Diana Michelle Tarter-Hamlet

Diana Michelle Tarter-Hamlet passed away at home on June 4, 2023. Diana was born October 23, 2001. She was eager to enter this world, and was born at 26 weeks gestation, only weighing 2 lbs. She was a fighter from birth and defied the odds and grew into an amazing young woman. Diana suffered from Cerebral Palsy as a result of her early birth. Through physical therapy, medical miracles, and determination she was able to keep up with the best of us. Diana met her forever parents at Camp Barnabas. She began her life as a Tarter-Hamlet when she was 9 years old.
She is survived by her parents Clay and Tina Hamlet of Ozark MO. She was engaged to the love of her life, Robert Vanvleet of Springfield MO. Other loving family members include her grandfather, Don Tarter of Joplin MO; aunts and uncles Todd and Shelly Tarter, Joplin MO; Kevin and Betzi Tarter, Naples FL; and Grant and Sheila Hamlet, Salem MO. She is survived by cousins Mark and Dana Hanson, Henderson NV; Matt, Kristyn, Liam and Killian Poleski, Henderson NV; Kyle and Jessica Hanson, Islip NY; Keith, Ashley and Lily Hanson, LasVegas NV; Kristopher and Rachel Hanson, LasVegas NV; Jesse and Emily Brower, Joplin MO; Lexi Tarter, Rosemary Beach FL; Alayna Tarter, Lawrence KS; Jacob, Laura, Abigail, and Mikayla Hamlet, Rolla MO; Josh, Erica, Taylor, Brody and Boden Lehman, Mt. Pleasant IA. Diana was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Billie Tarter, paternal grandparents Joyce and Tedd Hamlet, and her aunt Kim VandeVelde.
Diana met her forever parents at Camp Barnabas where Tina was a volunteer. Diana loved camp where she made friends and experienced outdoor activities despite her disability. She especially liked to wear costumes to the parties, shoot guns and make campfire s'mores.
Diana attended Schweitzer Church and loved being involved in the children and youth groups. She graduated from Glendale High School in 2020. One of Diana's greatest loves was playing baseball with the Miracle League. She played for many years on the Royals team and cherished her coaches and teammates. While playing baseball she met and became fast friends with many of the young women on the Drury softball team. They loved Diana so much they invited her to be their bat girl.
Diana was a volunteer at Cox Medical Center South. She worked in the Dietary Department and logged in so many hours that she earned the Presidential Award. Before her death Diana was working for Starbucks as a barista where she was the assistant manager.
Diana's final resting place will be at the Park Cemetery, Columbus KS. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved Gram and Grandad Hamlet.
A memorial service will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 1:00, visitation will follow the service at Greenlawn East from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m..
If you would like to make a donation in Diana's memory, the family has asked that you please consider donating to The Miracle League. Their address is listed below.
Miracle League Office
305 E. Talmage
Springfield, MO 65803
If another method of donation is preferred, please call the office at 417-837-5808.