By Mary Owen
Weddle Funeral Services in Stayton turns 100 this month.
“Having been a pillar in the Santiam Canyon for a century, we are honored to be carrying on the legacy left by the Weddle family,” said Terrie Davis, funeral director/manager/producer. “Having served generations of families, it is obvious that Weddle’s continues to be a fixture in the community. The Weddles felt that if you take care of the families, the business will take care of itself, and that has proven true. Families come back to us time and time again when the need arises – for guidance, support and professional service.”
In the recent Statesman Journal poll, Weddle Funeral Services earned Best of the Mid-Valley for funeral services. Over the last four years Weddle’s has been honored with three gold and one silver award.
“We believe it is an indication that we are providing exceptional service and the highest level of compassion and care to our families,” Davis said. “Weddle’s continues to have a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. We strive to ease the stress often felt by families dealing with the many necessary decisions when faced with the death of a loved one. As our team relieves this burden, it allows families to focus on coming together and loving each other while honoring the life of their loved one.
“We also know that it is especially difficult to lose a child, so we provide service to families that lose a child at no cost,” she added. “Knowing that they will not incur financial loss during this devastating time is such a blessing and relief to those families.”
Davis said she and her team feel a personal connection with all the families and “truly feel it is an honor to serve them all.”
William Alfred Weddle was one of 11 children born to Elijah and Margaret (Slover) Weddle. Young Weddle started as an associate with Melvin Ringo and purchased the funeral home from Ringo in 1917. He moved to Stayton as a young man and married Sarah Wilson of Portland, working as a funeral director for 25 years.
Weddle was the mayor of Stayton in 1938, a position he was again elected to in 1940. He was a past president of the Oregon Funeral Directors Association, a member of Stayton Church of Christ, Oddfellows, Lions Club and several other organizations. He was also the general chairman of the Santiam Bean Festival. The owner of Weddle & Sons Funeral Home, Weddle died on the Fourth of July in 1940 while picnicking with family at Silver Falls State Park. Ringo Mortuary handled his arrangements.
“His son, Wendell, was his associate mortician since 1934,” Davis said. “Wendell and his wife proudly completed their new funeral home establishment in 1958. Time, diligent efforts and careful thought and creative genius combined to give the people of the area the finest in comfort and convenience at the time of bereavement.”
Since 2008, Weddle’s has remained family-owned and is now run by Randy and Carrie (Etzel) Durig.
“Carrie grew up in Stayton on Ted and Corrine Etzel’s Century Farm, which has been passed down for four generations,” Davis said. “Together with the staff, they have a genuine desire to the community through service, family and friendship.”
Davis said staff helps families with the primary goal of helping to create “a fitting, memorable and affordable service, one that creates the opportunity for the survivors to tell their loved one’s story.”
“With a wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions, we help the family begin their healing,” she added. “Families that come to us know that they will have peace of mind, because in coming to us, they’ve done their best to honor their loved one.”
Local suppliers involved in the construction of the current funeral home, located at 1777 N. Third Ave., include: Freres Building Supply, Santiam Hardware, Spaniol & Co., Raleigh Harold Florist, and Marion County Red-Mix.
Weddle’s offers complete services, including on-site cremation as well as burial, private viewing rooms and a reception area. Families receive a memorial DVD and online obituaries on the website at www.Weddle-Funeral.com. The funeral home has its own funeral coach and offers a selection of bereavement items.
“There is always coffee and water available, and we offer a comfortable and secure environment if you want to come by for a cup or just say hello and ask any questions you may have,” Davis said.
Throughout 2017, Weddle’s will have a monthly door prize drawing for all who drop in. An open house with entertainment, refreshments, and a DVD slide show of the history of the funeral home will take place from Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A replica of former President Abraham Lincoln’s custom-made coffin will be on display at the open house. The coffin is one of five replicas made a decade ago by the Batesville Casket Company of Indiana.
“Wendell Weddle built what many in the funeral industry considered one of the finest operations in Oregon,” Davis said. “Today, our staff continues to offer complete funeral services with the highest level of family care and compassion.”
Weddle Funeral Services is one of Stayton’s oldest continuing businesses and it continues to honor tradition. The funeral home has agreed to honor plans on file with Barrick Funeral Home in Salem, which recently closed.
“Dr. L.E. Barrick was present to assist with Wendell’s funeral services,” Davis said.
Weddle’s will embrace the future by continuing William and Wendell’s legacy to be “a premier-rated professional team providing exceptional service combined with the highest level of integrity,” Davis said.
“We understand that no amount of time is ever enough time with our loved ones,” she added. “Knowing this, we do our very best to fully honor each and every loved one entrusted to us.”
