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About

At Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors, our experienced staff of caring professionals has been serving Salem, Oregon, and the surrounding Willamette Valley area for more than 100 years.

Individualized funerals in Salem

Lobby at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral DirectorsWe provide the highest quality service 24 hours a day, each and every day. We are here to assist you and your family in arranging a funeral that is specifically designed to meet your needs. We believe that funeral services should reflect the lives of those being honored. That's why we strive to create meaningful tributes to loved ones who have meant so much to family and friends.

A team that's here for you

Signage at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral DirectorsOur licensed funeral directors at our funeral home and chapel care for families during an often stressful and difficult time. We view this not as a job but as a sacred trust, so we take great care to bring integrity, compassion and clear communication into everything that we do.

We understand losing a loved one is an emotional and difficult experience and at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors, we are committed to providing you with compassionate, professional and personal service. It is our honor to serve the Salem community. Please contact us if you need immediate assistance or if you would like more information about our funeral services.

We Honor Veterans level 4 badge We Honor Veterans

At Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors, we understand the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families. As a Level Four Founding Community Partner with We Honor Veterans, we are honored to serve our nation’s heroes and take this responsibility seriously. We have taken steps to ensure our staff is knowledgeable of all the benefits available to military veterans and their families.

In addition, we host community events annually in honor of our veterans and work closely with local veterans organizations. With respect, integrity and dignity, we will walk you through the steps of creating a veteran’s memorial service that truly honors the life and sacrifice of your loved one.

History

Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors has been in Salem for over a century.

Our Salem funeral home

Sitting area at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral DirectorsIn 1909, Terwilliger Funeral Home was established at 770 Chemeketa Street in Salem, Oregon. In 1939, Charles C. Edwards purchased the funeral home and it became known as Terwilliger-Edwards Funeral Home.

Another funeral home named Salem Mortuary was established in 1928 at 545 North Capitol Street in Salem, which later became known as the Walker-Howell Funeral Home.

In 1944, Terwilliger-Edwards and Walker-Howell merged and became known as Howell-Edwards Funeral Home. The funeral home was located at the Capitol Street address until 1966 when the property was purchased by the state of Oregon.

Chapel of the Gardens

Before moving to its new location, Charles C. Edwards retired. B. James Doerksen and Lee C. Edwards became co-owners of the funeral home. In 1966, Howell-Edwards-Doerksen, Chapel of the Gardens opened its doors at its current location, 1350 Commercial Street SE in Salem.

The Rigdon-Ransom Colonial Chapel

W.T. Rigdon Company, located at 299 Cottage Street NE in Salem, was founded in 1891 by W.T. "Taylor" Rigdon after he purchased the Rotan Undertaking Parlors. In the early 60s, Hollis Ransom joined the firm and the name changed to Rigdon-Ransom Colonial Chapel.

In January 1999, Rigdon-Ransom Colonial Chapel sold their facility to the Salem Family YMCA to be used as a teen center. They then merged with Howell-Edwards-Doerksen, Chapel of the Gardens.

Today, Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors is proud to be a member of the Dignity Memorial® network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers.

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Amenities

Location

Cremation

Service

Religious & Cultural

100% SERVICE GUARANTEE

At Dignity Memorial, we take our promises seriously. That’s why we offer a 100% service guarantee. We strive to get every detail right the first time, every time. If for some reason we don’t and you’re dissatisfied with any aspect of your service, we will remedy it quickly and fully. Learn about our Dignity Difference benefits.

Learn about our Dignity Difference benefits.

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Ratings & Reviews

Verified Customer Reviews

Since 2005, many of our customers have taken the time to tell us how we did each year via our Voice of the Customer program. Our star ratings and comments from families come directly from these surveys.

"I wish the boom box at the grave site service would have been clearer."

jd-power-verified-checkmark Verified Burial & Memorial Service Customer

October 2020

"Exceptional, very caring and professional team of experts that go above and beyond to make sure you understand everything and don't have to worry about any of the details."

jd-power-verified-checkmark Verified Burial & Memorial Service Customer

October 2020

"When our daughter was placed on hospice care I immediately began preplanning for the funeral and cemetery arrangements. As difficult as that was, I knew it would be harder to try and do everything after she passed away. Even with my preplanning efforts, there was so much to coordinate to honor our daughter in the way I wanted. The staff were professional, prompt and so helpful in making the details, the special moments come to pass the way I envisioned. I will be forever grateful for their loving care during such a difficult and sad time for our family."

jd-power-verified-checkmark Verified Burial & Memorial Service Customer

August 2020

"Very efficient staff & quality service for all."

jd-power-verified-checkmark Verified Burial & Memorial Service Customer

August 2020

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Meet Our Team

Here for you when you need us.

  • Elizabeth Johnson

    Elizabeth Ellen Johnson

    Manager
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