Ermalinda (Deleon) Acuna was born in San Antonio Texas to Maria B. Deleon and Anarbol Deleon. Erma was the 6th of 8 children: Antonio (Sheran), Harry (Antoinette), Henry (Cheryl), Ezekiel (Lea), Francisco (Celia), Richard, and Stella (Vic).
The family was part of a group of migrant field workers who traveled the U.S. following different crop seasons. The family came from Texas to California, and settled in Bakersfield in 1956. Erma attended Casa Loma Elementary School, Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Foothill High school. She had several jobs working as a cook, cashier, secretary and teacher assistant.
Erma's biggest task was raising her six children with the help of family and long time friends, while often working full-time.
Erma enjoyed listening to music (tex-mex), dancing, watching her favorite TV shows, her plants, and cooking. She loved her children and made it her life mission to do the best she could to raise them.
Erma married Rafael Acuna Tapia in 2004. After helping care for her grandchildren, Erma's two dogs, Tanner and Spotty, would keep her company.
Erma is survived by her six children: Jorge, Elizabeth, Michelle, Jenee, Stephanie, and Jose, 23 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.
Erma is preceded in death by her parents, Maria B. DeLeon, and Anarbol DeLeon, brother, Richard DeLeon, Sister, Stella DeLeon, and grandchildren, Julian Mendoza and Christopher Estrada.
