MY HUSBAND,BEN, WAS BURIED FROM GRUERIO FUNERAL HOME IN APRIL, 2012. TONI, JUDE AND THEIR STAFF DID A MAGNIFICENT JOB. I WOULD RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE WANTING A DIGNIFIED AND WELL PUT TOGETHER FUNERAL FOR THEIR LOVE ONES. - (JOANNE KINSLEY)
My fathers services were as nice as it couldve been with this provider. The employees wore nice suits with white gloves and were meticulous with ushering the family hurriedly through the services and into the waiting cars. My fathers obituary was butchered and when we tried to have it corrected at 8:00 pm after it was published on the website, we were told it was too late and Ms Buggs rudely said she could not send in the correction to the local paper because it would cost money, even though I offered to pay for it. My fathers name is Charles but it read "Clarence" on the obituary. My sons name was misspelled. Other family members names were changed even though we tried do have everything corrected before it went to print, it was unsuccessful. The obituaries that were handed out at the funeral had my fathers name as Clarence too. We weren't allowed to mingle and talk with family and friends who had driven 6 hours or more to pay respect, because they ushered us straight from the cars to our seats, then began the service. I don't care about the nice suits they wore or the limos they allowed us to ride in. My father and my family was disrespected with all the mistakes. It was just too much. I give them 1 star because they did a fine job making my daddy look nice. - (Sweet_mom)
My father passed in July. When the funeral home directors came to collect his remains, I informed them that I – as next of kin – should be consulted regarding the arrangements, as opposed to my stepsister. The following day my husband and I went to the funeral home to finalize arrangements for my father’s services. The director assigned to us, Andrew Emerson, told us that my stepsister had the authority, through legal documents, to make all the decisions regarding my father’s services. After having been asked to produce those papers, he consulted with his supervisor and returned with a Durable Power of Attorney appointing my stepsister as my father’s agent. He told us that his supervisor reviewed the document, and the document did NOT apply to the funeral arrangements. (The document includes “However, the POA ceases at the moment of the death of the principal.”)
All through the discussion regarding the arrangements, Mr. Emerson kept referring to my stepsister. I told him very clearly that what my stepsister had proposed had no bearing on the matter, and further, that my stepsister’s family should make arrangements for a separate memorial service, because the funeral was to be a quiet remembrance for my father’s biological family and friends. Mr. Emerson offered to contact my stepsister regarding my wishes, and I accepted.
The following day I spoke with Mr. Emerson. He told me he had contacted my stepsister and that she understood the arrangements were out of her hands, and that my stepsister said her family would be attending the funeral. I informed Mr. Emerson that attendance was unacceptable, and that I would inform my stepsister personally so that the information would be accurately conveyed. I left a very clear message on my stepsister’s voicemail that the funeral was for my father’s biological family and friends, and suggested that my stepsister’s family conduct a separate memorial service. In that way, she could have total control over the arrangements at her services, and there would not be any drama at my father’s funeral. I know my stepsister received the information, because her niece commented on the matter to my son via Facebook.
When the pastor I selected as officiate came to visit, he told me he had visited with my stepsister regarding the services. Why my stepsister was informed of my choice of officiate is beyond my understanding. Throughout our conversation, it became clear that my stepsister had given him information regarding the relationship between her and me that was irrelevant to the situation. In the end, the eulogy revolved around my stepsister’s family, and the pastor stumbled awkwardly over the information I provided to give comfort to my aunts and uncles. This would not have happened had the funeral home not provided information to my stepsister.
When my family and I arrived at the funeral home the day of the services, I found the chapel full of items brought by my stepsister. I informed Mr. Emerson that most of those items were to be removed. At that point, Mr. Emerson informed me that my stepsister’s family would be attending the services. Another employee of the funeral home inserted herself into the conversation and told me I could not pick and choose who could attend the funeral, because I didn’t specify that the services were to be private. At no point during the planning stage did anyone at the funeral home advise me of the possibility of making the services private! Next, Mr. Emerson told me three persons would be delivering tributes to my father. This was the first time I had been informed of this decision.
At the end of the services, I had planned to announce that friends and family were welcome to attend a dinner in my father’s honor at a local restaurant. Because of all the last minute surprises, I was at a loss for how to make the announcement, and there was confusion on the part of the pastor and Mr. Emerson as to who was to make the announcement. As a result, there were twelve people attending an affair arranged for 40 people. Due to the circumstances, it was necessary for me to pay as though all 40 were in attendance. (The restaurant did give me a slight discount due to the lack of attendees.)
The appreciation cards provided for mailing after the services referenced only “friends” – nothing about family. I was not consulted on the selection of sentiments in the card.
I believe funeral home put my stepsister’s wishes above mine because the president of the company (although now deceased?) used to be a neighbor of my stepsister, and his daughter, who also works at the company, was a playmate of my stepsister when she was young.
- (kll)
I am writing on behalf of the family of deceased, Larry S Edwards.
I came to Chicago, from Ohio, to attend the funeral of Larry Edwards. I accompanied my family to your facility to help with the arrangements for Larry's funeral, on several occasions.
I just wanted to tell you how impressed we were with the professionalism of your entire staff. With so much involved with the loss of a loved one and then having to plan a funeral, it was so comforting to walk into your offices and leave feeling as if the funeral was one less thing we had to stress about. We felt that Gatlings would take care of not only our loved one, but our family as well. The staff at Gatlings did exactly that.
