Funeral services for the Plain community
Some folks may find standing in long lines to be bothersome or irritating. A long reception line at a visitation, however, is a blessing, said Brandon Miller, owner of Miller Funeral Care, in Walnut Creek.
“When I see hundreds of people coming through a line, I think about what a blessing it is to be a part of a community that cares so much about each other,” Miller said. “It warms my heart. We’re not perfect, but what a blessing it is to be a part of a community that still cares.”
To be sure that the community is aware of someone’s passing, Miller provides a free telephone notification service for anybody who signs up.
“People want to show support during such a difficult time, and this service helps to keep them informed,” Miller said. “We let the community know about funeral arrangements as soon as they are made, usually within hours.” Miller added that being on call around the clock and having plans disrupted at the last minute isn’t always easy. “I couldn’t handle it without my supportive wife, that I know will keep our home running when I need to leave. She has willingly accepted this calling and I thank God for that.”
Miller, who opened the funeral home in January 2020, likes to joke that he’s the licensed funeral director who doesn’t direct funerals.
“Many of our local congregations have church appointed funeral directors,” he explained. “They play a vital role in the community, and I see my calling as being here to support them in that. I then provide those additional services that require licensure – especially embalming and making sure we stay compliant with all state laws.”
While stepping back and allowing the church to take control of the funeral, Miller said he makes himself available to lend support wherever he can.
Miller had the idea to get into the funeral profession nine years ago while he attended a funeral at the church to which he belongs.
“I’d been working in construction with my dad since eighth grade,” he said. “I was 21 at the time and I can still take you to the place I was standing when it first crossed my mind. I knew absolutely nothing about it, so I did some Google searches and started asking around.”
As a newlywed of less than a year, Miller decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science.
“Being able to offer my services — and to do it locally — is a dream that has come true,” Miller said.
Miller said a particular life experience of his own makes him uniquely empathetic to parents of deceased infants. Before getting into the funeral business, Miller and his wife, Rosanna — now the parents of four children — suffered the death of a stillborn baby.
“There is certainly some ambiguity about whether that loss is really a valid loss and whether a visitation or service is appropriate,” Miller said. “I still remember how that felt, not being sure if the loss really counted or not. I like to encourage parents of stillbirths (20-plus weeks) that it is perfectly acceptable to have a short visitation and/or service for this kind of loss. You can even make it open to the public. Not all families might want that or feel comfortable with it, but I at least want them to know the options are there. This is the kind of support we offer to families when they need it the most.”
You can sign up for Miller Funeral Care’s free telephone alert service by sending your name and phone number to 2972 SR 39, Millersburg. The funeral home is located along State Route 39 in Walnut Creek.You can learn more by visiting MillerFuneralCare.com.