Hope for the Holidays - An Evening of Remembrance

Each year Lankford Funeral Home opens its doors to the public to share in a special time of remembrance for loved ones lost. Invitations are sent to the families we have served through out the year. If you have lost a loved one, we want you to join us in this special celebration of life. Be sure to look for the announcement in the paper so you can join us.

We welcome you with a brief program in the chapel, given by one of our local pastors. Once again, we were pleased to have Michael Fronk speak. He spoke of hope and celebration for the holidays.

Belinda Huttmann sang beautifully to everyones enjoyment and then it was time for the decoration of the tree! Each guest is asked to bring a special ornament to memorialize their loved one. The loved one's name is read and the guest comes forward and places his or her ornament on the tree. Although the ceremony takes time, we at Lankford feel it is the most important part of the evening. Each individual is recognized, and as the list is read, people become familiar with other guests. It becomes a catalyst for sharing memories of loved ones with others. A video tribute is shown and afterwards guests are invited to tour the funeral home, visit with friends and families and have a bite to eat.

As I wandered through the groups that formed, I heard many comments about Hope for the Holidays. Some said that they hadn't wanted to come - maybe it was going to be too sad - but all said they were glad they had, because, although some tears were shed they welcomed the opportunity during the holidays to celebrate their loved ones lives. In the end, it was comforting to be with others who understood what they were going through-to share in remembrance during that special time of the year.

Once again, we were pleased to have Encore Catering cater this year's event. To those of you who joined us, thank you for coming - to those of you who couldn't be with us, we wish you Happy Holidays and a joyful New Year. To view a slide show photos taken at this year's celebration of life, please click here.

Lasting Memories Services for Pets

Our pets are our most perfect companions-loyal and loving they hold a special place in our hearts. The loss of a pet is often as traumatic as the loss of a loved one-in fact, it is. Many times your final companion may not be your spouse.

Cheryl Lankford, through personal experience, saw the need to provide services for pet cremations. Your pet will be picked up, cremated and the ashes returned to you. The main difference from cremation services your veterinarian provides and ours is that your pet is cremated alone-only your pets ashes are returned to you.

Lasting Memories also maintains its own selection room at Lankford Funeral Home. A variety of urns and plaques are on display in the Pet Parlor.