Ertel Funeral Home & Crematory

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Cortez, CO
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.

02/04/2026

"Have you considered which traditions you want included in your service?"

Include what shaped you. Faith-based rituals and cultural practices give structure to grief, and the ones that mattered to you in life should show up in your goodbye. That might mean Catholic mass, Jewish prayers, smudging sage, or something your family has done for generations. If you grew up in one tradition but moved away from it, talking about what you do and don't want helps your family navigate that tension.

These conversations get complicated when different generations hold different beliefs, but having them now prevents confusion later. We work with all faith traditions and cultural practices, and we'll help your family coordinate whatever rituals feel right to you.

01/29/2026

"How deep is a grave?"

People ask us this more often than you’d think, and it’s natural to be curious. Graves are dug to hold both the vault and the casket, with the vault usually resting about six feet deep, though the exact depth depends on the size and the cemetery’s rules. The vault keeps the ground from settling and protects the casket, and most cemeteries require one for that reason. If you want to know how things are done at our local cemeteries, we’re glad to walk you through it.

01/27/2026

Teenagers often want to contribute something special to a loved one’s funeral. Giving them a clear role helps them feel connected, respected, and valued. Start by asking what feels important or comforting to them. We are always here to offer ideas.

They might choose music their loved one would have enjoyed or create a photo display that captures their personality and life. These small, heartfelt gestures let teens actively honor their loved one in a deeply personal way.

When young people help plan a funeral, they engage in the experience of remembrance. We have seen how this kind of involvement supports their grieving process in a healthy and healing way.

01/24/2026

When you notice something wonderful about someone, tell them. Your words today could stay with them for years. Grief isolates people even when they're surrounded by others, and a genuine compliment or shared memory brings unexpected comfort.

Offer a kind word or simply be present without trying to fix anything. Someone in your life needs to hear something good about themselves today.

01/20/2026

Have you considered what decisions you'd face if someone close to you died?

When someone dies, families face phone calls that need to happen right away and decisions that simply can't wait. Most people have never navigated this process before, which adds confusion to an already overwhelming time.

Figuring out what documents you need (we'll help gather them) or wondering whether the funeral home handles death certificates (we do) aren't questions you or your family may naturally know the answers to.

That's exactly why we're here to guide you and your family through every step, handling the logistics so you can focus on what matters most during those difficult first days.

You won’t have to figure this out alone, because we’ll be there to help you navigate it all.

01/17/2026

Have you ever noticed that when you gather to honor someone, you share a mix of favorite and new stories?

Maybe your cousin shares how your aunt always seemed to have a sandwich in her purse for you no matter where she was, or someone mentions those handwritten birthday cards with little drawings inside.

Soon you're smiling through your sadness, surrounded by people who each carry pieces of her story. Together you realize this gathering is exactly what everyone needed. This is why funerals matter.

What's a memory from a funeral that surprised you with how much comfort it brought?

01/15/2026

"What is a cremation casket?"
A cremation casket is designed to be cremated along with your loved one. These caskets use wood or other combustible materials without heavy metal parts that can't be cremated.
Cremation caskets range from simple containers to more elaborate options, depending on what feels right for your family and whether you're planning a viewing. If you're having a viewing, we can walk you through what's available and help you decide what makes sense for your family.

01/11/2026

Children will surprise you with their questions about the funeral service - some ask about the flowers, others wonder if you're going to die too. Keep answering them as they come, even when you feel unprepared. Their feelings will shift from sad to curious to angry, sometimes all in one conversation, which is completely normal. We're here to help your family navigate these talks together.

01/08/2026

Grief has no timeline. Move through it at your own pace. Joy can show up alongside sorrow, and both belong in the story.

01/05/2026

What would you want people to hear at your funeral or celebration of life?

Maybe you want your favorite hymn sung, or maybe you'd rather have everyone listen to that song you played on repeat for years. Some people choose scripture passages that shaped them, others prefer poetry or even a passage from a book they loved. Your service works best when it sounds like you.

Your family will remember hearing those specific songs and words long after the funeral ends. Telling them what feels right gives them confidence they're honoring you the way you'd want. And if you don't have strong preferences, letting them know they can choose freely is a gift too.

12/30/2025

"What clothing will our loved one wear during cremation?" Your loved one wears whatever you choose.

Families often select favorite or meaningful clothing that reflects personality. Those clothes go with them for cremation. When a family doesn't have clothing in mind, we dress your loved one in a simple garment. The choice belongs to you, and we’ll guide you through it.

12/27/2025

Including children in funeral and memorial rituals can help them process death and loss in a supportive environment. Inviting them to participate, even in small ways, helps them feel connected and provides a sense of closure.

You might encourage children to draw a picture or write a note to place in a casket or at a memorial service. This simple act can give them a meaningful way to express their feelings and say goodbye. We're here to help you find thoughtful ways to include children and teens that feel right for your family.

Address

42 N Market Street
Cortez, CO
81321

Telephone

+19705653468

Website

https://www.ertelfuneralhome.com/

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