Donna Mae (Norcutt-Schaffer) Gabica passed away peacefully on March 19, 2021 in Winnemucca, Nevada.
Donna was born in Fallon, Nevada on May 26, 1938 and was raised there until she graduated from High School.
Donna then adventured to Winnemucca, Nevada marrying her first husband Jim Schaffer and having two boys, Blane and Brian (Burr) Schaffer.
Donna had a love for cooking for all the people at the surrounding ranches; this is when she met her second husband Raymond Gabica.
Donna and Raymond first started out ranching near Gerlach, Nevada and eventually buying their own ranch where they spent many happy years.
After they sold their ranch near Gerlach, they purchased their own property in Paradise Ranchos Estates that would be their dream home.
Donna took a job for the Humboldt County Road Crew, cooking for all the workers in a portable cook shack when out on the remote country roads. She also made many delicious meals at her base camp at Sage Heights Maintenance Station when not out in the backcountry.
Donna and Raymond then moved from their beloved place that they shared in Paradise Ranchos for 23 years to their cozy home in Winnemucca in 2002.
Donna and Raymond spent their years in Winnemucca until Raymond's passing in 2010 and where Donna continued to live until her passing.
She spent her life working with cattle, sheep and many other animals. She enjoyed having her pets, like a bobcat, raising a fawn named Bambi, barn cats, turtles, rabbits, fish, George her beloved parrot, and also loving her mom, Helen’s pet skunk.
She loved all animals and had a very special place in her heart for every bird that fell out of the nest, every homeless critter and especially her pet dogs that she rescued over the last decade.
She loved to collect rusty treasures, dated antiques, and had an amazing collection of rocks, all with that special touch of decorating that you have seen in Donna's house and yards.
Donna is proceeded in death by her love of many years, Raymond Gabica; parents, Helen (Bolton-Norcutt) Geiger, Darrell and step-mother, Barbara Norcutt.
Donna is survived by her two sons, Blane (June) Schaffer of Silver Lake, Oregon, Burr (Joan) Schaffer of Winnemucca, Nevada, grandchildren, Bodrie (Erin) Schaffer, Colleen (Sam) Patterson all of Winnemucca, Nevada, grandchildren Tara (Laramie) Coker of Glenrock, Wyoming and Ty (Liz) Schaffer of Lakeview, Oregon.
As well as her precious great-grandchildren Logan, Lilli, Kaycee, Finn, Gunner and Ellie Mae.
She is also survived by her brother Ray (Alice) Norcutt, nephews Rick (Letty) Norcutt, Terry (Kathy) Norcutt, great-niece Jessica, great-nephew Quinn, step-sons Joe (Ann) Gabica, Raymond Jr. and many more wonderful family members and friends.
Donna was a strong willed and self-sufficient woman.
We will be respecting her request that her remains be cremated, her ashes spread overlooking her beloved Paradise Ranchos and a private ceremony held at a later date.
For those who wish to make donations, the family requests that donations in memory of Donna, be made to the charity of their choice.
