We used Groff in Feb 2022 after the passing of my father. Although it wasn't the funeral home he had expressed an interest in us using while alive, Groff was recommended to us. I'm glad we switched as I don't think we would have had the same experience with their competitor.
Obviously, funeral planning is not pleasant. Emotions are high, and there's so much to consider. After all, you are planning the farewell celebration, and trying to squeeze a lifetime of achievements, personal stories, etc into a short period of time. You're distraught but at the same time want everything to be perfect.
Dad had done some preplanning, as far as prepurchasing cremation plan, which is similiar to an insurance policy. Even with that portion prepaid, services were much higher, and the breakdown of what you are paying for unexpected. The male funeral director we worked with broke everything down and explained the process, made recommendation based on our wishes, and took time with us. Communication was good at this point and we did not feel rushed.
Maybe it's just his personality or maybe it's me and my heightened emotional state but I did feel at times he used laughter at times that seemed ackward, and seemed to smile at times that felt disrespectful. But at the end of the day, this is his job, and he has the unfortunate task of dealing with death every day so maybe he was immune to it.
The service we planned was perfect. They assisted us anyway they could with the little details, set everything up, and really connected the dots in a way that we were able to sit back, honor our father, and not have to worry about anything.
Even after the service he kept in touch, and even on the one year anniversary sent a card, which was nice.
Communication broke down during the actual burial, and I do feel we were cheated to some degree by what ultimately happened the day he was interned, and his reaction to it. Considering everything else good, I have to look at it overall as we were provided good service. read more