Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home offers high-quality funeral and cremation services in Glendale, AZ, and surrounding areas. We have been in business for over 100 years and are proud to be locally owned and operated. Our longevity in servicing the community can attest to the quality of our work. Our dedicated and caring staff have always worked to treat every family as if they were our own and give service to everyone with great care and honesty. Feel free to visit our funeral home or give us a call at (602) 840-5600 for all your funeral and cremation needs.
With roots dating back to 1903, Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home has a rich history of service about funeral service and cremations in the greater Phoenix and surrounding areas. Though locations have changed over time, the thread of family heritage that weaves through the establishment means this company has a legacy of care when creating value for its customers. With five generations of Murphy's and two generations of the Asta families continuing the tradition, this firm really does have a family-centered focus on the people and things that matter most.
Honesty and compassionate care are core values in this business. We understand that our reputation depends on transparent and high-quality service to people who are often vulnerable when they come to us. It is essential that you feel some sense of trust in the support team you choose to help you lay your loved one to rest. This is not something you ever will do again for this person. Our team of experts takes the responsibility of guiding and supporting you through this tender time quite seriously.
Standard Service Types for Funeral Home and Cremations
Funeral and cremation services are held in honor of the deceased, but ultimately, we hold funerals to support the living. There is a great deal of research to uphold the benefits of attending some style of funeral service when a loved one has passed away. Grieving individuals tend to grasp the reality of this loss and accept it when the closure of a funeral or celebration of life service has been held.
With the wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds, each family will have differing needs for what service arrangements will best fit their circumstances. Our professional team has helped families from every walk of life and background. A few common service types can be personalized in any number of ways:
Traditional Service:
This includes a viewing and a formal funeral service. The service may be held at the funeral home, a church, or other venues you select. Flowers are frequently displayed, and personal memorabilia can also be set out. The casket is usually included in this service.
Graveside Service:
This event is held at the burial site. Attendees may be few or many. Graveside services can stand alone, but a memorial service will sometimes be held.
Memorial Service:
Similar to a funeral service, a memorial provides a time to recognize and pay tribute to the one who has died. Those who share the loss can support one another in this type of gathering. Because memorials do not require the deceased's body to be in attendance, memorial services could be held many weeks or months after the passing occurs.
Cremation Service:
This is a method of preparation for final disposition that transforms the deceased remains into ashen granules through high-heat combustion in a closed chamber.
More About Cremation Services
Questions often surround the process of cremation services. One frequent misconception we hear is that you cannot have a traditional type of service if you are arranging for cremation. However, a full traditional funeral service can certainly be held for someone who will also be cremated. In these cases, after the funeral services, the body is removed to the crematory for cremation instead of being buried at the cemetery. Relevant merchandise, including a casket, can be rented for the funeral proceedings.
Cremated remains have more varied options when it comes to the final resting place of your deceased loved one. The remains are often referenced as "ashes." The ashes can be displayed in a funeral urn, which has many customizable choices. Cremated ashes could also be buried within a family plot at a cemetery. If entombment in a columbarium is preferred, niche spaces are available as well at all cemeteries. Some families choose to scatter the ashes in natural settings that have some meaning to the deceased.
Vital Elements in a Funeral Proceeding
Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home understands that honoring a loved one involves a series of meaningful events and traditions, each designed to celebrate their life and provide solace to those left behind. These moments can be customized to reflect the departed's unique personality, values, and beliefs. Below is a breakdown of the key elements often included in funeral services:
Funeral Procession
A deeply symbolic gesture, the funeral procession marks the deceased's final journey. This tradition dates back centuries and often includes vehicles or arrangements that resonate with the loved one's hobbies or achievements. For instance, a motorcade might feature vintage cars for a classic car enthusiast or motorcycles for a dedicated rider.
