Silvia Marina Delacruz, 48, was born in Guatemala on January 18, 1972 in a small room next to a stable as a premature baby. Dahlia as the family and close friends called her, entered Heaven’s gates July 23, 2020.

Silvia grew to be a happy and adventurous little girl with a heart of gold. She learned to be happy with the little she had and even though she did not have much, she loved to give and share what she had. She was very studious, devoted not only to her studies but also devoted to reading her bible daily. She enjoyed reading the bible and won many contests at church because of her ability to quote and memorize scripture. She inspired many to be successful and encouraged those around to believe in themselves and work hard to reach their goals. One of her biggest dreams was to learn to speak English. Her dream came true when she graduated as a Bilingual Secretary in a small town in Santa Lucia, Escuintla, Guatemala.

She continued working hard and obtained a full scholarship to continue her studies in Portland, OR. We could see God’s grace and favor upon her life as she continued being faithful. As we saw Silvia succeed in life, her kindness was made known and she began to be a blessing to the family and friends. She graduated and obtained an Associate’s degree in Food Science Technology. During that time she met her soulmate and beloved husband Polo Delacruz also a native from Guatemala and married August 24, 1996 after completing her degree.

A few years later she got a job transfer to Topeka, KS where she worked at Reser’s Fine Foods in the HR Department putting to practice her excellent bilingual/interpreting skills.

In the year of 2003, Silvia and her husband Polo received a calling to serve at El Encuentro Church, currently located at 2054 SE California Ave. El Encuentro is Spanish for “The Encounter” where she served as a Pastor.

There is so much that can be shared about Silvia’s life and accomplishments. She was someone to look up to. She was a friend, daughter, sister, aunty, mother, wife and spiritual mother to many. She was a woman of integrity, anyone who knew her will say they were so honored and blessed to have known her. She brought life, love and lots of laughter everywhere she went. She loved gardening and planting her own flowers, shopping, traveling and dressing up. She was a humble and kind soul. She enjoyed baking delicious 3-milk cakes for family birthdays, cooking, preparing meals for family and friends and hosting parties specially for the holidays. She loved people! She always made time for the family. The family activities and get-togethers won’t be the same without her joy, and contagious laughter!

Silvia touched so many lives with her genuine Christ-like love and compassion, her strong faith, her passionate love for Christ, her selfless care and service for others, and let’s not forget her beautiful smile and great sense of humor. Silvia was a God’s sent! She loved to sing and worship God, she even wrote her own worship songs and recorded a CD, Gracias por Amarme (Thanks for loving me). She would prophesy and speak God’s word into many lives she prayed for them. God’s glory did shine all over her and will continue to shine through all the hearts she touched as we continue with her legacy.

In addition to her husband, other survivors include four children: Joshua, 19; Jonathan, 16; Sarah, 15; and Isaac, 12. Her mother and Father Marina Rosales and Adalberto Barrios, her siblings, Zandra Velasquez, Rosalva Barrios de Garcia, Jorge Barrios, Gioheldi Barrios, Oswaldo Osbeli Barrios, Gelman Alfredo Barrios. Her much loved nieces and nephews, church congregation and a number of other relatives and friends.


Her family would like to extend their gratitude to those who have contributed and blessed the family with your support through this painful process.

Silvia – Even though you lost your fight against this sickness, in life you were more than a winner, you were a conqueror!! For we know that for you to live was Christ, and now to die is gain (Philippians 1:20) You will be greatly missed, have a great time in Heaven our angel.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2020 at Light of the World Christian Center, 3301 S.W. Gage Blvd. A family visitation will precede the service from 9 to 11 a.m. Those attending are asked to wear white clothing and face masks at the service, while also practicing social distancing.

John 11:25–26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

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