Diana Marie Barrett of Sedalia, Missouri passed away at Boone Hospital in Columbia, MO, on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Diana was born on May 16, 1943, in Bevier, MO, the daughter of Floyd Ben Smith and Gladys Lucille (Kilgore) Smith of Macon.
Diana graduated from Macon High School in 1961. She went on to North Kansas City Beauty School after graduating.
Diana was united in marriage to James Wills on June 2, 1962. They made their home in Independence, Missouri, for 20 years. To that union they added a daughter, Jackie Renae.
In 1991, Diana united in marriage to Gary Barrett. They made their home in many Missouri townships, including Warsaw. To this union no children were born.
Diana began her working career as a beautician in Independence, Missouri. She then spent many years as a stay-at-home wife and mother, participating as a Girl Scout Den Mother, PTO committee member, and Vacation Bible School teacher. Diana went back to work in 1982 as a waitress in a few North Kansas City and Gladstone area restaurants. She was employed for 10 years at the KCI Airport as a TSA. She retired from Bothwell Regional Health Care after 10 years of service. Diane had a great work ethic and supported her husband through his retirement and many health crises.
Diana was a member of the Women’s Bowling League of Independence at the Blue Ridge Alley’s, CB club, and Square Dance Club (Country Squares).
Diana’s interests and hobbies included playing cards, crocheting, sewing, going to wrestling matches in the 80’s, and spending time with her family at the lake.
Diana had a sense of humor and loved to joke and have a good time.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Lucille Smith, and her sister, Judy (Smith) Olinger.
Diana leaves behind her husband of 33 years, Gary Barrett, her daughter, Jackie Dankert-Carnes and her husband Patrick Carnes of Iowa, 6 grandchildren,13 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, 3 nieces, 2 nephews, and many family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Atlantic Thunder Special Olympics in the memory of Diana Barrett to support her grandson, Nicholas Dankert, an individual with Down Syndrome, as he continues to enjoy competing with his teammates in bowling, basketball, and football.
Please send donations to P.O. Box 157, Griswold, Iowa, 51535.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 E. Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences can be shared with the family www.millardfamilychapels.com.
