Life in Chenal Edition 110 : Page 8
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
Paige Spooner
A LIGHT FOR ALL<br /> <br /> Roller Funeral Homes are family owned and community focused. They've been helping the community since 1881 and are trusted for their genuine integrity. With 29 locations throughout Arkansas and one in Memphis, the original "Roller" funeral home originated in Mtn. Home in 1937. The Roller family moved to Little Rock and acquired Drummond Funeral Home on Main Street and began what we now know as Roller Funeral Homes of Arkansas. In 1985, after the passing of Denver Roller, who was the patriarch of the family, the 13 funeral homes united under the "white dove in flight" adding the Roller name to each one. The family name has been part of the solid foundation of their success, along with their faith, keeping close to heart the ties that brought them where they are today.<br /> <br /> Giving back to the community is a passion of the Roller family, as well as Roller funeral homes, seen by all of the state when they received the Volunteerism Award given by KARK and the state of Arkansas. They also received the state-wide Compassion Award from Hospice of Arkansas.<br /> <br /> A unique way Roller Funeral Homes differentiates from others is by offering the holiday candle lighting remembrance services. This is a gift given from the Roller staff as a personal gift in each community Roller serves. The candle lighting services are coordinated by the staff, refreshments are made from hands and hearts, and the venue is open for all to gather, remember and fellowship.<br /> <br /> Renata Jenkins Byler, Denver and Christine Roller's granddaughter and third generation of the Roller family says, "We host candle lighting services each Christmas season to honor our friends and family that have died, and invite all in the community - whether or not we have served them- who would like to share in this annual tradition. The holidays are often the worst of times for those who grieve, and our candle lighting services are designed with the hope of helping to release some of that grief, or at least help to make it bearable. Almost all of our staff have volunteered, given of their time, or participated in our candle lighting services year after year. It's a chance for each of us to further help the families we have served and grown to love as our own through the Years. It's our gift back to them at a time when their hearts are hurting."<br /> <br /> "Too often, people try to push those grieving to 'move on,' telling them it is time to get on with life," Byler explains, "but each person must move through the seven stages of grief at his or her own pace. They need a chance to talk about their loved one, how special he or she was, and not to feel like they are expected to set that person aside."<br /> <br /> At the service, each person attending is given a candle representing his or her loved one. After a welcome, prayer, a song and a brief message that offers hope for those who grieve, the first candle is lit. While everyone is given the opportunity to speak their loved ones name or just have a moment of silence, each candle is lit one by one. A glow of light fills the room showing the love and support of all those in attendance. Refreshments and fellowship follow in the Garden Room. Upon leaving, each family receives an ornament as a remembrance of their day.<br /> <br /> John Canine, Ph.D., head of Bereavement Services for Roller Funeral Homes, says that as people grieve, they re-define the relationship they'll have with their loved one for the rest of their lives. "Roller's candle lighting services help people find a degree of comfort," he says. "People find these services to be so helpful, because they offer a time for reminiscing."<br /> <br /> "Just saying the name of their loved one assures they are not forgotten," Byler says. "It shows respect for the life that has been lived, and celebrates it."<br /> <br /> Roller Funeral Homes offer a variety of bereavement care and after care services, all free of charge. One-on-one counseling, phone counseling and online counseling are all available, depending upon the immediate needs of those who grieve. "Sometimes they're not yet ready to attend a candle lighting service," says Dr. Canine, "but perhaps they will draw insight and comfort from our online videos, including one on grieving during the holiday season. All of our bereavement care services are detailed on the Roller Funeral Homes web site. It is our hope that we can become a companion in someone's grief, someone to talk with so they know they are not alone."<br /> <br /> "Some tell us attending the candle lighting gave them the strength to seek counseling help or attend one of our support groups," Byler says. "Others find the candle lighting to be a symbol of closure, allowing them to move forward."<br /> <br /> This year, the Roller-Chenal Funeral Home candle lighting service will be held the afternoon of Sunday, December 4th at 2pm.
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