Cristina Ann Molina

Cristina Ann “Cris” Molina, 61, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away on April 14, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas. She was the beloved daughter of Eliseo and Athena Molina, and she carried her parents’ legacy with great pride — embracing both her Hispanic and Greek heritages as a cherished part of who she was.

Her father was a United States Marine who served in the Korean War, and Cris honored his commitment to faith, family, and country by devoting herself to her Lord, to those she loved, and to her community.

Early Life & Education

Cris spent nearly her entire life in the Shawnee area. She graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 1982, and her growing-up years were deeply shaped by 4-H, where she threw herself into sewing, crochet, baking, and showing her projects at the fair. Both of her parents served as 4-H leaders, and Cris carried that tradition forward by generously sharing her skills — teaching many of her friends’ children to sew, bake, and crochet. She was equally passionate about participating in the marching band, and she loved telling stories about those days. The highlight of her early adulthood was a couple of years at Kansas State University in beautiful Manhattan, Kansas – a Wildcat for life!

Career & Calling

Over the years, Cris built a varied career, working for Sprint, the Andy Klein dealership, Ardy’s Hair Salon, and eScreen. She found meaning and joy in each role, but she felt a persistent pull toward something more. Answering that call, she joined the staff of Christ Lutheran Church in Overland Park, where she served with wholehearted dedication for over a decade.

The mission field was her true passion. She led new member classes, Bible studies, and women’s discussion groups; she mentored young people; she traveled to Guatemala in support of the James Project mission; and she partnered with area shelters and women’s programs. In all of it, Cris was doing what she loved most — serving others in the name of her Lord.

Family & Personal Life

As her parents grew older, Cris devoted herself to their care — accompanying them to doctor appointments, making sure they had what they needed, and simply spending time with them. She considered it a privilege, not a burden, to love them well until they were called home. In this, as in so much of her life, she was the hands and feet of Christ.

Cris was an avid sports fan. To say she loved the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals would be an understatement — her wardrobe said it all, as she rarely wore anything that wasn’t Chiefs red or Royals blue. The sole exception came on Saturdays, when she could be found proudly decked out in Kansas State purple, cheering on her beloved Wildcats.

Those Left to Cherish Her Memory

Cris was preceded in death by her parents, Eliseo and Athena Molina. She is survived by her brother, Phil Molina (Penny); her nephews, Will Beatty and Austin Klein; her niece, Ashley Klein; her goddaughter, Gracie Grubbs; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and a wide circle of cherished friends. She will be deeply and dearly missed.

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Services

A service of worship and remembrance will be held on

Friday, May 1, 2026

Visitation at 10:00 am; Service at 11:00 am

Christ Lutheran Church • Overland Park, Kansas

Feel free to wear Cris’ favorite purple and/or pink colors in her honor

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial gifts to

The James Project

James Project International

PO Box 842210 • Kansas City, MO 64184-2210

www.jamesproject.org