Historic cemeteries are a must for me to visit any time I travel. Bellefontaine Cemetery is…read moreabsolutely gorgeous, and I'm not exaggerating when I say you can spend hours there and get lost exploring. I literally got lost. It's so big! I eventually followed the white line and made it to the entrance/exit. A must visit for lovers of the macabre.

I have been to several tours at Bellfontaine and have marveled at the rich history of this…read morecemetery/ arboretum. Tour guides are so knowledgeable in the sites throughout. An amazing experience with clever tour themes.

A comforting experience…read more It was not my first time planning final arrangements for a loved one. But, this one had me beat. My sadness and anxiety was at an all-time high, after the death of my sister. But, as her POA, I knew I had to 'pull myself together,' and complete this final task. Thank God for Micheala and Lauren, at the Chouteau location in STL!!!! These ladies KNOW their stuff! They patiently guided me thru the necessary requirements, taking into account my budget, kept me informed of every process and helped me and my family put together a loving and fun-filled memorial....JUST LIKE MY SISTER!!!! I'm so very grateful. I highly recommend this establishment and BIG CUDOS to the well-trained staff. Keep up the good work.

1. Welcoming, practical cremation facility with caring staff and home-like touches (Forest Park…read morepaintings, plants). 2. Best suited for small to medium gatherings (~50-60 people). Parking 1. ~14 spaces total, including 2 handicap spots. 2. Additional street parking nearby (fits smaller vehicles best). 3. Two entrances allow easier access. Building & Layout 1. Lobby Front: 3-4 seats. 2. Back Lobby: 5 seats, with small LCD TV. 3. Family Rooms: Two rooms, one seats ~9, smaller one seats fewer; 3 outlets; no TV feed. 4. Arrangement Rooms: Standard room ~4 seats (2 outlets); extended/bigger room ~6 seats (no TV). 5. Main Room: 50-60 chairs, with 5-7 outlets. 6. Overall Capacity: ~50-60 guests total. 7. Outside Overhang: ~30 people waiting space. Amenities 1. Standard AC wall unit (building can reach ~86° when crowded). 2. Main TV for DVD/media, controlled by the front office. 3. Back lobby TV runs on battery, times out after ~1 hour. 4. Tissue boxes placed throughout. 5. Handicap ramp near gas station side. Kitchen & Refreshments 1. Counter fits ~6 trays of food. 2. Two refrigerators for refreshments. 3. Two coffee pots. 4. Separate hot/cold water filter machine. 5. Large sink and prep counter. 6. 10 outlets available. Surroundings 1. Forest Park paintings add a familiar, local feel. 2. Decorative plants throughout. 3. Shade trees in front and west side provide relief in warmer months. 4. Smoking may occur on both property sides. Interior & Atmosphere 1. Lighting: Soft rectangular fixtures (not overly bright). 2. Ceiling: Standard basement style, no leaks or stains. 3. Incense: Burned ~15 minutes; scent noticeable throughout. 4. Comfortable balance: simple, functional, but welcoming. Staff 1. Britt at the front desk: quick, responsive, courteous, and patient. 2. Reception staff overall supportive and helpful. 3. ~4 staff members visible during Saturday morning visit. Notable Details 1. The Arch not visible from property; only outside/back lot. 2. Seasonal shade available in front and west-facing areas.

After a loved one passed, my family was struggling to pull all the pieces together in a timely…read moremanner. Eddie stepped in and took care of everything and made it look seamless. But before Eddie, we did shop around for other Funeral homes, they tried to talk us out of using his service because they said his location was bad but we had no problems and it looked like the rest of that part of town to us. At the last minute we were also struggling to find a minister to provide the service but they found Reggie Chandler and even at the last minute he was so smooth and his words were very comforting. It was the best experience possible under the circumstances. Hopefully you're not in need of his services but if you are, please consider.

I've been to Calvary for family burials. There is a long family history with this cemetery…read more Saturday was a lovely service in the Chapel at Calvary. But the Chapel is IN the Mausoleum, so there are people buried above ground all around you. Everything is marble. Last time I was here, when we left the Chapel, we decided we'd just find some of our buried relatives. We found them after quite a search (no map). And then it took us 30 minutes to get out. No breadcrumbs. This place is beyond huge. And it's right next to the Bellefontaine Cemetery.

One of our favorite cemeteries in the St. Louis area. It's well taken care of and houses many of…read moreSt. Louis important city founders. It's even beautiful in the winter but the summer brings out it's TRUE beauty.

From the beginning to the end he made us fill comfortable. There was no rushing to get us out. He…read morewas patient explained everything. Went over the paperwork ensuring we were happy with the price we were given. Since it was a cremation we were not rushed to make a determination on an earn. I don't think the service could be better.