Your drivers were always on time and courteous. Your entire staff were extremely well dressed. Your facility was immaculate and all of your workers were very well organized. They were also very patient, especially at the end of the funeral when everyone was saying their goodbyes to loved ones, your driver said for us to take as long as we needed. Your drivers assisted everyone in and out of the cars, they drove as if they were carrying precious cargo. We never felt rushed or as though we were an inconvenience in any way.
Your office staff were extremely patient with my family members. We made several changes to the obituary after the draft had been printed. Your staff continually told us, 'We are here to do whatever you need, we'll take care of you.'
Our loved one, Larry Edwards, had been very sick for a very long time. When we viewed the body, everyone kept saying how peaceful he looked and what a wonderful job Gatlings had done.
We cannot thank you enough for taking care of our loved one and our family.
By the time our experience with Gatlings came to an end, we felt as though we had gained a new family.
Please share this letter with your employees. I want them to know how very much they are appreciated.
The family of Larry S. Edwards - (The family of Larry Edwards)
Adams Funeral Home did my husband's funeral. It was beautiful, and I greatly appreciate all the extras they did to make it perfect.
Thank you, Mark, and thanks to your employees.
Millie M. West - (Millie West)
Chris and Suzy Biecker who own M-C are the most caring and compassionate people I have ever been blessed to meet. I walked into M-C the day after my husband passed away unexpectedly and was met by Chris, who helped my son and I through everything. In the short three days between meeting Chris to the day we buried my husband, I can honestly say that I came to love these people. The service they provide is not just a job to them or a source of income... they do it because they care and want to make this process as easy as possible for the family. I urge anyone whose time it comes to deal with having to make funeral arrangements for a loved one to go to M-C... there is no way to make grief an easy experience to go through, but folks like Chris and Suzy and their staff help so much to make it bearable. - (Dawn McCall)
To Valencia and Terrance Moore and family,
Our family extend our deepest condolences to you all. We know this is a difficult time for you, but have hope and faith in the beautiful promise OUR CREATOR has given to us. Revelations 21:3,4 - (Lolita Patterson + Family)
Don't use them. They have been promising my infant daughter's cremated remains for more than 2 weeks and either don't return calls or promise to call and don't... I took time off of work hoping that I would have her remains before going back based.on their time frame to better cope with the loss and now its time for me to go back..... They were quick to cash the check though!! - (JM)
The funeral home was great but I would not use the florist link on this page to FloristOne. They never delivered the flowers to this funeral home and they never delivered the flowers to the family's home after I called and told them they weren't delivered. - (Heather)
This funeral home sucks! I paid too much for a cremation here ($1695) and found out I overpaid by almost a $1000. What bothers me the most is the lack of compassion Barry Brewer has. It seemed like it was just business without any heart. The whole funeral home smelled so bad the first time I walked in there that I could hardly breathe. Do yourself a favor and find a different funeral home, because this one is just awful. Overpriced, not compassionate at all and smells horrible. - (Sara)
I have tried for days to sign a guestbook for my friend
that passed away. I have gone to every site available
and Slay Memorial Funeral Ctr. has no such guestbook
available. I called and the director said he would take my
name and give to the family. - (Corinne)
Mr. Rodney Gibbs, the Director and his staff, were extremely respectful, understanding, and accommodating. I was so impressed by their professionalism, and their efficiency. In today's society, it is a blessing, to have someone treat your unfortunate circumstance with respect and regard, and not as another dollar sign. Thank You Mr. Gibbs,and your staff!! - (Linda Rollieson)
I am gracious and relieved by the services that you rendered to my family during the passing of my beloved sister Elnora Finney. Thank you seems so little; nevertheless, I could not let this opportunity pass without saying we appreciate your caring touch, which made it easier for us. We were pleased!
We will recommend your services to anyone in need your quality service.
- (Betty Rice Easley)
When asking Mrs. Cranston a question about my lost loved one, she responded to me, "You people need to get a grip!" Regardless of how many times I had contacted them, (three times in three days) this is NOT something I should hear from a funeral home employee. We will NEVER use them and will be tellling our friends not to either - (kim)
I flew from out of state for my sisters funeral&found this place disgusting&dingy.Staff lacking any sympathy what so ever.Hope you people rest in peace at your own funeral home. - (L Schobel)
I am from Florida and my mother passed away in Schenectady, New York. Being from out of state, I was very concerned about who would take care of my mother's remains. I had very little time because I didn't want her in the morgue. I searched and visited many funeral homes in the area and couldn't find what I was looking for, a God based place. I felt that all that I visited were just a business and wasn't sure that my mother would be treated with the respect that she deserved. Finally, God sent me to De Legge Funeral Home. When I rang the door bell a nun answered the door, which I was later told was not the norm. With a warm touch, she held my hand and asked me to come in. I felt that my prayers were answered. Then I met with Mark Laszczynski, who has such a gentle way and understanding of the grief process for the loved ones left behind. He assisted me with the financial aspects and made it very easy. After talking to him about how I would like things done, he immediately left to pick up my mother so that she wasn't left any longer at the hospital. They placed her under a large cross, at the feet of Jesus, with her head resting on a silk pillow. There was to be no viewing and her remains were to be cremated. This is just the way that they treat loved ones. I am so happy and relieved that I found them. They are very respectful and professional. I felt at peace and I'm sure that my mother did too. - (Paul Bikowicz)