Kayla Hope Hamilton, 26, of Republic, MO passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Barnes-Jewish hospital. She was born on Monday, May 6, 1996 in Houston, MO to Martin Hamilton and Erika Compton.

Kayla had a college degree as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant and absolutely loved the kids and teaching. She was loved by so many people and could light up a room with her smile. Some of her favorite things in the world were her dog, Corona, her boyfriend Ryan, her best friends Bree and Sam as well as other friends and family. Kayla enjoyed going to the lake during the summer and doing all types of creative things. Her laugh was infectious and she had such a free spirit, goofy personality and the biggest heart ever. Kayla will be missed more than words can even fathom.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Elmer Compton and her step-grandfather Brady Berry.

Kayla is survived by her mother Erika Berry (husband Michael), one sister Jasmine Key, her boyfriend Ryan Woodruff, one step-daughter Rylynn Woodruff, two best friends Brianna Bell and Samantha Hoefgen, two step-sisters Trina Hoag and Tonya Jones, one step-brother Michael Berry, her two grandma's Patsy Compton and Jeanetta Sanders, two uncles Rodney Harrison and Jimmy Underwood, two aunts Debbie Spencer and Kimberly Wilson and seven nieces and nephews Everly, Kailey, Jacob, Landon, Logan, Isaac and Alanna.

Following cremation, Celebration of Life services will be held from 6-8 PM on Friday, March 17, 2023 at the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, MO 65804. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family in the form of love offerings. Online condolences can be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com