Big Move in Deathcare Tech: Courtney Gould Miller Moves from Tribute Technology to Homesteaders Life Company

Courtney Gould Miller, a well-known leader in funeral service technology and digital strategy, is transitioning from Tribute Technology to join Homesteaders Life Company as Chief Growth Officer. The move represents a strategic shift for Miller while reinforcing Homesteaders’ continued investment in innovation, digital growth, and long-term relevance in the deathcare profession.

Courtney has been instrumental in helping Tribute Technology evolve into one of the profession’s most comprehensive digital platforms. During her time at Tribute, the company moved beyond standalone tools and toward a more unified ecosystem, designed to reduce complexity for funeral homes, eliminate redundant workflows, and create a more seamless experience for both professionals and the families they serve.

Her work helped position Tribute as a technology partner focused not just on features, but on usability, integration, and long-term value for funeral homes navigating an increasingly digital landscape.

As Courtney steps into her new role at Homesteaders, her relationship with Tribute will continue. She will remain involved as an advisor, supporting the company through strategic initiatives, industry events, and ongoing collaboration. The transition has been closely coordinated between the two organizations, reflecting a strong and positive partnership that remains intact.

A Strategic Growth Role at Homesteaders

At Homesteaders Life Company, Miller will join the executive team as Chief Growth Officer, where she will bring a digital-first growth perspective across the organization. Her role will extend beyond traditional marketing to include oversight and influence across technology investments, digital consumer journeys, and growth-oriented initiatives tied to preneed education and engagement.

Homesteaders has made significant investments in recent years to modernize how families interact with preneed solutions, and Miller’s appointment signals a continued commitment to meeting consumers where they are: digitally, relationally, and culturally.

In addition to marketing and brand strategy, Miller will be involved in evaluating and guiding technology initiatives that support Homesteaders’ broader vision. Her experience in building scalable, integrated platforms aligns with the company’s goal of creating digital solutions that match the size, reach, and responsibility of its mission.

Continuity and Momentum at Tribute Technology

Miller’s departure from Tribute comes at a time of strength for the company. Tribute continues to advance its vision of being a fully integrated, all-in-one technology platform for funeral homes, focused on reducing fragmented systems and simplifying how funeral professionals operate and serve families.

Leadership at Tribute has emphasized that the foundation built during Miller’s tenure positions the company well for continued growth and innovation. With leadership continuity in place and new product development underway, Tribute enters its next chapter with clarity and confidence.

A Move That Reflects the Direction of the Profession

Miller’s transition highlights a broader shift within the deathcare profession, one where technology, preneed, and consumer experience are becoming increasingly interconnected. Her move from a leading technology platform to a major preneed organization underscores the importance of cross-functional leadership and collaboration across the industry.

Rather than stepping away from deathcare, Miller is deepening her involvement, bringing her experience, perspective, and passion into a new role that bridges innovation and tradition.

As Homesteaders continues to expand its digital footprint and Tribute advances its platform vision, Miller’s ongoing connection to both organizations reflects a shared belief: the future of funeral service will be shaped by leaders who understand technology, growth, and the sacred responsibility of serving families.

Read full press release from Homesteaders Life Company

Read full press release from Tribute Technology

HelloPhone: All-Inclusive VoIP System Built for Deathcare

The CX experts at Dead Ringers breathe new life into funeral home communications with AI-driven analytics, significant cost savings, and a platform designed to outlast the 2030 landline phase-out.

The traditional landline is officially on its deathbed, with infrastructure set to phase out by 2030. Today, Dead Ringers, the deathcare profession’s premier Telephone CX Evaluation & Training provider, announces the launch of HelloPhone—a revolutionary VoIP system designed to bring funeral home telephony into the modern era.

For too long, deathcare firms have relied on clunky, expensive hardware that tethers staff to a desk. HelloPhone solves this by offering a cloud-based solution built specifically for the nuances of deathcare. By combining crystal-clear voice services with the deep industry expertise of Dead Ringers, HelloPhone does more than just ring; it provides call recording, AI-driven sentiment analysis, and seamless marketing integration, all while cutting costs by an estimated 20–30% for most firms.

