Emilia (Milonga) Cline, age 104, passed on to a better place on January 10, 2026.

Emilia was born in Los Angeles, California on November 29, 1921. She was one of ten children born to Mariano and Emilia Escalante of the famous Escalante Brothers Circus. As a child, Emilia toured with her family circus. Later she went on to tour with various circuses. While touring with the Clyde Beatty Circus, she met her future husband, John H. Cline II. In the summer of 1971, they moved from California to Lakeland. Emelia retired from show business to pursue her life-long ambition of becoming a school teacher. She worked in the Polk County School District as a bilingual aide while pursuing her degree in education, and later as an elementary school teacher. Emilia is predeceased by her spouse, John H. Cline II; her son, Phillip J. Cline; and her daughter-in-law, Rebecca Cline (John). She is survived by her daughter Kathleen Huebing (Gary); son, John H. Cline, III; daughter-in-law, Brenda Cline (Phillip), 4 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Burial Park on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 1pm.