Ertel Funeral Home & Crematory

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.

Thanksgiving feels harder when someone who used to be at your table isn’t there anymore. The meal gets cooked and people...
11/27/2025

Thanksgiving feels harder when someone who used to be at your table isn’t there anymore. The meal gets cooked and people gather, but the day carries that awareness of an empty seat. Some families talk openly about the person they’re missing, while others keep those memories closer to the heart. Both can happen around the same table.

If this is your first Thanksgiving without someone you love, give yourself permission to make the day what you need it to be. Prepare their favorite dishes, or skip them. Share stories, or take a break from talking. Hold on to traditions, or try something new. Whatever helps you get through today is enough.

We’ve been thinking about the families we’ve served this year, and you’re on our hearts. We’re here if you need us and hope today has moments of warmth, gratitude, and love.

Have you considered how you'll want to be remembered on anniversaries and birthdays?Maybe you'd love for your family to ...
11/24/2025

Have you considered how you'll want to be remembered on anniversaries and birthdays?

Maybe you'd love for your family to make your famous chocolate cake every year on your birthday, even if it never turns out quite like yours did. Or perhaps you'd want them to visit that little diner where you always ordered the same breakfast, sharing stories about all the funny things you used to say.

These special days will come every year, and your family will want to honor you in ways that feel meaningful. When you share what brings you joy on these occasions, you help them create celebrations that keep your spirit alive.

What traditions do you hope they'll continue? And what new ones would you want them to start?

Grief has a way of rushing in unannounced. A memory, a moment, or a sudden wave of feeling can catch you off guard. Tak...
11/21/2025

Grief has a way of rushing in unannounced. A memory, a moment, or a sudden wave of feeling can catch you off guard. Take it one step, one breath, one moment at a time.

Have you ever noticed how much it means when you show up for someone else's loss?When you attend the funeral or share yo...
11/18/2025

Have you ever noticed how much it means when you show up for someone else's loss?

When you attend the funeral or share your condolences, you're showing them that their loved one's life touched far more hearts than just their family.

Funerals matter because they bring our community together around shared love and loss. It's our privilege to help you create meaningful moments where folks can gather to honor the beautiful impact one life can have.

Planning your funeral ahead of time is one of the most loving things you can do for your family. When the time comes, th...
11/16/2025

Planning your funeral ahead of time is one of the most loving things you can do for your family. When the time comes, they'll already know exactly what you wanted and can focus on supporting each other instead of making difficult decisions while they're grieving. We can walk through the steps with you and make preplanning simple.

When you’re ready, give us call at 970-565-3468.

Have you considered leaving written words for your family to treasure?Maybe it's a letter tucked in a jewelry box, a jou...
11/12/2025

Have you considered leaving written words for your family to treasure?

Maybe it's a letter tucked in a jewelry box, a journal they'll discover later, or even a few heartfelt lines written on a card. Your words, in your handwriting, become keepsakes your family will hold onto for years to come.

You could start with something simple like "I want you to know..." and just let your personality shine through. Don't worry about making it perfect or profound. What they'll cherish most is hearing from you, exactly as you are.

What would you want them to remember about how much they mean to you?

Veterans Day reminds us that behind every uniform was someone's dad, mom, brother, or best friend who chose to serve. Th...
11/11/2025

Veterans Day reminds us that behind every uniform was someone's dad, mom, brother, or best friend who chose to serve. The veterans we've been privileged to know brought incredible stories home with them about the buddies who kept them laughing and the moments that changed everything. We're grateful for their service and for all the ways they touched the lives around them.

Saying their name out loud brings them back, even if it’s just for a moment. You remember their laugh, humming while the...
11/09/2025

Saying their name out loud brings them back, even if it’s just for a moment. You remember their laugh, humming while they folded laundry, the little things that made them... them.

We might not get to make new memories, but saying their name keeps the cherished ones close. Saying it keeps their presence alive in everyday conversation. And when someone else says their name, it reminds us that we’re not the only ones remembering, which is its own kind of gift.

How do you feel when someone says your loved one's name?

Memories carry us through difficult times. They connect us to old traditions and open the door to new ones, keeping our ...
11/09/2025

Memories carry us through difficult times. They connect us to old traditions and open the door to new ones, keeping our bonds alive.

Funerals matter because they help remind you that you never have to grieve alone. When you gather together to remember s...
11/06/2025

Funerals matter because they help remind you that you never have to grieve alone.

When you gather together to remember someone's life and say goodbye, you're processing your loss alongside others who share in your sorrow. The stories, the tears and oftentimes the laughter over memories help transform raw grief into something you can carry forward.

We're here to help you honor your loss in a way that feels meaningful to you and your family.

Understanding funeral costs ahead of time helps you make confident decisions about honoring your life while staying with...
11/03/2025

Understanding funeral costs ahead of time helps you make confident decisions about honoring your life while staying within your budget. You can explore payment options that work for your situation and remove financial stress from your family during their grief.

We'll help you find a plan that works. Give us a call at 970-565-3468 when you're ready to discuss your options.

Share a favorite Halloween photo or story, and let’s enjoy the season together.Halloween has a special way of bringing b...
10/31/2025

Share a favorite Halloween photo or story, and let’s enjoy the season together.

Halloween has a special way of bringing back the family traditions we love, whether it’s carving pumpkins, watching that one classic spooky movie, or laughing over those delightfully silly costumes from years gone by.

Share a favorite Halloween memory or a picture—especially those fun costumes—in the comments. Let’s celebrate the moments that bring us all a little closer this season.

Address

42 N Market Street
Cortez, CO
81321

Telephone

+19705653468

Website

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