Parting Stone Hosts Private Lab Tour for Women in Deathcare

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Parting Stone hosted a landmark event in Santa Fe, New Mexico—welcoming nearly 100 attendees of the NFDA Professional Women’s Conference to its laboratory for a private tour. The visit marked one of the first times Parting Stone opened its doors to such a large delegation, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how cremated remains are solidified into collections of 40-80+ stones.

The event was made possible through Parting Stone’s sponsorship of the NFDA Professional Women’s Conference, an annual gathering dedicated to uplifting and connecting women leaders across the funeral profession. You can learn more about the conference on the NFDA website.

Guests arrived on two buses from the conference hotel, greeted by staff members wearing custom “Funeral Directors Rocks” t-shirts—a playful nod to Parting Stone’s flagship service. As attendees waited for their scheduled tours, they were invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments, a specialty drink called “Funeral Directors Rocks,” and curated goodie bags.

Tours departed every 10 minutes, guiding small groups through the entire solidification process from intake to completion. For many funeral professionals, it was their first time seeing the technology and meticulous care behind a process they routinely recommend to families.

Lindsay Harden with Crevasse’s Simple Cremations in Florida reflected on the emotional weight of the experience:

“All who attended the tour of the Parting Stone lab last weekend were forever changed in a way that was not anticipated. Funeral directors all have a fleeting moment of sheer terror at the Post Office when we mail cremated remains away to a third-party vendor to create the product requested by the family who entrusted their most beloved person into our care… During the tour of the Parting Stone lab, those fears were put to rest.”

“We all can now attest to the shared mindset of thoughtful care and consideration within the entire Parting Stone team. The gifts of precision, professionalism, compassion, knowledge, and truly wanting to make the best quality product possible were all extremely evident in our time together.”

That level of personal care was echoed by Jeri Lynn Davenport of Smith Family Funeral Home in Arkansas:

“It was such an honor to be able to visit and tour the Parting Stone lab. To see how the Parting Stone team personally handles each family member was touching. Each person is known by their name—not a number. This shows so much dignity and respect for the deceased.”

Parting Stone’s VP of Production, Kelse Lighthizer, welcomed the tour groups and shared her personal mission to always put families first. From growing the production facility from the ground up to building a team rooted in care, Kelse emphasized that every order is handled with dignity and precision.

CEO and Founder Justin Crowe addressed the group, sharing how powerful it was to see so many women leaders in deathcare gather under one roof:

“Having nearly 100 of the most influential women in funeral service walk through our lab was incredibly meaningful. Some we’ve known for years, some we just met—but all of them are shaping the future of this industry. It was an honor to share what we’re building at Parting Stone with people who care so deeply about families.”

The educational tour has been approved by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP) for 0.5 CE credit—a bonus for attendees that underscores the value of the solidified remains option in the modern deathcare profession.

The event was a clear success, offering both inspiration and assurance to funeral professionals exploring the future of memorialization. As Lindsay Harden poignantly summarized, “Parting Stone has the full unwavering trust of our company, and we look forward to continuing to offer this wonderful option to each and every family that uses our services.”

Interested in offering solidified remains at your funeral home? Click here to work with Parting Stone.

Veteran funeral industry analysts and consultants Alan Creedy and Danny Jefferson are bringing their “Experiential Learning” methods to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for two days in May.

Alan Creedy

This tour from May 12 thru 14 will allow participants, among other things to tour and learn from the experiences of two very different, but successful Death Care businesses.  During the time in Minneapolis particicipants will have the opportunity to learn from the experts at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Homes and from the Cremation Society of Minnesota.

Washburn-McReavy has been in the traditional funeral home and cemetery business as a family owned operation for 170 years.  They are known for innovation, excellence, and leadership in the profession.  Today’s Washburn-McReavy consists of 14 funeral homes and four cemeteries in the Greater Minneapolis market area.