“We’ve spent the last decade listening to thousands of deathcare calls, so we know exactly where the friction points are. We saw amazing professionals struggling with ancient technology that was dropping calls and bleeding budgets,” said Brent Thomas, Head of Business Development at Dead Ringers. “We built HelloPhone to be the solution we wished existed years ago. It’s not just about saving money on the phone bill—though you definitely will—it’s about using modern tools combined with Dead Ringers data to ensure every grieving family gets the compassionate, immediate response they deserve.”

HelloPhone is designed to be the central nervous system of a deathcare firm, offering features that standard phone providers simply cannot match:

• Deathcare-Specific AI Enhancement: Utilizing 10 years of Dead Ringers’ proprietary data, HelloPhone features automated AI CX reviews that know exactly how a death call should be handled and scored.
• Ultimate Flexibility: whether you are in the prep room, the front office, or on a removal, staff can answer calls at their desk OR via computer, cell phone, tablet with complex routing strategies to suit the firm’s workflow.
• Unmatched Reliability: With a reliability score significantly higher than traditional landlines, HelloPhone ensures that critical at-need calls are never dropped.
• Marketing Intelligence: The system integrates directly with marketing platforms, allowing owners to track ROI and ensure that operational performance is maximizing the leads generated by marketing spend.

HelloPhone is available January 1, 2026 for deathcare firms across the United States and Canada. To learn more about switching to a system that actually understands your business, visit hellophonesystem.co.

About Dead Ringers
Dead Ringers was founded in 2015 as the only Mystery Shop Provider for the deathcare profession. Since then, we’ve grown to include Telephone CX Training, Coaching and Consulting for deathcare firms. We’re brutally honest, funny, irreverent, and fun. Our promise to you is that you’re not just another client. We want to partner with you to help you and your team provide the best possible customer experience, which in turn will grow your customer base, your company revenue, and your team culture.

ADVANCE your Business Strategy & Leadership Skills with CANA’s Deathcare Business Administration Certification 

Featuring insights and expertise of Bob Boetticher, Jr. and Doug Gober 

WHEELING, IL— In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, training methods have evolved dramatically. Traditional conference settings provide that satisfying social component, while the convenience of a zoom webinar often lacks interaction and idea sharing. That’s why the Cremation Association of North America’s Deathcare Business Administration Certification combines the connection and attention you love about a CANA event with the convenience of an online and self-paced program. Get training in knowledge, skills, and ideas that bring your career to the next level! This unique education experience kicks off April 1, 2026. 

The CANA Deathcare Business Administration Certification is a 10-week, fully digital program designed for both current and aspiring leaders in deathcare. Built for the modern busy professional, the entirely virtual format allows participants to learn anytime, anywhere. Bi-weekly interactive meetings bring real-world scenarios and practical application to this self-paced online training course on management. A practical approach is emphasized in all discussions, where small group conversations go beyond ‘what we learned’ to sharing best practices and strategies that can be used to create on-the-job impact.  

Modeled after an executive MBA curriculum—but streamlined into 10 weeks—the CANA Deathcare Business Administration Certification equips your team with the tools for: 

1. Organization-Wide Leadership 
   Align your team’s vision and goals across departments, using agile strategies to serve the right customers and adapt to an ever-evolving business environment. 

2. Mastery of People Management 
   Learn how to hire, define success, and coach your teams to excel. With systems like one-on-ones and team huddles, you’ll build a culture of empowerment. 

3. Demystifying Financials 
   Focus on building more profitable firms by understanding financial statements and key ratios. Gain practical tools to use in your daily decision-making. 

To deliver this transformative experience, CANA is working with the expert-led learning platform GoalMakers to offer our profession a solution that strengthens your leadership team and directly improves your bottom line. Led by John Cioffi, Chief Content Officer and co-author of The Winning Manager’s Playbook, and program guide Jeremy Wall, the team is enriched with input from leaders from across the profession. Gain invaluable insights by hearing directly from the experts. You’ll be joined by: 

With more than 35 years of frontline and executive experience, Bob “BBJ” Boetticher, Jr. has built a career defined by operational excellence, business leadership, and a deep understanding of funeral home, crematory and cemetery management. He is a second-generation funeral director, Past President of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), and currently serves as Assistant Vice President, Field Digital Experience for Service Corporation International (SCI). Widely respected for his operational fluency, leadership acuity, and ability to bridge the gap between technology and real-world field execution, BBJ continues to shape the future of funeral service through innovation, advocacy, and hands-on expertise.  

