We visited Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory, a 130-year, 6th-generation family business serving Howard County.

We met with Owner Jeff Stout, who shared how their story began as a furniture store… then grew into a full funeral home. Jeff talked about stepping into leadership after his father passed unexpectedly 8.5 years ago… “God is funny sometimes.”
His guiding principle remains: “Every decision I am making is based on what I would want for my own family.”

We learned about both human and pet cremation, each with its own cremator. They’ve seen everything from pot-bellied pigs and llamas to snakes, gerbils, and squirrels.

We also heard from Funeral Director Brian Riffe, who walked us through embalming, essentially a surgical process requiring a dual license. He shared the heart of the profession in one powerful message:
“This is a sacred space…people trust their loved ones with us. It’s an honor to provide that final act of love and care, and on the hardest days, we remind ourselves that we’re giving people their dignity back.”

Such a unique, insightful, and deeply meaningful visit.
Thank you, Stout Funeral Homes, for the care, honesty, and compassion you shared with our students.