Personalized memorials and celebrations

At Douglass Funeral Home, we understand that every family is different—and so is every farewell. We specialize in honoring the family and cultural traditions that matter most to you, creating meaningful services that reflect the life, values and heritage of your loved one.

From traditional funerals to contemporary celebrations of life, intimate gatherings to large events, we’re here to help you plan a tribute that feels just right. Services can be held in our cozy on-site chapel, at your home, a place of worship, an outdoor venue or anywhere else that holds special meaning.

We believe every service should be as unique as the life it honors. Our caring team takes the time to get to know your loved one’s story, designing a gathering that brings people together to share memories, find comfort and say goodbye in a way that feels personal and heartfelt.

No matter your wishes, no matter the detail, we're here to take care of it all—so you can focus on what matters most.

Cremation in Ajo

Douglass Funeral Home specializes in cremation and cremation memorials. With our own private crematory located in Casa Grande, expertise in scattering ashes and a team experienced in cremation memorialization, we provide service that is second to none.

More and more people are choosing cremation over traditional burial, but most aren’t familiar with all the choices:

• a cremation without a funeral or memorial service of any kind.
• a funeral with your loved one present, followed by cremation.
• a cremation followed by a scattering, cemetery memorialization or celebration of life—or all three.

There are many cremation providers in Pima County. Here’s what you can expect when you choose Douglass Funeral Home for your loved one’s cremation:

• Custody of care guaranteed. Our identification pendant and custody-of-care program help safeguard the identification of your loved one.
• Exclusive custody of your loved one. Once your loved one is in the care of a Dignity Memorial® provider or trusted partner, they’re in our care until they’re returned to your family.
• Licensed, certified, conscientious staff. All Dignity Memorial crematorium operators in Arizona are licensed and certified by the Cremation Association of North America, or CANA. Unless there are special circumstances and your family has requested otherwise, only one person at a time is cremated. Additionally, the crematorium chamber is thoroughly cleaned before the next person is cremated.

A trusted provider for the Tohono O'odham Nation

Ajo is located near the western edge of the Tohono O'odham Nation Reservation, and we are honored to serve families from the Nation with the utmost respect and understanding. Our team, led by funeral arranger Genevieve Valentine-Davis, works closely with families to honor their traditions and cultural practices. Whether arranging sacred ceremonies, coordinating with tribal customs, or simply offering a familiar and trusted presence during difficult times, we are committed to providing thoughtful services to every family.

Funeral and burial planning in advance

In addition to assisting with an immediate need, Douglass Funeral Home works with families to make final arrangements in advance. When you plan ahead, you relieve your family from financial and emotional burdens while ensuring your wishes are fulfilled. We offer in-person and virtual consultations, as well as a free Personal Planning Guide.

Lean on us

Our caring and dedicated team considers it a great responsibility when families entrust to us the care of their loved ones. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please contact us if we may assist with funeral or cremation arrangements in Ajo.

History

Horace T. Lyons arrived in Ajo in 1916. A mining engineer and embalmer, he first established Parker-Grimshaw Undertaking in the nearby town of Gibson before relocating the mortuary to Ajo in 1923. Horace operated the funeral home until his death in 1953. Unmarried, he left the business to his cousin, Joseph McCarthy, who renamed it McCarthy Funeral Home and managed it until 1969.

That year, Joseph sold the funeral home to Buck Musgrave. Buck ran the business for nearly a decade before passing it on to James and Irene Douglass in 1978. James, who also served as the town's justice of the peace, and Irene changed the name from Musgrave Funeral Home to Douglass Funeral Home, continuing the tradition of service to the Ajo community.

After Buck's death in 1982, Irene assumed full responsibility until her retirement. Ownership then passed to a couple named Peebles, who operated the business until 2002. That year, Janet and Jerry Warren added the funeral home to their J. Warren Funeral Services and Cremation family, ensuring its legacy would continue.