Doug Gober began his funeral service career more than 45 years ago as a sales representative in the casket industry. He has earned numerous national awards from various organizations within the death care profession. In his quest to provide funeral and cemetery owners successful business solutions, Doug partnered with The Foresight Companies in October 2018, enabling him to expand his service offerings to include Transaction Advisory, Succession Planning, Business Valuations, and Financing. 

The Deathcare Business Administration Certification targets both emerging and seasoned leaders, ensuring you grasp the intricacies of financials and learn how to apply these skills to maximize your team’s performance, serve the right customers, and enhance their hiring processes—creating an immediate impact on your organization. 

We invite you to learn more about the Deathcare Business Administration Certification and gain practical skills you can apply immediately to grow your business and advance your career. Schedule a meeting with program guide Jeremy Wall and talk about your goals and whether this program is right for you: learn.goalmakers.com/meetings/jeremywall/informational 

Take this opportunity to invest in your team’s growth and gain all the essential business knowledge you need—without years of study or student debt. You’ll earn up to 8 hours of CE from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP). 

Registration is $995, with discounts available for pairs and groups from the same company. In December 2025 and January 2026, register two employees and a third attends for free! Beyond the financial savings, teams that go through Deathcare Business Administration Certification together can make the most significant impact with a shared language of leadership and the tools to create positive change. 

Enrollment is open—secure your spot in this exclusive certification program! Register now at: goalmakers.com/cana 

About CANA 

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization. 

Loop Biotech’s Mushroom Caskets and Pet Urns Take Root in Deathcare

For a few months this summer, millions of people from across the United States were reading about the burial of Maine resident Mark C. Ancker. It wasn’t because Ancker’s funeral was over-the-top or attracted thousands of mourners; his was, in fact, a lovely and thoughtful low-key, private ceremony. No, what made Ancker’s burial newsworthy was his status as the first person in North America to be buried in a mushroom casket — the brainchild of Bob Hendrikx, founder of Loop Biotech.

Since its June 2025 U.S. launch, Netherlands-based Loop Biotech’s Loop Living Cocoon™ mushroom casket has grown from an eco-curiosity into a certified, functional option for green burial and cremation — and its potential positive impact on the environment has reached well beyond the deathcare community. The global press has noticed. 

It’s about TIME

Last month, TIME Magazine named the Loop Living Cocoon™ one of its Best Inventions, describing it as “an all-natural casket that actively enriches nature, even after we’re gone.” The magazine noted that more than 2,500 burials worldwide using Loop’s mushroom-hemp caskets since launch.

This recognition, along with Loop’s partnerships and growing North American presence, helps counter earlier skepticism about mushroom-based burial options.

“Sometimes people say, ‘The mushroom suit didn’t work, so this doesn’t work either,’” Hendrikx admits. “That’s a pity, because it’s a totally different thing. Our product just dissolves into nature — we focus on the enrichment of the local soil. That’s the most important trait for us.”

At just 31, Hendrikx balances innovation and family life (he and his wife recently welcomed a baby boy) while redefining what a casket can mean in the 21st century. Loop Biotech’s products don’t just decompose — they compose life anew.

For funeral professionals, the company’s success underscores a growing shift: families increasingly seek products that heal the planet as they honor their loved ones.

“Our goal,” Hendrikx says simply, “is to make sure that when you leave this world, you leave it a little bit better.”

Touch and feel

Attendees of the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) International Convention & Expo had the opportunity not only to meet Hendrikx and his team, but also to get up-close and personal with the unexpectedly-touchable Loop Living Cocoon.

“We grow an exterior mushroom skin,” Hendrikx explains. “It sounds a little bit technical, but basically, it feels — it is — pure mushroom. It’s super soft, almost like velvet.”

That “velvet” softness has surprised many funeral directors and families who’ve handled the Loop Living Cocoon, the company’s biodegradable coffin grown from mycelium — the root structure of mushrooms — and hemp fibers. 

It’s the same material that composes Loop Biotech’s newest deathcare product, Loop FurEver™, the world’s first mushroom urn for animals. Announced on World Animal Day (October 2, 2025), the urn is designed for both indoor keepsake and outdoor burial.

“They’re very cuddly,” Hendrikx says with a smile.

