Diana Michelle Sandoval

Diana “DiDi” Michelle Sandoval passed away on July 28, 2015 in Houston, Texas, surrounded by those she held dear. Diana was born on June 30, 1981 in Hobbs, New Mexico to proud parents Lehman and Susie Sandoval. She grew up in Hobbs, graduating from Hobbs High School in 1999, and earned her Associates degree from New Mexico Junior College in 2001. She continued her education at Texas Tech University in Lubbock TX, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. Diana moved back to Hobbs in 2005 to make an impact in the community, bringing her passion to youth and adolescent programs.

As a child, Diana was very active in sports including soccer, volleyball, basketball and her favorite, softball. She always looked forward to the next camping adventure with her family. As an adult, her adventurous spirit was on display through cooking, dancing, and outdoor activities. Her dedication to others was inspirational and expressed through her work to bring strength and stability to the lives of small children and adolescents. Outside of her professional career in social work, she was a committed volunteer for the American Red Cross.

One of Diana’s greatest accomplishments was confronting and winning a tough battle with leukemia, which began in June 2013. She was diagnosed as cancer-free prior to undergoing a stem-cell transplant in November 2013.

Diana made countless situations better with her untameable wit and humor. Diana will be remembered for her strong spirit, her loving and selfless personality, her faith in God, and the unconditional love she shared with her family and friends.

Diana is survived by her Father and Mother, Lehman and Susie Sandoval; her sister and brothers, Cristina and Michael Sandoval, Thomas Smyrski, and Ryan Reforada; nieces and nephew Estee, Sofie and Luca Sandoval-Smyrski; very special aunt and uncle Nina and Tito Betancur; godparents Tom and Char Sandoval, her best friends Annie Dunnigan and Angela Garcia; her godchildren J.J. Reza and Xady Garcia; and many close relatives and friends that brought such joy and depth to her life.

Diana was preceded in death by her Grandparents Jesus and Mamie Lopez and Joseph and Marjorie Sandoval. The family would like to thank the staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center and University Medical Center for their care and dedication to Diana’s well-being. They'd also like to express their gratitude to all of Diana's friends and members of the community for their generous support throughout her journey.

Services will be held Friday, August 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Hobbs First Assembly at 800 W Bender in Hobbs, NM. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to contribute to her memorial fund at gofundme.com/sandoval.