If you are looking for competent, efficient and trustworthy service, keep looking because you will…read morenot find it at Gateway Cremation in St. Louis! John picked up my sister's body on 8/20/2019 to cremate. He sent the death certificate to the wrong doctor to sign. It took 3 different people telling him 6 times before he sent it to the correct doctor on 9/11. The coroner had sent him a cremation authorization on 8/27 but John did not appear to understand that it was sufficient to cremate her. He finally cremated her on 9/6 or 9/9. Her funeral was 9/7, which John knew from our first conversation on 8/19. I talked to John on 9/10 and he said he was mailing her cremains to me. On 9/16, I called John and told him that I had not received my sister's cremains and he told me that I should receive them by Wednesday. He stated that he was putting the death certificates in the mail the next day, Tuesday. On Thursday afternoon at 5:10PM, I called John because the cremains had not been in the mail as he had promised. I left a message requesting a return call and to know the exact date that he had placed the cremains in the mail. I informed him that I was becoming very frustrated with his process. Today at 11:00AM, I FINALLY received my sister's cremains. The mailing label showed they had been shipped at 7:15PM on 9/19. When I opened the box, I also found the death certificates, which showed, "Date Received 09/19/2019." He lied to me numerous times during the month that I dealt with him and honestly, I don't understand why. He made a stressful situation so much more stressful than it had to be!

20 stars if I could. My brother chose this site for our father. I wasn't thrilled because our…read moreparents lived in Benton, IL. I was worried that the owner would treat my father without dignity and respect when he showed up to receive him after his passing. When the owner entered our house, he spoke to me, my brother, and my mother, expressed his condolences, and appeared to care for a man he had never met. I am a retired law enforcement officer from California, so we learn over the years; we learn to read people, and I could tell he was genuinely saddened and cared. He cared very much for my father, including placing a pillow under my dad's head and covering him with a beautiful blanket. I hated to admit it to my brother, but he did a great job, and I can never speak highly enough of this company; The aunt and nephew treated us like family, not like clients.

From the owner: When a loved one passes, you deserve compassionate guidance from someone who understands the…read moreimportance of honoring their life with dignity. Southern Cremation & Burial Services proudly serves families throughout Southern Illinois with professional, personalized, and affordable funeral care. We offer traditional burial services, cremation options, pre-planning, and personalized arrangements designed around the needs of each family. Locally owned and operated, we believe every family deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and genuine care during one of life’s most difficult moments. Compassionate Care. Affordable Options. Dignified Service. Call us today to learn how we can serve your family.

My initial contact was with Jessica who came to my office and was very caring and thorough with all…read morethe details and questions I had about setting up a preplanned arrangement for my mother. As heartbreaking as the loss of our mother was, Jessica was very caring, compassionate and timely with all the details of my mother's arrangements. I would highly recommend CSM as the care of my mother was handled with great dignity. Thank you on behalf of my entire family.

I was truly blessed to have Amy and Jessica walk me through this difficult process. These women…read morewere kind, compassionate, and professional. Because we did not have life insurance, this was a reasonable priced but dignified service to use. I am grateful for how well we were treated.

***STAY AWAY*** Beverly, Bev Granberry is the epitome of how…read moreminority business fail at relationships and customer growth within their own communities! I will assume that Beverly Granberry is settled in on a certain financial demographic of customers which explains her defensiveness with anyone deemed challenging. I understand death is a for profit business but unfortunately customer service has been sacrificed as well, starting at the top! At this time, I cannot recommend this business because of the more than likely compromise of peace at some point in the transaction! SMH!

I can not say enough kind things about Granberry, Mr. Poe, and the rest of the staff. From the time…read moreI entered the doors I received a very sympathetic, warm, loving reception. My family had our mother's body transferred from another funeral home that we were unsatisfied with as Granberry came highly recommended. The staff at Granberry picked up where they left off and completely exceeded our expectations. I must admit that due to the untimely (Christmas week) and unexpected passing of my mother things and details on our parts were sometimes a tad hectic, late, and disordered. However the kindness, patience, and understanding that they afforded was unparalleled. Time was of the essence as my mother NEVER wished to have her body out for an extended period of time. Mr. Poe and his staff made it happen without a flinch. (Even Mr. Poe sacrificing his birthday to take care of our arrangements) :-) It is extremely difficult to lose a loved one; regardless of timing or circumstance. However when you are working with such kind and efficient professionals of their caliber it makes your existing sorrow and challenges easier to bear. To them they are just doing a job well done but to us in bereavement it is a rainbow among our storm. On behalf of Thomas family we offer a million thanks and praises. May the Good Lord bless you all beyond measure.