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Ruthann Disotell, cfsp,
cc 'The Voice of
your Heart'
“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 & 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 baby and adoption
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 weddings.
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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