Disney Raquel Gamboa: ‘Her love and laughter and smile will never be forgotten.’
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Disney Raquel Gamboa Sept 7, 1991 – Oct 20, 2025
Disney Raquel Gamboa was born September 7, 1991 in Laguna Hills, CA to Vince Gamboa and Lisa Krejci (biological mother). Disney’s light went out on October 20, 2025 in Decatur, TX where she had most recently lived.
Her namesake of Disney Raquel was given by her Dad as he wanted the imagination of Walt Disney and the beauty of Raquel Welch. There could not have been a better name for this beautiful girl she had a BIG imagination, and her beauty was astounding inside and out.
Disney lived a complicated life of her childhood with her mother in Utah. Her Dad never gave up fighting for her, and at the age of 8 years old, she moved to Fortuna, CA where a new happy life began with her Dad and stepmother Lisa (Sarvinski) Gamboa
Disney attended Toddy Thomas Elementary and graduated from Fortuna High School with honors. She was brilliant, loved to read and was naturally artistically talented. But the one thing everyone loved about her, was her smile. When you met her, you were instantly her friend, and she had a lot of friends. Her love and laughter and smile will never be forgotten
She played softball in her youth and also in high school and could run the based in the blink of an eye. She also played basketball and we were actually afraid her speedy legs would not stop in time on the basketball court. She loved cheerleading, dancing and proudly bragged that her Dad was the DJ for most of her school functions. She was happy with all her friends and family.
After graduation she moved to Oklahoma and Texas where she remained until her passing. She met and fell in love with Anthony Paravi and together they endured many adventures. Whether it was working at a Country Club,, creating beautiful concrete designs with Anthony and even driving a school bus, she did it all.
As she grew older, mental illness surfaced and memories of her young childhood complicated her Life. Many friends and family tried reaching out to get her help, but she was a survivor and thought shou could handle it on her own.
Her dog Buddy became her life. Everything revolved around her love for the little dog. When Buddy passed, Disney’s life was in turmoil. It was very hard for her and her mental illness was increasing at a level to difficult for her. Disney will always be loved by everyone who knew her, and there will be a place in everyone’s heart for her.
Disney is survived by her father and mother Vince Gamboa and Lisa (Sarvinski) Gamboa. Her sister Allison (Thomas) Winkelman and six nieces and nephews. Big Brother Jared Dabe, and her sidekick little brother Vincent Gamboa She is also survived by her Godparents, Buzz and Julie Sarvinski. We would like to thank the entire Sarvinski family for accepting and loving her unconditionally. She loved you all. Thank you to her cousins, Bo, Josh and Travis for having so much fun with her, she loved it. Aunt Liz Gamboa (Atava), Uncle Chris Gamboa, (Rico) and many Corral and Gamboa, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Her Texas family Anthony Paravia and his mother Carolyn Paravia, thank you for helping her so much.
She is predeceased by her Grandparents, Vince and Jovita Gamboa. Great Grandma Marguerite. Grandmother Mildred Sarvinski, Aunt Lottie Luke, Uncle Galen Sarvinski, Uncle Ron and Aunt Linda (ChaCha) Doebel, whm all had an impact on her life. And of course her dog Buddy.
There will be a beautiful memorial for Disney in Humboldt County in the spring of 2026 at the beginning of softball season. Please make donations in her name, Disney Raquel Gamboa, to a mental health organization or your favorite animal shelter.
An angel and her dog will be at peace, nor more suffering, baby girl. And as she would say “peace out” – We love you!

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Very sad. Condolences to her family and loved ones.
I am so sorry for your loss. As a father I cannot even begin to understand the grief you must be feeling. Just remember that you have a whole community of people to turn to.
A wonderful tribute to a beautiful person. Childhood trauma resurfaces for many of us and can take us down so easily no matter who we are or how strong we’d like to be – please be there for each other, be patient and kind to strangers as we never know what folks have been through, and spend time actively loving yourself. Much respect.
Sucks. I have a family member w mental health issues. She means everything to me. It feels so out of control at times but I keep at it. My condolences go out to anyone who tried to help this woman. It’s a tough battle. Life dishes out some real curve balls. Love and light to everyone in the struggle.