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'Heartstring Words for the Times of Your
Life'
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received
to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Ruthann is a ceremonial specialist with
her roots in funeral service. The daughter of a funeral director, she became licensed, herself, in 1977. She worked in the family business,
designed and built her own funeral home and did start-ups for other businesses, but found greatest satisfaction companioning
the grieving family.
After years of listening to funerals that could be anyone's,
she began telling the stories held in the hearts of those present; feeding the memories that are so dear, grinning
at the quirks and tickles of each person's life.
'I have had the privilege to meet so many wonderful people just
hours after it was too late to greet them. What an honor it is for me to share their story on behalf of their family,
for the benefit of all who cherished them, by offering a...
Celebration of a Lifetime
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| 1975 Graduation- Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science |
I started my college
studies in Art, with an Education minor, believing I would become a teacher who could help kids learn to draw a face. I felt
the pulling in my heart to a career in funeral service and switched gears, believing that my portrait studies would
be useful in restorations. Restoring people to a healthy appearance brought families such comfort and, to me, great personal
satisfaction. I continued my studies in restorations and studied airbrush cosmetics with Dina Ousley, a renowned Hollywood
make-up artist.
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| Glenda Stansbury, Ruthann Disotell, Doug Manning |
Doug Manning and Glenda Stansbury, of
In-Sight Institute, discovered a Celebrant movement in New Zealand where funeral services were being created around
the life and personality of the deceased, rather than a formatted liturgical venue. They were inspired to bring this celebration
to light in this country, so there would be opportunity for American families to find comfort in honoring all that is
good in a person and value the life shared with us. Currently, the movement toward this kind of service
is gaining momentum in the Northwest US and has traveled down the West Coast. Although it is still quite new to the East Coast,
those who have had the chance to experience it are amazed at how personal it is. It truly transports your last thought from
death, to life, by honoring the legacy of the life that touched so many hearts.
"All of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other,
loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds."
1
Peter 3:8 (NLT)
After offering tribute services for
families, I began to see the power of the story behind the gathering. I was able to offer a tribute for an awards ceremony,
named in memory of a local businessman. It was his story that validated the award; the reason for the gathering.
Retirements, Anniversaries & Special Birthdays seemed
like a natural fit, too. Why shouldn't a person learn how much everyone appreciates their hard work and dedication, their
love and devotion or their rules for living a good life? The power of the story is amazing. The touch of words to the heart is
long-lasting.
Since then, I have been asked to do welcomings for couples
who did not necessarily want a religious ceremony, but wanted others to share in the joyful addition to their family.
And there is a story there, as well. Why even children who weren't planned have created a story all their own, full of the
anticipation of their arrival. And children who are adopted have special stories, that speak from the hearts of parents who
chose them to love.
Then I was approached about a wedding. I have had my credentials
for several years, but never advertised it. But now it is clear... it's about the story.
I tell the story behind the
gathering and everyone gets on the same page. It amazes me to think of how this could impact the success of a marriage. Think
about it for a minute. If there is an argument, folks who understand how this couple got together and why they committed to
each other, will be less likely to takes sides, but rather offer encouragement to work things out. I am also hopeful
this will turn the tide in attendance for the ceremony itself. We have witnessed an increase in guests attending only
the reception. Maybe the story will make a difference.
So whether it's the first marriage for both or a joining
of two famlies, I enjoy the opportunity to find the common threads that tie hearts together. Intimate and personal, with earmarks
of your personality. At any rate, it's hard to ignore the humor of
a wedding celebrant (who is also a mortician) asking the couple to repeat, "Till death do us part".
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