Visitation or Viewing
Known also as a wake, this time-honored practice allows friends and family to pay their respects. Typically held at a funeral home or private residence, the setting often includes photographs, mementos, and floral arrangements celebrating the deceased's life. Statistics show that 65% of modern visitations incorporate digital photo displays or video tributes, offering a more dynamic and personal experience.
Funeral Ceremony
The funeral ceremony serves as the centerpiece of the proceedings, allowing loved ones to gather and reflect on the departed's life. Locations can vary widely, with 48% of families choosing places of worship, 32% opting for funeral home chapels, and 20% selecting outdoor venues or unique locations. Personal touches such as eulogies, live music, or cultural rituals can make this tribute unforgettable.
Committal Service
Often conducted at the final resting place, the committal service includes prayers, readings, and reflections. This solemn occasion provides closure and deeply influences religious or cultural traditions. For example, passages like Psalm 23 or John 11:25-26 are frequently read in Christian ceremonies to offer comfort and hope.
Burial Ceremony
The burial is often brief yet poignant, focusing on lowering the casket into the ground. Depending on cultural or religious practices, this moment might include rituals such as placing earth on the casket or reciting specific blessings. A recent survey found that 43% of burials now incorporate biodegradable caskets or eco-friendly materials to align with the deceased's environmental values.
Funeral Reception
The reception provides a less formal environment for mourners to connect, share memories, and find mutual support. This gathering often includes a meal or refreshments, with 60% of families choosing to host the reception at the funeral home itself, while others opt for restaurants or private homes. Personalized touches like the deceased's favorite dishes or themed décor are becoming increasingly popular.
Memorial Service
Ideal for those who prefer flexibility, a memorial service can be held days, weeks, or even months after the passing. Unlike a traditional funeral, the body is absent, allowing families to organize a meaningful gathering at their own pace. Popular venues for memorials include botanical gardens, beaches, and community halls, chosen for their connection to the deceased's life and passions.
Each of these elements can be tailored to create a heartfelt and meaningful farewell that reflects the individuality of the person being honored. By weaving personal details and traditions into these services, families can ensure a lasting tribute that brings comfort and celebrates a life well-lived.
Planning for the Future
Plans for funeral arrangements need not wait until death has occurred. There are many instances when declining health and age make this conversation somewhat natural. Terminal diagnosis of chronic disease may also lead to this discussion. However, there need not be a known reason to set your affairs in order on this topic. Pre-planning for future needs is simple to get started in the privacy of your home. Check out our pre-planning tool on our website and create peace of mind today.
Call for Immediate Assistance
Whether plans for funeral services or cremations are needed right away, or years down the road, our family at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home are more than ready to assist you with compassionate, professional, care. Call us (602) 840-5600 or stop by 4800 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018 to learn more.
Funeral Home and Cremation FAQs
Why Have a Public Viewing?
A public viewing offers family and friends a chance to see their loved one for the last time, providing an opportunity to say goodbye and find closure. It’s a meaningful part of the grieving process, allowing people to acknowledge the reality of the loss while honoring the deceased. Public viewings also unite a community, offering support to the bereaved and creating a space to share memories. This experience helps many process emotions and start the healing journey.
Why Have a Funeral?
A funeral is a meaningful way to honor a loved one, bringing family and friends together to share memories, express emotions, and find comfort in each other’s support. It creates a space to acknowledge the reality of the loss, celebrate the person’s life, and begin the healing process. Through shared stories and the presence of others, funeral services help provide closure and guide loved ones toward acceptance and peace.
Who is Eligible for Military Funeral Honors?
The Department of Defense honors veterans with Military Funeral Honors (MFHs) to recognize their service and sacrifice. To qualify, individuals must have served in the military, received an honorable or general discharge, and completed at least one term of service. However, those discharged dishonorably, such as through bad conduct or dismissal by courts-martial, are not eligible. MFHs typically include a flag-folding ceremony, the playing of Taps, and, for certain veterans, a gun salute. Families can request these military honors and veteran services through their local funeral home director.
