Emilia

Rojas

Celebration of Life: Emilia Banuelos Rojas

Born: 1923 - Completed her Journey: November 1, 2025 (102 years)

1923: The Beginning

Born in Municipio de Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, Mexico.

- A time when the world was still recovering from World War I and experiencing the roaring twenties.

- Emilia was the adored daughter of Maria Hernandez-Espinoza and Emiterio Banuelos Carlos, and the beloved sister of ten siblings.

-Emilia had a very close bond with her grandmother Nina and loved spending time with her at her grandparents ranch where she rode horses and helped grandma Nina around the home. A time in life she cherished.

1940s: Growing Up and Falling in Love

- Emilia loved to ride horses and while at a local rodeo in Mexico she Met Alfredo Rojas. - Romance blossomed against the backdrop of historic events, like World War II and the establishment of the United Nations in 1945.

- Marriage and Family

- Together, they welcomed 14 children into their lives, instilling values of love, hard work, and respect, marking the start of a beautifully extended family.

1960s: A New Chapter

- Officially Moved to the U.S. with her family after visiting in other times. - This decade saw significant social change, from the Civil Rights Movement to the Apollo moon landing. Emilia embraced this new world in the United States while holding onto her cultural roots.

- Journey through Mexico and America

- Emilia's journey took her and her family to different states in Mexico, before settling in Los Angeles, Ca. Firstly ; Sonora, Michoacán, Nogales, and Nayarit. In the 1960s, they decided to move to the United States, initially settling in Los Angeles before finding a home in Hollister, California.

In 1966 Emilia moved to Hollister, CA. She described this chapter of her life as peaceful, surrounded by most of her family and relishing the joy that comes from togetherness in a small town and community, surrounded in agriculture.

Labor

- Emilia worked as a United Farm Worker (UFW) during the early days of the movement led by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta in San Benito County and throughout Northern and Central California. Along many community residents she participated actively in labor rights efforts, Emilia stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow workers, advocating for better labor conditions and rights.

In San Benito County she also worked at the historical Saint Francis Retreat in San Juan Bautista, California upon the hills.

Loved to Travel

Emilia loved to travel. Often traveled to different states to visit her children, attended celebrations or just because. She had the opportunity to visit many states in Mexico, Nicaragua and the USA. At age 92 she decided to travel to New York to experience the busy lively streets of Time Square and at age 101 years she was still taking road trips throughout California.

Advocate with her heart

- During her travels across the country, Emilia remained committed to advocating for neonatal care for premature babies, hospitals, maternal and infant health, public health, community health centers, women's health, and farm workers' health. She had the opportunity to visit Senators, Congressman, Leaders in Washington D.C, and in Sacramento and throughout California attended advocacy events and campaigns and all who met her, loved her.

Missionary Work

- Her commitment to making a difference extended beyond borders—she did missionary work abroad in Nicaragua through the Church of God of Prophecy alongside her daughter. Raising awareness about the gospel, helping families in need and building churches in rural areas.

Spiritual Life- Faithful Christian

- Emilia's spiritual life was rich; she was a devoted member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Hollister, under the guidance of Pastor Alvaro Orellana. She cherished her church community, often thinking of its members as her own family and regarding the church as her second home. She loved to give sing, participate in all church activities. She also participated in fasting and prayer for her family and her community.

Secret to Longevity

Often doctors, nurses, everyone who she encountered often asked, her secret to a long life, she would say, "God allowed me to live this long, the happy life I had in Zacatecas, Mexico, on my ranch with my children, eating healthy natural foods, traveling, and my church family. I always lived a peaceful life of gratitude."

Connection to Nature

- Ranch Life

- Emilia grew up on a beautiful ranch filled with various animals, developing a deep love for nature and horseback riding. Everything on the farm was organic and natural, reflecting her lifelong commitment to a wholesome and vibrant way of life.

- Family Activities

- Some of her favorite activities with her children included gardening, cooking a variety of delectable foods, and caring for their many beloved farm animals.

Family Legacy

- Blessed with Generations

- Emilia was blessed with five generations of grandchildren, who were a source of immense joy and pride for her. Her loving spirit and warm heart have left an enduring legacy in the lives of those she touched.

2025: A Lasting Impact

- Passed away at the age of 102

- Emilia leaves behind her cherished children—Francisca, Rafael, Julio, Pedro, Emilia, Manuela, Celia, Jesus, Eligio, Maria and Nela—along with two surviving siblings, Manuela (Mela) and Guillermo Banuelos.

She is now rejoicing in heaven with her parents, husband and children; Antonia, Eusebio,Santos and Alfredo Rojas.

Remembered for her Spirit

- A woman of remarkable resilience and kindness, Emilia's life spanned over a century, during which she witnessed monumental changes in Mexico and the U.S. and left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Love and Community

- Unwavering Dedication

- Emilia will be remembered for her unwavering love, her strength, and her dedication to family. Her warmth and kindness made her a beloved figure in her community, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life

A celebration of Emilia's life will be held. Family and friends are welcome to join us in honoring her memory and sharing stories of her remarkable life. Rest in peace, dear Emilia.