Emilia Manuelita Gonzales, 81, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away, Monday, March 11th, at her residence.

Emilia was born in Mora, NM on December 4, 1937, a daughter of the late Maria Victoria (Pacheco) and Jose Enrique Lopez.

She was the widow of Jesus Gregorio Gonzales, they were married on May 10, 1963 in Rocky Ford, CO.

She was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church, Rocky Ford, CO.

Our mother, Emilia was a very hard working individual. She knew the struggles and tribulations of raising a large family with limited resources.

Mom was not afraid to work along side our dad on our small farm; to bring in the harvest and caring for the animals.   Â

She taught her children to never give up; to follow our dreams, and to dust our selves off when we fell.

She was not afraid to put the fear in us when we missed behaved either.

Mom was a spiritual woman. Her patron saint was Santo Niño de Atocha and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

She loved to garden; her flowers were so beautiful and amazing. She can make weeds look like gorgeous flowers. She had a green thumb.

She was famous for her prune pies. Her large flour tortillas were delicious with every meal she made especially with green chili. Â

She will be greatly missed by all.Â

She is survived by:

Daughter Cindy Rodriguez, of Rocky Ford, CO;

Son Vince (Lisa Vigil) Gonzales, of Rocky Ford, CO;

Son Henry Gonzales, of Garden City, KS;

Daughter Vicky (Anthony) Gallegos, of La Junta, CO;

Son Tony Gonzales, of Rocky Ford, CO;

Son Caesar Gonzales, of Wichita, KS;

Son Brian Rodriguez, of Rocky Ford, CO;

Sister Cedalia Gonzales, of La Junta, CO;

Brother Jose Lopez, of Manzanola, CO.

She is also survived by Grandchildren: Vince Padilla, Vince Gonzales, Jr., Isaac Gonzales, Crystal Blea, Shanya Gonzales, Samson Gonzales, Sara (Allen) Stoeberl, Ezekiel Gallegos, Aurora (Aaron) Hernandez, Jesse Gonzales, Aiyanna Gonzales, Alexandria Gonzales, Julian Gonzales, Tierra Martinez, Frank Vigil, Amber Martinez and numerous Great - Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Grand - Daughter: Jessica M. Gonzales and a Great - Grandson Joshua Gonzales; Sister: Elosia Vigil, Susie Espinoza, Lydia Vigil and Flora Gallegos; Brother: Henry Lopez, Jr.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.