Emma Barraza Medrano

1932 - 2013

Emma Barraza Medrano 1932 - 2013 Our dear Emma was called home to her Lord and savior on January 5, 2013 in Bakersfield, California. Born on February 22, 1932 in Ojai, California to Federico "Tata" and Maria "Nana" Barraza, Emma lived most of her life in Ventura County. On September 13, 1950, Emma married Ruben Medrano of Santa Paula where they lived and raised a family for many decades. After working 32 years and retiring as a bilingual instructor-aide (her life's passion was to love the children) with the Santa Paula and Fillmore School Districts, Emma and Ruben moved to Bakersfield in 2004. Emma lived a very pure life of loving God, devoting herself to her family and faithfully attending and serving her church. There was nothing she wished to talk about more than her faith in God, her love for her family, and her dedication to the church. If ever you stepped into Emma's home, the television was always on a Christian channel, the radio was playing praise and worship music, and Emma was singing along. She loved to sing praises to God, whether she was alone or had a house full of people. Emma faced many heartbreaking tragedies in this life, including losing three of her own children, but never swayed in her faith. Her loving, caring, compassionate ways never wavered as she went on to live a faithfilled life for all of her days. Setting a Christ-like example for those around her, Emma left behind a legacy of faith and love. She was a strong woman, enduring much in this life, who taught us all to stay close to God and trust in Him no matter what comes our way. Ruben, Emma's husband, also passed away peacefully on January 14, 2013, just 9 days after Emma's passing. They are now reunited and in the presence of their Lord. Emma was a devoted mother to Eddie Medrano (wife Jeanette), David Medrano (wife Joni), Karen McConaghy (husband Tim), and predeceased children Ruben Medrano Jr., Danny Medrano, and Debra Medrano Voshall. Emma was the most loving grandmother and great grandmother to 20 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Emma was a loving sibling to Arthur Barraza, Lily Mordacini, Sally Fontes, Lizzy Hiebert, Ben Barraza, Vincent Barraza, Marilyn Ramos, Danny Barraza, Gilbert Barraza, and predeceased brother Freddie Barraza. She had numerous nephews and nieces as well. Services for both Emma and Ruben will be held Saturday, January 19, at Bethany Ministries, 1200 Baker Street, Bakersfield. Viewing from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. with celebration of life services starting 1:00 p.m. Reception following www.bakersfield.com/obits