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A Message from Bob Arrington

Grief. It’s a normal reaction to loss, but as unique as one’s fingerprint. It is deeply personal, often unpredictable, and different for every person. This is why we have a dedicated Certified Aftercare Minister on staff who can walk with families through their journey of loss.

Our Aftercare Minister at Arrington Funeral Directors provides more than just a listening ear. With genuine empathy and understanding, he meets individuals where they are—whether it has been days, weeks, or even months since the funeral.

“We know that grief doesn’t end with the service,” says our Aftercare Minister, Chuck Maxwell. “For many, the hardest part begins after the flowers have wilted and the calls and cards stop coming. That’s when we step in—not to fix the pain, but to sit with it.”

Grief doesn’t follow a calendar. It may come in waves or feel like a fog that won’t lift. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, and our team honors that truth. Some families may reach out right away, while others need space before they’re ready to talk. Either way, our door is always open.

Through individual meetings, phone calls, grief resources, and referrals to trusted local counselors if needed, Arrington Funeral Directors provides tailored support, never pushing but always present.

What sets us apart is our long-standing commitment to whole-family care. Our Aftercare Minister is not just an extension of the funeral process, but a vital companion during one of life’s most difficult seasons. We remind families that it’s okay to not be okay, and that they are never alone.

Because healing doesn’t happen in a day. It takes some time, some talk and some tears.

Grief and Loss Resources

We have a variety of grief resources available in our funeral home and on our website. Our staff can assist you in finding the resources you need as you navigate life after loss.

• Our Grief Resource Library
• Online iCare Library
• E-books and e-pamphlets
• Online forums and articles
• GriefShare
• Aftercare Ministries

Chuck Maxwell is the Aftercare Minister at Arrington Funeral Directors and is a Certified Grief Specialist through the International Grief Institute. Chuck is available for a casual chat over a cup of coffee or on the phone.

Judy Arrington is also a Certified Aftercare Specialist and can guide you to helpful resources for your unique grief journey.

Both Chuck and Judy can help you locate a specific resource in our lending library or virtual iCare library, or assist you in finding a professional counselor.

Our Grief Resource Library is open for anyone in the community to come in and browse. We offer materials for all ages, including adults, teens, and children who are grieving.

Ways to Help Someone Who Is Grieving

• Listen without judgment
  Be an active listener, allowing the person to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism or needing to "fix" them.
   
• Show compassion
  Give the griever permission to experience and express their true feelings. This might include sadness, anger, or any other emotion.
   
• Be patient
  Allow them to move through their grief at their own pace, as there is no set timeline.
   
• Offer practical support
  Help with tasks such as preparing meals, cleaning the house, or running errands.
   
• Remain available
  Continue to check in, be present, and offer support in the weeks, months, and years that follow.
   
• Avoid clichés
  Refrain from using phrases that can minimize a person's pain, such as "they're in a better place."
   
• Attend the funeral and memorial ceremonies
  Showing up for the visitation and/or funeral can be an important way to express love and concern.

Youth & Funerals e-Book

Understanding the important role funerals and memorialization play in the lives of our youth

Available on our website for free, this book is designed to help you answer the question, “Should my child attend the funeral?” and help families understand the important role of funerals and memorialization in the lives of youth.

Sarah-Ashley Medling: 
Why I Became A Funeral Director

For the families in our community, the quality of our service is defined by the passion of our team, who feel called to provide above and beyond care during every step. That is The Arrington Difference, providing quality when it matters the most.

Sarah-Ashley Medling embodies this mindset - a major reason she chose to be a Funeral Director was the opportunity to be a comforting presence and guiding hand when she's needed.

“I just think it’s one of the kindest things you can do for someone is to be there when their world is basically falling apart.”

In July, we celebrated Sarah’s 4-year anniversary at Arrington Funeral Directors. She has been a blessing to us and to the families we serve, who often mention in their testimonials how much they appreciate her care.

"Everyone was very caring and sympathetic to our time of loss. Our whole family felt loved and comforted. Sarah Medling went above and beyond what we expected to ensure the service was just what we wanted."

"Arrington is wonderful. Very caring and took care of our mom.  They were very comforting and caring, helped us so much with the planning of her cremation. I would highly recommend Arrington 100%.  Sarah was especially helpful and wrote the best obituary just by asking questions and listening to us talk about our mom."

“Sarah Medling is top notch! She was able to walk me through the process, answering all questions and keeping me updated as I am in another state. If I lived in the area, I would always recommend her!"

“The death of my spouse was an incredibly intense sorrow. Sarah and the entire staff at Arrington were so attentive, caring, considerate, and loving. Every single detail was taken care of and left the family to begin the grieving process. The stress was somewhat lifted. Sarah listened and noted every word we said and that was reflected throughout the entire experience. Thank you so much."

Pictured from Left to Right

• Front Row:

Bob Arrington – President, Funeral Director /Embalmer
Gracie Arrington – Certified Therapy Dog & Grief Counselor
Judy Arrington - Certified Aftercare Specialist & Community Relations

• Middle Row:

Dick Arrington – Licensed Advance Funeral Planner
Charles Rahm – General Manager, Funeral Director/Embalmer​​​​​​​
Sarah-Ashley Medling – Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator
Roger Bates – Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator​​​​​​​
Todd Brady – Licensed Advance Funeral Planner

• Back Row:

Chuck Maxwell – Aftercare Minister & Certified Aftercare Specialist
Mike Martin – Facilities
Brandon Bennett – Funeral Assistant, IT & Media Specialist
Doug Walker – Funeral Assistant
Joseph Lane – Funeral Director & Certified Crematory Operator