The urn comes in two sizes — 0.5 liters for smaller animals and 1.5 liters for larger pets — and is crafted from mycelium and upcycled hemp fibers. When buried, it biodegrades fully within 45 days, enriching the soil. Families can also keep it indoors as a natural, organic memorial. 

Easier than ever before

No matter which of Loop Biotech’s products deathcare professionals may be interested in, it’s easier than ever before to offer them to the families you serve. In the early days, every casket shipped from the Netherlands — a logistical nightmare for a time-sensitive profession.

“People died and I was like, hey, can you ship it? Sure,” Hendrikx laughs. “It takes one month — or a few days if it goes by air, but that’s super expensive.”

Now, Loop Biotech has warehouses in New York and Los Angeles, allowing next-day delivery anywhere in the U.S.

“That totally changed,” Hendrikx says. “We can have it the next day with any family member, which is a huge win.”

An ever-expanding footprint

The company has also built its business around transparency and practicality.

“We’re super transparent with pricing,” Hendrikx explains. “We have a distribution model, regular funeral home model, and end-consumer pricing — with enough margins for all parties to eat and make sure the sustainable impact goes hand in hand with profits. Because in the end, we can only make a sustainable impact if there really is a functioning business model.”

That three-pronged distribution model has proved successful for Loop Biotech, as the press and public accolades for its products have intrigued both corporate partners and eco-conscious individual families.

“We had several direct sales from families,” says Hendrikx. “We had various indirect sales via partners. We onboarded new partners like Titan Casket, Passages International, and recently also in Canada with Mount Pleasant Group and Victoriaville. We see a lot of interest coming up from various angles — a lot to juggle, but the good problems to have.”

Those “good problems” reflect the momentum of a young company scaling fast. Hendrikx estimates that 15 to 20 burials using the mushroom casket have already taken place in the United States.

With U.S. warehouses, expanding partnerships, and international recognition, Hendrikx says the next step is deepening their North American presence — and perhaps a broader retail partnership. To learn more about Loop Biotech, reach out to Hendrikx and his team at https://loop-biotech.com/contact/.

ICCFA Leadership Summit 2025 Empowers Deathcare Professionals to “Reimagine, Reinvent, Redefine”

STERLING, Va. (November 17, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA) concluded its 2025 Leadership Summit in Knoxville, Tennessee, where deathcare leaders gathered to explore the theme “Reimagine, Reinvent, Redefine.” Held October 21–23, the Summit offered an immersive educational and networking experience that challenged professionals to think differently about the future of deathcare.

This year’s event welcomed 124 total registrants, bringing together a diverse group of professionals representing every facet of the cemetery, cremation, and funeral service profession. The Summit also provided a special opportunity for members of the inaugural class of ICCFA’s 40 Under 40 Award, who attended through educational scholarships from the ICCFA Educational Foundation. These emerging leaders participated in educational sessions and networking events, connecting with deathcare veterans and peers as they continue shaping the future of deathcare leadership.

Hosted by Summit Co-Chairs Lori Bolton, CSE, CXE, and Dr. C. Lynn Gibson, DPHIL, CFSP, this year’s event combined hands-on, off-site learning with visionary presentations that encouraged attendees to embrace innovation, hospitality, and meaningful community engagement. Participants spent a day at Smith Life & Legacy in Maryville, Tennessee, where they experienced a symbolic “Funeral for the Traditional Funeral” and explored transformative approaches to serving modern families.

Educational highlights included sessions such as “Why Hospitality? Reimagining the Funeral Experience” with Lee Longino of Service Corporation International, “The Celebration Journey” with Brooke Heldman of Dignity Memorial, and “Cemeteries Are Dying” with Dr. Jason Troyer and Dr. C. Lynn Gibson, DPHIL, CFSP. Attendees also reimagined aftercare and cemetery engagement with presenters Jennifer Flaum of HeartLight Center and John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE, of Park Lawn Corporation. The Summit concluded with the Irwin W. Shipper Government & Legislative Update, led by Christie Toson, CCE, and Poul Lemasters, Esq., which provided crucial updates on federal and state issues impacting the profession.

Networking and connection were at the heart of the event. While the annual ICCFA Golf Tournament was cancelled due to inclement weather, attendees still enjoyed memorable opportunities to connect—including a whiskey tasting and lunch at Company Distilling and evening receptions that fostered collaboration and community among peers from across the profession.

