Irby Funeral Home

Irby Funeral Home Our heritage began over 100 years ago when Irby Funeral Home was established in 1916, by Mr. W. H. Irby. Mr. Carrying on the family tradition, Mr. to 4:30 p.m.

Irby was also one of the original founders of Russell- Irby Burial Association. Irby's daughter ( the late Frances McBride) and her husband, the late Dan McBride later joined Mr. Irby in the funeral business. In the early 1980's, Madden Enterprises bought the funeral home and in the summer of 2016, Billy Curl purchased the business from the Madden family. In the spring of 1996 Irby Funeral Home of Marmaduke was built to better serve our Marmaduke families. This location was recently remodeled and a new paved parking lot was added to better accommodate those attending services. Office hours are Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to answer any question you may have. Piggott Mortuary was opened in 1984 by Sheldon Madden. The name was then changed in the early 2000's to Irby Funeral Home of Piggott upon the death of Mr. Madden. In March of 2017, remodeling began on the facility and was completed in February of 2018. Every portion of the building was remodeled, including a state of the art care center, spacious chapel with seating for 200 guests, covered family parking and a new parking lot. We are rededicating ourselves to the Piggott community and our name now reflects that- "Piggott Mortuary". Our new office hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m and would love for you to stop by for a tour of our elegant facility. In the early days of the funeral home, a person could pay for their burial insurance premiums with chickens, eggs, vegetables, and other things of value. While that is no longer the custom, our funeral home continues to believe in fair prices. Our long-standing tradition has been to provide the finest facilities and service at a reasonable price. We know the importance of helping each family plan the funeral they want, within their own budget. Having the very best does not have to cost the most. Today, Irby Funeral Homes and Piggott Mortuary is large enough to give our families the same services as the largest funeral homes around, yet we are small enough that each family receives the level of attention and care they want and deserve. We are proud that our staff has deep roots in Clay and Greene counties. They take pride to provide you with a reputation of trust and a promise of professional service presented in a caring manner. Our staff dedicates themselves to making each service a special time of remembrance to your loved one, honoring them and celebrating their life. We are continuing the proud legacy that started over 100 years ago.

10/27/2025
Estate Settlement Timelines: What Families Should KnowAfter a loved one passes, one of the most common questions familie...
10/24/2025

Estate Settlement Timelines: What Families Should Know

After a loved one passes, one of the most common questions families have is: “How long will it take to settle the estate?”

The answer varies, but here’s a general breakdown of what may affect the timeline:

✅ Probate Process – If the estate goes through probate, it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year, sometimes longer if the estate is large or contested.
✅ Paying Debts & Taxes – Creditors must be notified and given time to file claims. Final income taxes or estate taxes may also need to be filed before assets can be distributed.
✅ Distributing Assets – Once debts are settled, the remaining property, accounts, and belongings are distributed according to the will or state law (if no will exists).
✅ Complex Estates – If real estate needs to be sold, or if there are business interests, investments, or legal disputes, the process can take additional time.

On average, most estates settle in about 9–12 months, but every situation is unique.

At Irby Funeral Home, we know this process can feel overwhelming during an already emotional time. While we are not legal advisors, we encourage families to consult an attorney for estate matters—and we’re always here to guide you toward trusted resources that can help.

Planning ahead by organizing documents and making your wishes clear can ease this burden for your family in the future.

Taking a Child to a Funeral When a loved one passes, many parents wonder whether their child should attend the funeral. ...
10/23/2025

Taking a Child to a Funeral

When a loved one passes, many parents wonder whether their child should attend the funeral. The decision often depends on the child’s age, maturity, and relationship with the person who has passed. Here are a few things to consider:

Talk About What to Expect – Explain what a funeral is in simple, age-appropriate terms. Let them know people may be sad, crying, or quiet.

Give Them a Choice – When possible, allow the child to decide if they want to attend. Being part of the goodbye can help them process their feelings.

Offer Comfort – Bring a special toy, blanket, or book to help them feel secure.

Involve Them Gently – Some children find healing in drawing a picture, writing a note, or placing a flower to honor their loved one.

Attending a funeral can help children understand loss and experience the love and support of family and community. No matter what you choose, guiding them with honesty and compassion makes all the difference.

At Irby Funeral Home, we are here to support families of all ages through life’s most tender moments.

