Ertel Funeral Home & Crematory

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Cortez, CO
Ertel Funeral Home & Crematory

Ertel Funeral Home has been serving the Montezuma and Dolores County area for nearly 100 years.

We are honored to be a part of the rich history of this community and plan to be a part of it for many years to come.

01/11/2026

Children will surprise you with their questions about the funeral service - some ask about the flowers, others wonder if you're going to die too. Keep answering them as they come, even when you feel unprepared. Their feelings will shift from sad to curious to angry, sometimes all in one conversation, which is completely normal. We're here to help your family navigate these talks together.

01/08/2026

Grief has no timeline. Move through it at your own pace. Joy can show up alongside sorrow, and both belong in the story.

01/05/2026

What would you want people to hear at your funeral or celebration of life?

Maybe you want your favorite hymn sung, or maybe you'd rather have everyone listen to that song you played on repeat for years. Some people choose scripture passages that shaped them, others prefer poetry or even a passage from a book they loved. Your service works best when it sounds like you.

Your family will remember hearing those specific songs and words long after the funeral ends. Telling them what feels right gives them confidence they're honoring you the way you'd want. And if you don't have strong preferences, letting them know they can choose freely is a gift too.

12/30/2025

"What clothing will our loved one wear during cremation?" Your loved one wears whatever you choose.

Families often select favorite or meaningful clothing that reflects personality. Those clothes go with them for cremation. When a family doesn't have clothing in mind, we dress your loved one in a simple garment. The choice belongs to you, and we’ll guide you through it.

12/27/2025

Including children in funeral and memorial rituals can help them process death and loss in a supportive environment. Inviting them to participate, even in small ways, helps them feel connected and provides a sense of closure.

You might encourage children to draw a picture or write a note to place in a casket or at a memorial service. This simple act can give them a meaningful way to express their feelings and say goodbye. We're here to help you find thoughtful ways to include children and teens that feel right for your family.

12/25/2025

When someone dies, the whole community seems to move a little closer. A neighbor shows up with a mower, cousins catch the first flight they can, and people you haven’t seen in years stop by to lend a hand. Those simple acts of kindness remind us how much care lives right here around us.
How has your family felt supported by neighbors and friends during a loss?

12/24/2025

Christmas Day may ask more of your heart this year because one stocking isn't filled. Today is yours to celebrate in whatever way feels right. As you open gifts, attend services, and gather with those you love, give yourself permission to honor cherished traditions, or start brand new ones.

To all of our families missing loved ones today, know that you're in our hearts and on our minds. We hope you find moments of joy and togetherness, with their memory close. We're here if you need us.

12/21/2025

Have you considered who you'll trust to know your funeral choices?

Your family will face some big decisions when they're planning your celebration of life. Should they choose burial or cremation? What kind of service would you want? Would you prefer your favorite hymn or that song you always sang along to in the car?

They might second-guess every choice if they don't know your preferences. But when you've shared these thoughts with someone you trust, they can guide the family with confidence and know they're honoring exactly what mattered to you.

(And while you're having that conversation, ask those you love what they'd want, too.)

Who in your life will you trust to carry your voice forward?

12/19/2025

Funerals matter because they give you a chance to say goodbye in a way that feels right, while also bringing the closure and understanding you need to carry the loss with you.

They help you shift from loving someone in everyday life to honoring them through stories, legacy, and memories that last forever.

When you’re ready, we’re here to help you find comfort in a service that feels true to your family.

12/16/2025

Families come to us with different needs, and we help you plan a funeral that fits your budget, your beliefs, and your timing because every situation asks for something a little different. You might want a traditional service with familiar rituals, something special like his antique car parked out front, or you might need something simple that can come together quickly. We'll walk you through your choices so you can decide what feels right for your family.

12/15/2025

"Can we personalize the casket?" Yes, and it often brings a sense of comfort to families.

We’ve seen flowers, medals, photos, and favorite keepsakes placed on top, and we’ve seen fishing lures, ballet slippers, jerseys, even handwritten recipes tucked inside. Caskets also come in different colors and materials, with interiors that reflect style and personality. It’s one more way to tell the story of a life well lived, and we’ll help you make it meaningful. 💭 What personal touches have you seen that stayed with you?

12/12/2025

Older children and teens often want to share something special about the person who died. Inviting them to speak during the funeral gives them a chance to do that in a way that feels personal. They might tell a favorite memory, read a poem, or say a few words about what their loved one meant to them. Having a voice in the service helps them feel like a valued part of the farewell.

Young people approach this differently - some want to speak themselves, others prefer to write something for someone else to read, and some choose to honor their loved one simply by being present and listening. We're here to help you find what feels right for each child or teen in your family.

Address

42 N Market Street
Cortez, CO
81321

Telephone

+19705653468

Website

https://www.ertelfuneralhome.com/

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