“Our goal with the Leadership Summit is to provide a space where creativity and collaboration meet,” said Nadira Baddeliyanage, ICCFA Executive Director. “This year’s hands-on approach reminded us that leadership isn’t just about management—it’s about vision, courage, and reimagining what’s possible for the families we serve.”

ICCFA President Bob Gordon, Jr., CCE, added, “The Summit in Knoxville proved that innovation and compassion can go hand in hand. Our attendees left inspired to redefine excellence in service, design, and care within their own organizations.”

The 2026 ICCFA Leadership Summit is scheduled to take place October 20–22, at The DeSoto in Savannah, Georgia. Next year’s program will continue to build on the theme of innovation and leadership with new speakers, interactive sessions, and engaging networking opportunities.

For more information, visit iccfa.com/fall.

Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

DEAD Talks 2026 to Empower Deathcare Professionals to ‘Ready. Set. Grow.’ in Las Vegas

STERLING, Va. (November 10, 2025) –The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA) proudly announces DEAD Talks 2026, the profession’s premier sales conference, taking place January 13–15, 2026, at Park MGM Las Vegas. This year’s theme, “Ready. Set. Grow.”, celebrates the forward momentum of today’s deathcare professionals as they expand their skills, elevate service, and lead with confidence in an evolving marketplace.

DEAD Talks has become a can’t-miss event for sales professionals, managers, and leaders seeking to take their performance to the next level. The 2026 program features a powerhouse lineup of deathcare innovators and educators delivering hands-on sessions, interactive panels, and fresh strategies to help attendees grow both personally and professionally.

The event begins Tuesday, January 13, with a first-timers orientation and lively ice breaker led by Lori Bolton, CSE, CXE, of Park Lawn Corporation. Attendees will then join “The Wheel of Objections” panel, moderated by John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE, and Lori Bolton, featuring Erin Creger, Néctar Ramírez, Greg Norris, and Dan Kientzel. Panelists will share how to overcome common objections and turn challenging conversations into opportunities to serve. The day concludes with a welcome reception and networking celebration.

On Wednesday, January 14, the program kicks into high gear with keynote speaker David Priemer, author and renowned Sales Scientist. In his keynote, Priemer will explore how effective messaging shapes every step of the purchase journey—emphasizing that the experience is the product. Drawing on real-world insights and practical examples, he’ll share actionable strategies to help professionals connect authentically with families and guide them toward confident, value-driven decisions.

The day’s sessions will continue with four key themes—Educating the Consumer, Knowledge + Passion = Confidence, How to Get More Leads, and Managing Sales—featuring expert presenters including Lee Longino, Jennifer Graziano, Dr. Jason Troyer, Honnalora Hubbard, Noble Sines, Néctar Ramírez, Phil Zehms, Cathy Younkin, Brad Palmer, Eric Battles, Gary O’Sullivan, and Tony Armogida.

On Thursday, January 15, the event concludes with the Sales Seminar Certification Workshop, led by Tony Armogida, Erin Creger, and René Negrete, along with the ICCFA Sales & Marketing Committee. This hands-on session will give attendees a complete blueprint for delivering engaging, results-driven seminar presentations. The closing session, “Monday Morning Mindset” with Shane Pudenz, will help attendees translate inspiration into immediate action.

“DEAD Talks represents the ICCFA’s commitment to empowering professionals across every corner of deathcare,” said ICCFA President Bob Gordon, Jr., CCE. “It’s not just an event—it’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and excellence. As our members evolve to meet the needs of today’s families, DEAD Talks gives them the tools, inspiration, and community to lead that change.”

“Every year, DEAD Talks is built by sales professionals, for sales professionals,” said Mike Harens, Chairman of the ICCFA Sales & Marketing Committee. “Our committee’s goal is to create an environment where attendees can connect, learn from one another, and leave energized to put new ideas into action. DEAD Talks is about helping every participant—whether it’s their first year or their fifth—walk away ready to grow.”

The ICCFA Educational Foundation is once again supporting professional growth by offering scholarships to help current ICCFA members attend DEAD Talks. These scholarships cover the full cost of registration—recipients are only responsible for travel and lodging. Applications are open now through November 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET, and are limited, so members are encouraged to apply early.

