Making a Difference, at Last…

The most meaningful choice for my dear friend was Water Cremation. She was an avid gardener and had a deep reverence for all living things. To return a part of her to the earth she loved, in support of life, felt correct. Family and friends also shared in taking part of her essence in remembrance. A wonderful experience!

Many people recommended the Natural Funeral to me and I’m so glad they did. It was the right choice for our family. The people, the services, the entire experience was beautiful and meaningful. I highly recommend the Natural Funeral to anyone.

No one ever looks forward to this process of having to deal with your loved one’s passing. My father was elderly and was living with us. I was worried he might pass when we were on vacation and signed paperwork with The Natural Funeral. Fortunately, his condition improved, and he lived several more months. However, when the time came, the Natural Funeral took care of everything. And because I signed the work ahead of time, the process was incredibly easy, which was really nice because I was pretty overwhelmed with my dad’s death. Everyone there is incredibly sensitive and caring, and I was not “upsold” anything (we had a very different experience at a different funeral home where my mother ended up being in a very expensive coffin for cremation). In addition, the Natural Funeral even brought my dad’s remains and certificates to my house. I feel they went way above and beyond what I would have expected. Lastly, they even helped me with my mother’s cremated remains even though she hadn’t been cremated there (they transferred her to a different urn on my request- partially because the original urn was about 20 pounds). Again, wonderful, caring, kind people to deal with… I would absolutely recommend the Natural Funeral.

In this tone of loss this was the best experience I could ask for. Everyone was was so caring, compassionate and truly supportive through every step of figuring out how to honor my husband. I cannot recommend them higher. This is truly how it should be when outlived one’s pass. I bbc am forever grateful.

At a terribly sad and difficult time, finding Natural Funeral truly was an answer to our prayers. Our son had spent the better part of his adult life working on behalf of organic approaches to agriculture. As he was coming to the end of his battle with brain cancer it was his wish to be able to return his body to the earth in a way that would be ecological. The option for water cremation was the answer to his wish. Seth, Karen, and Gretchen were supportive in so many ways. They respected our beliefs, our wishes, and our feelings through the planning and in helping us carry out that plan when our son died. We feel blessed to have found them as we have traversed this tragic time in our lives.

I feel deeply grateful for the reverence, sensitivity, and warmth that Karen van Vuuren, Vicki Viddal, and Seth Viddal of The Natural Funeral brought to the passing of my beloved friend, Mary. Mary had the foresight to reach out to The Natural Funeral before her death, and Karen and Seth thoughtfully assisted her in planning the three-day in-home vigil and natural burial that she desired. Knowing that her requests would be honored brought Mary great peace of mind. When the time came, Karen and Vicki prepared Mary for her vigil with beautiful care. Their availability throughout those three days was both comforting and professional, and the same is true on the day of Mary’s burial, when they transported her to the cemetery and laid her to rest. They anticipated any questions or concerns I might have had, gently consulting with and guiding me when the need arose. Madi Larson eased the tasks following Mary’s death, taking care of death certificates and the placement of Mary’s obituary with kindness and efficiency. Too often in our culture this most significant transition is treated impersonally and without close regard for the dying and their loved ones. Those at The Natural Funeral honor the earth, the individual, and all friends and family members with the grace they bring to their work. Their presence was a gift to Mary and to me.

These are incredibly kind, compassionate and supportive people. Nothing but love towards the way they supported us through the hardest journey we have ever been on.

Such a uniquely warm, comforting and caring experience at a time of unbelievable pain and tragedy. Such an incredibly blessed experience to have had, I can not tell you how grateful I am to have found your business and benefited from your services during this time. The ability to be surrounded by our friends and family and our departed loved one together in such a way…words escape me…I wish that everyone could have such a healing experience in what is an inevitable part of life, but so incredibly hard to plan for. Saying “Thank you” and highly recommending your services feels entirely inadequate. Bless you all, and please accept our deepest gratitude from the entire Stonacek clan.❤️

My experience with the Natural Funeral was nothing less then outstanding. During such a difficult time they guided me beautifully through a process I’ve never done before. Their empathetic, compassionate, helpful and understanding staff treated my mother’s ceremony and burial like it was someone from their own family. I truly appreciate the compassion and care you and your team put into your work. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you.

I really love having Natural Funeral in my hometown of Lafayette! This wonderful place is opening up the communities perspectives about death, dying and grief. My experience here has been one of open hearted community. Everyone is very welcoming and supportive.

