Ruthann Disotell
Tribute Specialist

Celebration of a Lifetime

• http://www.celebrationofalifetime.com

I once attended a funeral for the mother of a friend. I had never met her, but I wanted to be there to support my friend. The closed casket funeral at the cemetery lasted for 20 minutes or so, but there was one missing component; the name of the deceased! I could have been at the wrong funeral and never known it, but for the attendance of 6 people I knew. We have to change the way we do funerals!

I'm an undertaker; yes a funeral director and an embalmer, who got tired of hearing the same funeral service over and over again. I heard wonderful stories from families as I gathered obituary information and it wasn't making it into the storyline. Seems they were just changing the name and having a funeral rerun. How does THAT honor the life of anyone?

I spend time with the family (and friends if I'm privy) and compose a tribute that is intimate and personal. There will be acknowledgement that the person died, but, more importantly, there will be delight that the person LIVED!

Designer, one-of-a-kind, custom, however you want to say it, I create a service unique to the individual. Secular or multi-faith, for families who want to acknowlege their spirituality without being 'religious'. I have a heart for the grieving family. Helping them through this difficult time is what I have done for over 30 years.

Awareness- This type of service, refered to as a 'Celebration of Life' is relatively new to the United States and almost virtually unheard of on the East Coast. The movement started in New Zealand and is gaining popularity as it becomes known. Not all funeral homes offer this to families, but families who know about it can ask for it (ask for me) instead of, or in addition to, clergy. I will travel to meet the need, when my schedule permits.

Graduate of Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, Dallas, TX Graduate of In-Sight Institute, Oklahoma City, OK Minister through World Christianship Ministries, Fresno, CA Licensed Practioner of Mortuary Science, State of New Jersey Certified Funeral Service Practitioner, APFSP, Westerville, OH

I have been in funeral service my entire life; professionally over 30 years. Long before casket companies were making interchangeable corners to show the individuality of the deceased, I was parking Harleys next to the casket and displaying the trophies won at competitions. I have been 'standing in' for clergy when the family had none for years. Now I'm raising the bar, so I can honor the legacy by telling the story. My focus has always been on the personality of the deceased and remembering the joy of their life.