Registration for DEAD Talks 2026 is now open at iccfa.com/sales. Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of early bird pricing available through December 19, and group discounts make it easier than ever for teams to grow together.

Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

PlotBox Acquires MIS, Strengthening U.S. Market Position and Expanding Access to Modern Deathcare Solutions

BOSTON, MA & BATESVILLE, IN – October 15, 2025 – PlotBox, a leading cloud-native platform for cemetery and funeral home management, announced it has acquired HMIS (also known as MIS) from Batesville.

MIS was acquired by Batesville in 2012. This acquisition expands PlotBox’s presence in the United States and gives MIS customers a partner focused on modern solutions for deathcare operators.

MIS is a management platform serving funeral and cemetery operators across North America, streamlining operations from first call through aftercare. The software unifies case management, scheduling, arrangements, billing, and reporting, with integrations for accounting, payments, and partner tools.

The announcement follows a year of strategic growth for PlotBox, including a new investment from Serent Capital, the launch of enhanced e-commerce and operational automation capabilities, and a much-anticipated entry into the funeral home segment. 

The addition of MIS customers aligns with PlotBox’s broader mission to help deathcare providers simplify workflows, improve transparency, and deliver better experiences for the families they serve.

“At PlotBox, we believe funeral and cemetery professionals deserve technology that meets the complexity of their work and supports their commitment to service,” said Sean McAllister, CEO of PlotBox. “We are excited to welcome MIS customers and provide them with the innovation, reliability, and partnership they need to operate with confidence.”

PlotBox is committed to providing exceptional service and support to the MIS customer base while also giving customers access to PlotBox’s full software suite, which integrates mapping, records, sales, finance, inventory, and reporting into a single cloud-based system. The platform is used by a growing number of cemeteries, crematories, and funeral homes to streamline daily operations and scale with evolving business needs.

PlotBox will feature its expanded funeral offering at the 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo in Chicago, October 26-29, 2025, where attendees can engage with the team, explore product capabilities, and hear from operators using PlotBox to modernize their operations.

About PlotBox

PlotBox is a leading cloud-native software solution for cemeteries, funeral homes, and crematories. It’s an all-in-one platform that combines mapping, records, sales, inventory, finance, and analytics in one intuitive system. PlotBox helps deathcare organizations simplify operations, improve performance, and better serve their communities. The company supports customers across North America, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Learn more at www.plotbox.com

About Serent Capital

Serent Capital is a growth-focused private equity firm that invests in founder-led, technology and tech-enabled service businesses. With deep expertise in software, Serent partners with high-potential companies to drive growth through strategic and operational support. Founded in 2008, Serent has supported more than 60 companies across sectors including healthcare, education, government, and business services. Learn more at www.serentcapital.com 

Batesville Sells MIS Deathcare Management Solutions Platform  

Batesville, IN – October 15, 2025 – Batesville, a leading provider of burial, cremation, and  technology solutions in North America, announced the sale of its Management Information Systems (MIS) business to PlotBox. PlotBox is a cloud-native software platform for cemetery, crematory, and funeral home management, closely aligned with the capabilities  MIS has developed.  

Effective immediately, this move enables both companies to make strategic investments aligned with their respective areas of expertise. For Batesville, it paves the way for delivering more effective and innovative solutions, particularly designed to support funeral home customers and the families they serve. 

Batesville will continue to invest in technology that streamlines operations and enhances  the planning experience for families. This includes:  

• Halcyon Deathcare Management Software, acquired in 2024, a cloud-based deathcare management platform supporting funeral homes, crematories, pet cremation, and trade services 

• The Family Choices® Digital Showroom, providing families with a consistent, personalized experience that empowers them to make confident decisions and drives stronger product sales 

• The new Remembrance Store™, an E-commerce storefront launching at NFDA, that helps funeral homes meet families’ growing preference for online shopping while creating new revenue opportunities 

“Our focus is on providing funeral professionals with solutions that make their day-to-day  operations more efficient while supporting families through every step of the planning  process.” said Chris Trainor, Batesville CEO. “By driving innovation and personalization  across burial, cremation, and technology, we are equipping funeral professionals with  practical, future-ready tools that deliver greater value to our customers and help position  them for long-term success.”  

PlotBox and Batesville are working together to ensure a seamless transition for MIS  customers, with no disruption to service or support.  

