Hospice provider, funeral directors host memorial service for families

277
(EXAMINER PHOTO | T.J. HUBBARD)

More then 100 family members whose loved ones utilized hospice care from Universal Home Health & Hospice and have passed away since last November gathered for a special memorial service Thursday evening, Nov. 14, at First Christian Church in Bellefontaine.

Local funeral home directors Trey Daring, right, Eichholtz, Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Ryan Shoffstall, second from right, Shoffstall Funeral Home, alternated reading the names of about 137 lost loved ones while Melissa Madison, left and Wade Patterson, lit a candle in memory of each.

Universal President and CEO Mike Ray started the service by saying, “If you’re here tonight, you’ve had a rough year.”

“‘The death of a beloved is an amputation,'” Ray said, quoting C.S. Lewis.

First Christian pastor Kevin Greenwald offered the opening prayer.

Rick Farley with Jennings, Farley & Seeley Funeral Home read Psalm 23.

Universal’s chaplain Ken Neighoff shared a homily to relate the importance of sharing the stories and memories of lost loved ones with younger family members.

Music was provided by the Grace Notes.

A reception followed the service.