Diana Lynn Baten

It is with a heavy heart of lament that we recognize the passing of Diana Lynn Spencer Baten on December 26th, 2025. Diana was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 13th, 1970, to John William and Dana Gayle (Dizik) Spencer. She was a sister to four older brothers: Robert, Jeffrey, John (deceased), and Richard.

They resided together in Birmingham, MI where Diana graduated from Seaholm High School. She participated in high school and Intermural sporting activities. Family boating trips and water-related (scuba) activities were also part of her youth.

Diana furthered her education at Western Michigan University where she accomplished a Majors Degree in Communication specializing in Telecommunications and Minoring in Japanese. She attended a work study program in Japan for one year through Lansing Community College.

After her education, she became an immensely proud, loving and caring parent to her son, Andrew Baten whom she shared with her former husband William Baten. Diana took on an occupation as a server and manager in the Northern Michigan food service industry at locations including Boyne Mountain, Staffords One Water Street, Boyne River Inn, Charlevoix Country Club, Merry Makers Wedding Planners and other locations. She was a wine sales representative for A.H.D. Vintners and NWS of Michigan. Diana was also a licensed insurance producer for State Farm. Prior to passing, she was pursuing a degree from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts as well as working for Road Runner Waste Management and Recycling, a nationwide eco-friendly company.

For the past several years, she shared companionship with Don Groeneveld, his children Anthony and Amanda (Groeneveld) Serafano and two grandchildren Cecilia and Julian. Diana provided a nurturing love for all whom she connected with. She embraced the happiness of being a parent and best friend to her son Andrew. She found great joy in activities that included extended family with nephews, nieces, her Godchild, as well as her companion’s family to engage with.

Diana had a very active and diverse approach to absorbing comfort and pleasure. In Fine Dining, a great rare N.Y. Strip Steak, Filet, Rack of Lamb, or Duck Breast. High level Sushi being her favorite. In Sporting Events she was up to watching them in person or televised; Lions, Tigers, and Spartans, oh my!!! In Concerts there were too many to list! She didn’t miss any that she wanted to attend. On travelling, in state, out of state, or internationally, she enjoyed it. She also loved convertible rides and throwing her hands in the air while riding. In Leisure, she enjoyed a Sunday morning cup of coffee served to her in bed, lakeshore strolls or shell picking at the ocean were also favorites. A beautiful waterfall or the mystery in a cave were intriguing to her. Sunny days in pursuit of the next field of sunflowers warmed her heart.

Diana expressed her heartfelt passion for baking, with her warm, from the oven, scrumptious cookies. Not many made it to the cooling rack. She also produced a beyond compare assortment of specialty cheesecakes. She demanded them to set up overnight before releasing the springform abundance of flavor variations.

A note of reflection: Diana will be fondly remembered for the glisten in her eyes, captivating smile, and pleasant warmth of being in her presence. A quote (Abraham Lincoln) that represents her: “It’s not the years in your life that count…it’s the life in your years.” In number they were few…In quality they were abundant. Thank you for sharing every precious moment with all of us!!!

A message of closure: Although the tears of us you left will be many…let us together find peace in knowing that you will not have to shed any again. Please let our heartfelt love keep you resting with peace forevermore in the arms of our creator.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 21 at the Bridge Street Tap Room, Charlevoix, beginning at 2 p.m., lasting a few hours.  

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.