To learn more about Batesville’s burial, cremation, and technology solutions, visit  www.Batesville.com or Halcyon by Batesville at www.halcyondcms.com. 

About Batesville Services LLC  

Batesville is a recognized leader in the deathcare industry in North America, offering a  comprehensive portfolio of burial and cremation products, memorialization options and  innovative technology solutions. For more than 140 years, Batesville has supported  licensed funeral professionals in helping families honor the lives of those they love.^® A  history of manufacturing excellence, product innovation, superior customer service, and  reliable delivery helped Batesville become – and remain – a trusted leader in the deathcare  industry. To learn more, please call 812.931.5084 or email Media.Inquiries@Batesville.com.

Who’s Watching Over Deathcare Workers? Meet the Patron Saints of the Profession

Every job has its heroes. Doctors look up to Hippocrates, firefighters honor St. Florian, and bakers have St. Honoré keeping watch. But did you know that deathcare professionals also have saints watching your backs?

The concept of patron saints — heavenly helpers who protect and work alongside certain individuals, groups, or members of a certain profession — has been a Catholic tradition for centuries. When it comes to occupations, the actions or missions of a saint often guide who is chosen to be their patron. 

Considering the emotional, physical, and sometimes spiritual weight of deathcare, it makes sense that funeral directors, cemeterians, and crematory operators would have their own set of protectors. If you haven’t selected your own patron saint of deathcare, luckily, you have five to choose from. Some are obvious choices, others a little surprising, but all carry lessons that resonate with anyone who works in deathcare today. 

The First Undertaker: St. Joseph of Arimathea

If funeral directors had a Hall of Fame, St. Joseph of Arimathea would be front and center. His claim to fame? He’s the guy who, according to the Gospels, bravely went to Pilate after the crucifixion and asked for Jesus’s body. He wrapped it in linen, placed it in his own new tomb, and made sure Christ was buried with dignity.

That’s why Joseph is often called the “first undertaker.” He didn’t have a hearse, embalming machine, or casket showroom—but he did have courage and compassion, two traits that remain at the core of the profession. For funeral directors today, he’s the ultimate role model: someone who stepped in during a moment of crisis to make sure the body was treated with honor.

St. Peter: Keeper of the Keys

We usually think of St. Peter as the gatekeeper of heaven, but in some traditions, deathcare workers have looked to him, too. After all, while funeral professionals prepare the body for burial here on Earth, Peter is the one said to swing open the pearly gates. It’s a fitting partnership—one handling the earthly passage, the other handling the eternal.

The Good Thief: St. Dismas

Here’s one you might not expect: St. Dismas, better known as the “Good Thief” who was crucified next to Jesus. In medieval times, burial guilds often prayed to Dismas when they laid to rest the poor, the forgotten, or those who had no family to claim them.

For modern funeral directors, especially those who take on county or pauper cases or care for the growing number of unclaimed, Dismas is a reminder that every life has value. Even in tough circumstances, compassion and dignity matter.

St. Anthony and St. Roch: Helpers in Hard Times

Two other saints sometimes get an honorary mention in the funeral world:

• St. Anthony of Padua, famous for helping people find lost things, was also invoked for the souls of the dead. Funeral guilds used to ask for his help in guiding souls to their final resting place.
• St. Roch, a patron saint of plague victims, became a hero to undertakers during outbreaks. When others fled, undertakers stayed behind, burying the dead at great personal risk. Roch’s story of self-sacrifice resonated with those who saw their work as both dangerous and holy.

Why It Matters Today

Now, most funeral homes don’t keep a shrine to St. Joseph of Arimathea in the prep room. But there’s something powerful about knowing that this profession has sacred roots that go back thousands of years.

The saints tied to deathcare represent courage, guardianship, compassion, remembrance, and sacrifice—the same values funeral directors live out every day. When you’re arranging a service for a grieving family, or making sure a person no one else claimed still gets a proper burial, you’re carrying on the spirit of Joseph, Peter, Dismas, Anthony, and Roch.

In other words, you’re part of a much bigger story. Undertakers, morticians, and funeral directors have always been more than just practical problem-solvers—they’ve been guardians of dignity, guides through grief, and keepers of community memory. And whether or not you believe in saints, it’s hard not to feel a little pride in knowing your profession has heavenly company.