Danny Jefferson

The Cremation Society of Minnesota took a bold step out of the traditional funeral home model in about 1980 and moved into what has became known as the direct cremation model.  The company continues to innovate and it is estimated that they now operate a business that does well over 5,000 cremations per year.

As Blue Ocean Tours says in their brochure. . . . “Two separate business models, two incredible successes”.

To learn more about this Blue Ocean Tour click here.

I’m excited about this tour and, for what it is worth, I’ve agreed to be part of the experience putting on a question and answer session with all participants at some time during the event.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  If you can make this tour I would highly suggest it.  I live in Minnesota and know the families of these operations — I know Kevin Waterston who was one of the innovators behind the Cremation Society of Minnesota brand and I have known three generations of the McReavy family.

In fact, my earliest position in funeral service was as a student at the Washburn-McReavy facilities.  Much of what I learned there was put into practice at my rural funeral home and those McReavy best practices were part of our success.

In fact, the man I’ll always call Mr. McReavy still holds great reverence in my life.  Here is a story that Funeral Director Daily published after learning of his death in December 2024.

Two Guys and a Question —  Alan Creedy and Danny Jefferson are probably best known today for their Death Care related podcast titled “Two Guys and a Question”.  

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Singer Halsey Cancels “Funeral” in Favor of a 2025 Tour

Singer Halsey (real name Ashley Frangipane) hasn’t been shy about sharing her serious health struggles with her fans. While not always specifying each of her various ailments, over the past years the 30-year-old artist from New Jersey has posted images of herself crying, curled up in a hospital bed, and receiving transfusions and other treatments and included captions about being “lucky to be alive.” 

Many of the songs on her latest album, “The Great Impersonator,” were inspired by or even include references to her years-long battles with chronic illnesses.

“Every couple of years now, a doctor says I’m sick / Pulls out a brand new bag of tricks / And then they lay it on me / And at first, it was my brain, then a skeleton in pain,” she sings on “The End.” “When I met you, I said I would never die / But the joke was always mine ’cause I’m racing against time.”

Halsey’s posts and lyrics certainly painted a dark picture of the singer’s despair, with hints that her thoughts had turned to her impending death. Last week, though, Halsey signaled she had turned a corner with an upbeat Instagram reel announcing the cancellation of her funeral and the launch of a 2025 tour.

December 23, 2024

Grief is a journey that no one wants to traverse, yet it is a path many will find themselves on when a loved one passes away. As we contemplate the profound impact of loss, it’s vital to recognize how we can reach out and support our friends during their times of sorrow. Understanding our role can foster connection and compassion, especially in a world filled with emotional challenges. When we think about navigating this sensitive subject, finding the right balance between offering support and respecting personal space is essential, particularly as families often seek services from adjacent resources, such as Rochester, NY funeral homes. Understanding Grief and Its Phases Before we can effectively support our grieving friends, we should take time to understand the grieving process itself. Grief is not linear and encompasses various emotions and phases: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The upheaval following a loss can bring about tumultuous feelings, and it’s important to remember that your friend may oscillate between these stages throughout their journey. A critical way that we can help is by being present. Sometimes, your friend may need a listening ear more than they need advice. Allowing them the space to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment can be incredibly beneficial. It may be helpful to encourage them to share funny or touching memories they have of their loved one, a practice that can provide moments of solace amidst the turmoil. Offering Practical Support Helping a friend through grief also means offering practical assistance. Grieving can be an exhausting and overwhelming experience, leaving little energy for everyday tasks. Offer to help with simple chores—cooking meals, running errands, or helping keep things organized at home. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there, offering to shoulder some of life’s burdens, can alleviate the stress your friend is feeling. In addition to offering tangible help, suggesting options from local services can also ease the burden. For instance, if your friend needs support in navigating funeral logistics, it’s wise to mention reputable funeral homes, that they could consider, like Rochester Cremation. Knowing that compassionate professionals are available can bring reassurance and peace to their difficult journey. Creating a Comfortable Environment for Healing When it comes to helping a grieving friend, creating an environment that allows for open conversation is critical. While checking in on them is appreciated, remember to approach them sensitively. Each day might feel different for your friend, so the time you spend together should evolve based on their needs and feelings. Inviting your friend out for a walk—some fresh air can aid in emotional healing—might help distract them from their grief, although it’s essential not to force social interaction if they seem disinterested. The simplest gestures, like a text message to let them know you’re thinking of them, can go a long way, even if they don’t respond immediately. Respecting Boundaries and Understanding Signs of Need While offering support, it’s just as vital to acknowledge when to step back. Everyone’s process is unique, and not everyone is comfortable discussing their grief openly. Pay attention to their cues; if they seem withdrawn or if they indicate a desire for solitude, honor that choice. Encourage professional support if needed. Whether it’s suggesting a grief counselor or attending a support group together, prioritizing their mental health by finding professional help can be a game changer. Informing them about available local resources shows that you care and are looking out for their well-being. The road following a loss is fraught with challenges. Yet, knowing we can play a role in transforming a friend’s grief reality can inspire hope. In conclusion, as we support our friends during these heartbreaking times, let’s embrace compassion and understanding, remembering our larger community as we navigate the journey together. If you have questions regarding resources or services through Rochester, NY funeral homes, reach out for help. The existence of compassionate professionals at places like Rochester Cremation highlights that support is always within reach.

