She deeply enjoyed their friendly “Hi Evelyn!” greetings in and out of school and around town. After 9 years of dedicated service, she officially retired on May 26, 2013.

Family always came first for Evelyn. In Oct 20, 2007 they decided to relocated to a larger home in Council Grove.

This move allowed Evelyn to support her daughter's return to school while helping raise her two-year-old granddaughter. Living in a home featuring a private upstairs quarters for the family, gave Evelyn the immense joy of sharing daily life with her loved ones. Embraced by a supportive community, she truly found her forever home.

Together they shared 46 wonderful years, and were blessed with 2 daughters, Mililani and Michele & 5 grandchildren, Kyana, Tayven, Kenley, Cohen and Keira. Evelyn was a loving wife a devoted mother and a truly "Magical" Mema to her beautiful grandchildren. Her visits were filled with warmth & wonder as she would tell captivating stories of her upbringing in the Philippines. She would talk about her own “Lola,” enchanting her grandchildren with stories of aswang, mythical fairies and even of the miracles of faith she experienced that guided her life.

Her family was her greatest joy. She loved attending all of her grandchildren’s activities—whether cheering them on in sports all the way to state, celebrating national poster winners at banquets, or listening to her granddaughters’ beautiful voices. She was always so proud to watch them sing at competitions, perform the national anthem at various events, or sing in a choir that advanced to the state level.

Beyond her deep love for her grandchildren, she cherished her time with her husband, “Froggy,” whether they were enjoying a movie at home or catching a film at the AMC theater. She loved watching action-packed movies—especially martial arts films, and she was a big fan of Bruce Lee and Jet Li. A woman of many interests, she also enjoyed sewing, attending auctions, thrifting, cooking, and trying her luck at the casino slots. She had a great love for gold jewelry, green jade, and lucky charms. She also had an impressive collection of purses, and as a lucky tradition, she always kept a small amount of cash inside each of them to ensure she would never be broke and to attract more prosperity.

Her home was always filled with love and the inviting aroma of her delicious cooking, most notably her famous Adobo. She offered food to everyone & never wanted anyone to go hungry. Known for her remarkable streak of luck, she was a frequent lottery winner who found great joy in scratching her tickets. In her later years, she was a beloved fixture at the Short Stop, where she could always be found with a smile and a scratcher in hand.

A woman of profound faith, she deeply believed in the power of prayer and the miracles that follow it. She walked through life with grace, resilience, and an unwavering trust in God, leaving a legacy of faith, endless love and magic that her family will carry forever.

Preceded in death by parents, Antonio Bansagan & Lucia Abelarde, father & mother-in-law, Felix Sr. & Beatrice Landez, sister-in-law, Lupita Landez, brother-in-laws Felix Landez Jr & Mike Ellis, Nephews, Enrique(Kiki) Herrera & Raudel (Raudy) Herrera

She is survived by her loving husband, Roel Landez, daughters and their family: Lani (Michael) Landez, Tayven, Kenley and Cohen, Marysville KS; Michele (Tim) Jueneman, Kyana and Keira, Hanover KS, Siblings; Erma Ellis, Concord, CA; Benny (Annabelle) Condeza, Pasay City, Philippines, sister-in-laws; Beatrice (Juan) Landez, San Juan TX; Gloria (Saul) Owenby Lexington, S.C.; Lidia (Authur) Prazak, Bolingbrook, IL, brother-in-law; Mar(Stella) Landez, Cibolo ,TX, and many beloved nieces and nephews

A Mass at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Council Grove will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 10AM with a Celebration of Life to follow at the church Pariah Hall located at 300 Spencer Street Council Grove, KS 66846.

In lieu of flowers, your presence and support are the greatest gifts we could ask for. If you still wish to give, the family kindly requests that any memorial contributions be made out to Roel Landez and sent care of Sawyer Chapel at 137 N. Union St, Council Grove, KS 66846 to help cover funeral expenses. Any remaining funds will be dedicated to establishing a lasting memorial in Evelyns honor, celebrating her lifelong faith at St. Rose Church