How to Tell Your Spouse You’ve Preplanned Your Funeral Talking about final wishes isn’t always easy, but preplanning is ...
10/22/2025

How to Tell Your Spouse You’ve Preplanned Your Funeral

Talking about final wishes isn’t always easy, but preplanning is one of the greatest gifts of love you can give your family. Sharing this decision with your spouse can bring peace of mind for both of you. Here are a few ways to approach the conversation:

Choose a Calm Moment – Pick a time when you’re both relaxed and able to talk without distractions.

Lead with Love – Remind them that your goal is to ease their burden when the time comes.

Share the Benefits – Explain how preplanning locks in costs, honors your wishes, and removes stressful decisions later.

Invite Them In – Encourage your spouse to share their own thoughts and wishes. This can open the door for planning together.

It may feel uncomfortable at first, but many couples find relief in knowing these important decisions are made with love and care.

At Irby Funeral Home, we’re here to guide families through every step of preplanning with compassion and understanding.

State vs. National Veterans Cemeteries Families of veterans often wonder about the difference between state and national...
10/21/2025

State vs. National Veterans Cemeteries

Families of veterans often wonder about the difference between state and national veterans cemeteries. Both are honorable resting places, but there are a few key distinctions:

Eligibility: Both types honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, though some state cemeteries may also allow certain state National Guard or Reservists who don’t meet national eligibility.

Funding & Oversight:

National Veterans Cemeteries are run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and funded by the federal government.

State Veterans Cemeteries are managed by state governments with some federal assistance.

Location & Availability: National cemeteries can be limited in space, while state cemeteries often provide more local options for families.

Benefits: Eligible veterans receive the same core burial honors — a gravesite, opening/closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone/marker, and military honors at no cost. In some state cemeteries, there may be minimal fees for spouses or dependents.

Both options provide veterans and their families with dignified, lasting tributes to their service.

At Irby Funeral Home, we are honored to assist families in understanding their choices and making the arrangements that feel right for them.

Is GoFundMe the Best Way to Fund a Funeral?GoFundMe and other online fundraisers can be a real blessing when families fa...
10/20/2025

Is GoFundMe the Best Way to Fund a Funeral?

GoFundMe and other online fundraisers can be a real blessing when families face an unexpected loss. They make it easy for friends and community members to lend support quickly.

But they aren’t always the best or only option. Some things to keep in mind:

💳 Fees & Timing – Transaction costs may apply, and funds aren’t always available right away.

🌐 Reach Matters – Fundraisers depend on how widely they’re shared. Families without a large network may not raise what they need.

🤝 Other Resources – Churches, community events, and even local credit unions can sometimes provide assistance.

🌿 Preplanning – One of the most effective ways to ease the financial burden is through funeral preplanning. By making arrangements ahead of time, you can lock in costs, ensure your wishes are honored, and spare your family difficult financial decisions during an already emotional time.

At Irby Funeral Home, we’re here to walk alongside you — whether you need help now or want to explore preplanning for the future.

Call us anytime to learn more about how preplanning can provide peace of mind.

🍝 Happy National Pasta Day! 🍝Today we celebrate one of life’s simple comforts—pasta! Whether it’s a big bowl of spaghett...
10/17/2025

🍝 Happy National Pasta Day! 🍝

Today we celebrate one of life’s simple comforts—pasta! Whether it’s a big bowl of spaghetti, homemade lasagna, or grandma’s secret recipe, pasta has a way of bringing families together around the table.

Just like a shared meal, memories with our loved ones fill us with warmth and connection. Take a moment today to enjoy your favorite pasta dish and, if you can, share it with someone special. ❤

From all of us at Irby Funeral Home, may your day be full of comfort, good food, and cherished company.

Gathering Memories Through Photos When planning a service for a loved one, photos can bring comfort, smiles, and sometim...
10/16/2025

Gathering Memories Through Photos

When planning a service for a loved one, photos can bring comfort, smiles, and sometimes even laughter in the midst of grief. Collecting cherished pictures allows family and friends to see the many chapters of a life well-lived—childhood moments, family traditions, adventures, milestones, and everyday joys.

If you are preparing for a service, consider reaching out to family members and friends to share their favorite snapshots. Together, these memories can be displayed in a slideshow, memory board, or photo album, creating a beautiful tribute that tells their story in a way words often cannot.

At Irby Funeral Home, we’re honored to help families weave these precious memories into services that celebrate life, love, and legacy.

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713 East 9th Street
Rector, AR
72461

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