Reach out to the Natural Funeral folks if you seek compassionate understanding, support and skillful accommodation for the needs of a dying loved one.

Ben Martin was the perfect person to lead the celebration of the life of my mother and my father's wife of 50+ years. Ben's warmth and caring shone through in every aspect of my mother's celebration of her life here on earth. Ben spent time with both my father and I, on multiple occasions, to learn about my mom and understand the woman, mother, and wife that she was and how best to speak to those traits. Neither my father and I are, nor could be, as eloquent as Ben was on the day of the celebration. We both had multiple people tell us how they felt Ben knew my Dad's wife, my mom, and her as a person which is a testament to how well Ben listened to our stories and thoughts and told the story of her life, and through us, speaking from his heart. Ben also was able to use his extensive experience as a Celebrant to offer his thoughts on different wording or ideas on how best to tell her story and present an image that captured my mother far better than we would have been able to do. We highly recommend Ben Martin. He was the perfect person to prepare us for and to see our family through that day.

The Natural Funeral and everyone there showed us kindness and compassion and grace in the most devastating situation. Being able to honor our loved one in this setting with holistic, natural care means more than I can adequately express. I will be forever grateful for The Natural Funeral.

My husband and I talked a lot about his burial/ funeral wishes when he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. We wanted something as natural as possible without a casket, embalming or a church service. The Natural Funeral was the answer. We were able to have a burial in a beautiful, natural setting with just our family attending. Our five grandchildren (from 5-18) were involved as pallbearers and helped lower my husband into the grave. It was a beautiful way to say good-bye and we were thankful to have the assistance of The Natural Funeral staff, making it a memorable way to honor a life well lived.

I am so thankful we found The Natural Funeral. Our experience was beautiful and healing. They were honest and communicative and unconcerned with finances through the entire process. They gave us space and even allowed us to bring our dog to say goodbye. Nicole wrote a beautiful Eulogy, when I didn't have words. And Ray was so human and real and relatable. I appreciated them - I think they are the only reason I made it through. Thabk you Ray. I owe you so much more than I can ever repay. And then there was Becky, we only spoke once, but it was the middle of the night and she listened and was so supportive. Even though I know it was inconvenient for her. She didn't seem to mind a bit.

We were very pleased by the services that The Natural Funeral offered to our friend. Seth and Gretchen came to her home to discuss what she wanted and were very sensitive and personable. He clearly described water cremation and the processes used. There were no aggressive sales tactics used and we all felt after their visit that Seth and Gretchen were honest and sincere. Everything went smoothly and with respect. Would highly recommend using The Natural Funeral.

The Natural Funeral provided me and my family a wonderful experience after my husband passed away last fall. From the first time I walked in their doors and met their staff, I felt welcome. Seth was amazing to work with through the services we chose for my late husband. My husband was diagnosed with cancer for the second time last year and his wishes were to be composted in the event of his death. He passed away in November, just a short 2 months after human natural reduction (AKA composting) was legalized in the state of Colorado. The Natural Funeral was fabulous at explaining the natural reduction process to me and my family and made us feel extremely comfortable with the process. We chose to start the process with a laying-in ceremony that was beautiful and took place at a beautiful location. The caretaker who looked after my late husband for several months was amazingly wonderful and took great pride in his job. The facility where my late husband spent several months was located near me and my family, so we were offered to come sit on a bench in front of the facility whenever we wanted to spend time with my late husband. We took the caretaker up on his offer and I spent many of my lunch breaks at the facility. I know that my late husband was in good hands at the Natural Funeral. The soil that we received at the end of my late husband's natural reduction was rich soil that has been shared with many friends and family and has been used to plant trees, flowers, etc. all over the country now! Lastly, the Natural Funeral officiant, Ben Martin, that provided services at my late husband's Celebration of Life did an absolutely amazing job. He took the time to get to know my late husband through interviews with me and members of the family and that came across in his memorial service. His service was beautiful and I cannot thank Ben enough for the wonderful words he had to say. Everything about my experience with the Natural Funeral was very natural/organic. I highly recommend the Natural Funeral for all of your natural funeral needs!

Karen and Dan helped our family with arrangements when Kathleen my husband's sister passed away. Karen and Dan came to house the day before Kathleen died and helped our family craft a plan for Kathleen's service which we reviewed with Kathleen and she approved. This gave us peace knowing she was in favor of our approach. I think it also gave. her peace of mind knowing we were all unified. Kathleen passed that night. Karen and Dan's guidance that day helped us handle it calmly. Instead of whisking her away, we held a vigil at her bedside until all family members were able to arrive. This was a sacred and bonding time for all of us. Had we not had the support and guidance of the Natural Funeral we would not have known that we could wait that long, dress her ourselves and just be with her that day. i am so grateful for this compassionate support that empowered us in a time when we were all so tender.

