Emilia was born on July 8, 1947 in Brush, CO to Isidro and Tomasa Cervantez. She moved often as a child, eventually living in Hereford, where she met Arturo Dela Cerda in the 1970's. Together, they moved to Amarillo, where they were married in the 1980's. Emilia worked as a cook at the Bishop De Falco Retreat Center many years before her employment at the American Quarter Horse Association, where she worked as a barista until her retirement.

Emilia was known to be ornery and outspoken, always willing to give advice. She was always a good listener and made others laugh. More than anything, she loved her family. She was like a mother to all of her family, as well as many close friends.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to her niece, Monisa and her nephew, Isaiah, as well as the BSA Nursing and Dialysis staff for the loving care they showed to Emilia.

She is survived by her daughter, Geneva Dela Cerda of Amarillo; 5 sisters, Isabel Cervantez of Amarillo; Rosa Valladolid and husband Jose of Tulsa, OK, Yolanda Fredrick of Tulsa, OK, Tomasa Pena of Chickasha, OK and Janie Dunn and husband Mike of Oklahoma City; 4 brothers, Rosando Cervantez of Chickasha, Ray Cervantez of Amarillo, Joe Cervantez of Oklahoma and Juan Cervantez of Amarillo; 3 grandsons, Tomas Rodriguez, Marcos Rodriguez and Jeremiah Rodriguez and 3 great grandchildren, Uriah Rodriguez, Daisy Burrier and Rene Rodriguez.

Emilia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arturo Dela Cerda brother, Isidro Cervantez, Jr.; daughter, Jennifer Dela Cerda Rodriguez and sister, Frances Ramirez.