Navigating the world of cremation services involves making many decisions, particularly when it comes to selecting the appropriate merchandise to honor a loved one. It’s essential to understand that opting for cremation doesn’t mean compromising on personalization or memorialization. Exploring the wide range of cremation merchandise available for families interested in Henrietta, NY cremation services can offer comfort and lasting significance.

Embracing the Variety of Options

At Rochester Cremation, we take pride in offering an extensive selection of cremation merchandise that caters to individual tastes and preferences. Whether you’re seeking a classic full-size urn or something unique, there’s something for everyone.

Consider options like keepsake urns, which allow families to keep a small portion of their loved ones close. Similarly, keepsake jewelry, designed to hold memorable souvenirs such as a hair ring or a small token, can provide a tangible connection to cherished memories. Our legacy touch fingerprint keepsakes offer a beautiful way to preserve the image of a loved one’s fingerprint in a tactile form, allowing families to carry a piece of their history with them.

Exceptional Choices for Unique Connections

We discover even more specialized items like biodegradable and memory chest urns as we delve deeper into our offerings. Biodegradable urns are especially popular among eco-conscious families looking to give back to nature. Memory chests can hold various mementos alongside the cremated remains, telling a fuller story of the loved one’s life – making the memorialization process more prosperous and meaningful.

Moreover, we offer scattering urns designed for those who wish to scatter their loved one’s substance in a location that holds significance to them—perhaps on a favorite hiking trail or near a tranquil body of water. Think of these items as a way to ensure that your loved ones’ memories remain alive and well treasured.

Personalized Remembrance

Personalization plays an integral role in creating memorials that genuinely reflect the essence of the individual who has passed. At Rochester Cremation, not only do we provide high-quality merchandise, but we also offer options to customize various items. Families can work with us to engrave names, dates, or even short messages on many keepsakes and urns, providing an extra layer of thoughtfulness.

We also recognize the raw emotional experience of losing a loved one, and family members can sometimes find solace in involving themselves in the process. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through every phase—from selecting merchandise to planning a service that resonates with your family’s unique traditions and memories.

Conclusion: Honoring Their Memory

In our journey through cremation merchandise, it’s clear that selecting the right items to honor a loved one is both a personal and unique experience. Exploring the vast offerings at Rochester Cremation enables families to craft a fitting tribute that celebrates the life and legacy of those dear to them.

If you’re seeking compassionate and dignified Henrietta, NY cremation services with a focus on personalization, our extensive selection of cremation merchandise is available. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you during this difficult time and help you create a lasting memorial that echoes with memories.