This company was amazing to work with. Made us feel very comfortable and really compassionate. They just really go the extra mile to honor what you want and just sending little things meant so much.

I am so grateful to have found the Natural Funeral. I had seen The Natural Funeral logo posted a few months back, loved the image and sound of the name and kept a mental note. When our mother unexpectedly passed away we were asked what funeral home we had selected. Even though I had not done any prior research I said, “The Natural Funeral.” From the moment we walked in the door of this home environment at The Natural Funeral I felt like we had come to honor and create the most beautiful passageway for our mom’s transition, and be preciously held like delicate flower petals by the staff during our process. We shared conversations with Seth and Karen, always with tea, over a timeless period in the living room of love and acceptance. When it was time to view our Mother’s body we realized how attentive their listening was for we were graced with the vision of our mother’s body covered with shawls of the colors she loves, and she was placed in a beautiful candle lit room with essential oils to use for purification. In our process of making decisions there was no pressure, no sales, no time limits, no push to use certain plans, only information presented so we could make our own clear choice. This experience is incomparable to other funeral homes I have experienced where profits take the lead. We chose water cremation because of zero negative impact on the environment, rather, positive impact for being able to use the liquid cremains to bring nutrition to earth’s soil. We were able to create a meaningful ceremony in our own gardens with these deep nutrients. The Natural Funeral is beyond measure in their offerings: willingness to witness; listen without a timed clock; support with events; offer their lending library; offer affordable natural options for burial or cremation; and offer local artists to create memorable pieces bringing more beauty to our memories. Most of all, meaningful and authentic friendships are developed. Thank you with my deepest sincerity to The Natural Funeral.

I could not recommend the services of The Natural Funeral highly enough. Every step of the process with my mom was handled with professionalism, grace, and tenderness. From the pick up and transport from our home in Glenwood Springs, to the special and meaningful laying-in ceremony, to the return of my mom's composted remains, it felt like we were being held and cared for each step of the way. Unlike with other funeral homes, it was apparent that the employees here truly were serving a calling and not just doing a day job. I would recommend the loving human composting services to any and everyone I know. We received my mom's remains back as lush soil that now nourishes wildflowers and trees.

I would give this organization 6 stars if I could! During the most difficult time in my life, The Natural Funeral Home stepped into my home/life and created a space for love, connection & honor- not only for my husband, who had passed, but for my family. They gently guided us through a remarkable process- reverent body care & anointment- this ceremony allowed up to honor our loved one in such a deep and meaningful way. Their support did not stop there. They continued to provide ongoing support in so many areas..... They are a truly wonderful group of human beings making what was one of our most darkest moments a little lighter. Thank you Karen, Iris, Madi and the rest of The Natural Funeral Home team! We will forever be connected.

The Natural Funeral provided us the most extraordinary, deeply loving, highly supportive, and compassionate experience with our loved one. It was as though we were working with our family! The impeccable service they provided in every area left us crying in gratitude for having found Karen, Iris Sophia and Maddie who are the best in this field of funeral services. The cost was completely in alignment with other funeral services, the maturity, wisdom and expertise of their work was well beyond 5 stars. The Water Cremation was absolutely beautiful as was being able to participate and feel included in the whole process. You will be so happy you chose Natural Funeral. We feel so blessed we did! Tara Sheahan

The services provided by The Water Crematory were exceptional. Every aspect from initial consultations to body collection were professional, caring and respectful. I would highly recommend their services for the loss of a loved one.

The staff at Natural Funeral were phenomenal in dealing with the many nuances and intricacies of dealing with the departure of a loved one. Their natural solutions are wonderful, and should become the standard. I highly recommend working with them.

I highly recommend The Natural Funeral. They treated my family with genuine compassion and respect. Ray was fantastic at communicating the process and next steps all along the way. My family and I felt comforted that our father was being treated with dignity and care as he transitioned into his final resting place. A big thank you to the entire Natural Funeral family. ❤️

The Natural Funeral and its staff has been such a blessing for my family. When my cousin Jessica died, the staff helped us through every step and treated us as though we were part of their own family. The Natural Funeral has a knowledgeable and dedicated staff that is full of empathy and love. We are incredibly grateful that they exist.