Laarni Cruz Payumo Monzones

Laarni Cruz Payumo Monzones, 84, of Finneytown (Cincinnati), OH, passed away on February 26, 2022, with her family and close friends by her side in prayer.

Affectionately known as “Arnie,” she was born to the late Mayor Jose Reyes Payumo, Sr. and late mother Marcela Crecini Cruz on September 18, 1937, in Dinalupihan, Bataan, Philippines. Arnie graduated from University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, in 1959 and received a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and Pharmacy. Arnie began her career in the medical field working as a Pharmacist and Medical Technician in Manila, Philippines, then also worked abroad in the United States: in Fond du Lac, WI, Boston, MA, Jersey City, NJ, and in Canada: Toronto, Ontario before setting roots and raising her family in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Arnie met the love of her life, Romeo Oba Monzones, “Romy,” in 1969, and they married on January 15, 1972, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Toronto, Canada. Later that year, they relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio pursuing new professional opportunities. Arnie and Romy celebrated their Golden Anniversary this past January with close family. Arnie is survived by her loving husband, Romeo, Sr., and three children: Romeo J. Monzones, Jr., of St. Louis, MO; Mark J. Monzones and Raymond J. Monzones, of Cincinnati, OH. She is also survived by her younger brother, Felicito Cruz Payumo, of Makati (Manila), Philippines; five nephews: Joel P. Payumo, Joey P. Payumo, Joseph P. Payumo, Josel P. Payumo, and Antonio S. Payumo; and five nieces: Lailani P. Payumo, Anita S. Payumo, Angela S. Payumo, Aileen S. Payumo, and Alexis S. Payumo. Arnie was predeceased by her late stepmothers: Servanda Cubacub and Maria Esguerra; her late brother, Mayor Jose Cruz Payumo, Jr., and late nephew, Mayor Jose Alejandre Payumo, III. Loved by many, Arnie also leaves behind several close relatives and family friends across the United States, Canada, and the Philippines.

Arnie worked for over 30 years in the Hematology and Blood Bank departments at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. She had a passion for sharing her cooking and Filipino culture, celebrating occasions with family and friends, dancing, and playing tennis. She was a devout Catholic, and throughout her life traveled to the Philippines to commemorate the Lenten season and Easter. Arnie was a longtime parishioner of St. Vivian’s Catholic Church in Finneytown.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 4, 2022, from 9:00 – 11:30am at Hodapp Funeral Home, 6041 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45224. The Funeral Mass immediately to be held at 12:00pm, St. Vivian Catholic Church, 7600 Winton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224.