Sketchy way to run a business. My father passed away and even though I'm his son, this funeral home gave all access to my dad's ex girlfriend. I couldn't even pick up his death certificate without his ex girlfriend "approving" that I could. Then they won't give me an itemized bill for the 4,000$ ring she purchased (with go fund me proceeds) even though I was present there at the time of purchase. read more

I first would like to THANK lighthouse for the care and treating us like family instead of patrons. The staff was exceptional losing two sister's 3days apart was devastating for our family. The staff Leslie, Andrea, Lance, Tanya, Rein, David these people held us up the whole entire way with nothing but true compassion, kindness, understanding. They helped worked hard and went the extra mile on everything from expediating death certificates, to coordinating our beloved sister travels from moving her from place we were not pleased with and quickly getting her to lighthouse, assisting with setting up extra tables and sitting in their beautiful dinning area to accommodate the enormous amount of people who came to show LOVE & RESPECT for our baby sister. The facility is beautiful well lilt with update furniture you just feel at peace when you step inside. If you want to feel cared for and that your love one is entrusted in the right place treated with kindness then this the place. This is a Place of peace during a difficult time. Thank YOU Lighthouse for a beautiful celebration of Life. read more

The staff was wonderful. My sisters and mom and I had to make arrangements for my father. We have never gone through this. We were completely devastated . Both, Julie,Nadya, Ryan and David were absolutely wonderful. They helped with the service and the power point which was very important to me. No one pushed us to pay more. They worked with our catering. It was raining so bad and everything went smoothly. Our family didn't have to worry about anything that day which was great since we were crying 100% of the time. I highly recommend this place. 1000 times. read more

I want to thank the Lighthouse team for the work they did in regard to the funeral arrangements for my mother-in-law. The preparation with Art on their sales team was very easy, fast and efficient. We selected all the options we wanted - and it took about 30 min. Art made the entire process easy. Several months later, after my mother-in-law passed away, we had to spend about 1.5 hours getting through the details. I would have thought the time would have been reversed with longer time spent on the preparation and less time on the implementation. This was a difficult time as we were grieving for our loss. However, everything worked out in the end without any issues. I would this funeral home to anyone who needs the professionalism and humanity of preparing a final goodbye for your loved one. Now, feedback on how they can improve are below: 1) TRAINING, TRAINING, TRAINING. This establishment was acquired by a larger company about 3 months ago, so everyone claims that they have system problems. Every time, all the time. I think 45min was spent on their inability to use their own systems. If I had a nickel for each time they had a system issue, they would have paid for the funeral. I think its less of a system problem and more that people don't know what they are doing on the new system. 2) PRINTERS, PRINTERS, PRINTERS. Goddamn! If I had to wait for someone to get up, walk to the other end of the building and get a piece of paper then walk back, then ask me to check the paper and then go back and get more copies.... so crazy - I was thinking that they're going to send me to the grave next. Get more printers damnit! 3) Get facts straight before meeting. I scheduled a meeting 5-days in advance, and they had to find the preparations I paid for about a month prior while I was waiting. Then they had to read all the details back to me as if I didn't know what I was doing when I prepared everything. It would have been nice if they called me to setup the appointment and had it all laid out - which was the whole point of preparation. 4) Staff needs to learn to touch type. Seems unprofessional to have someone who types with their two pointer fingers to hunt & peck each letter on the keyboard. Jesus, my eyes were rolling back into my head when they typed something wrong and I had to tell them to backspace to correct spelling. In my head, I was saying - "KILL ME NOW"... but that was probably not a good thought one to have in a funeral home. Not everyone has typing issues, but damn... just sayin.... You shouldn't be using a keyboard and filling out forms if you cant type. Better to just let me type and save me the 15 min of watching them do it. While Im watching this spectacle, Im surrounded by caskets samples and stuff... so your mind wanders - like, am I going to curl up into this casket before they're done typing? In closing, I would have given Lighthouse 5-stars if they had a better understanding of their systems, more printers, better prepared before meeting and some basic office skills. Nonetheless, the services performed were top-notch and my bitching is basically a small detail in comparison to the overall great service and value that they brought. If you are looking for funeral preparations or a good place to host a funeral, I would have no problem recommending Lighthouse. Just bring a game on your phone or a book to read while they get copies from the printer. read more

honestly this place its all about the money and if don't accept any upsell they will not work with you , was planing on something simple ,small and cute , they told me to go to downtown LA to find something like that ,, the. They told me that sales representative was gonna give me a call back and they never did , Right from the beginning they take you to a room full of up sales read more

My dad recently passed away and we had to quickly arrange a service. There are various options to choose from depending on one's budget. I appreciated the professionalism of Joe Springer as he let us decide on what we wanted rather than being pushy or rushing us. The day of the service went well thanks to the efforts of the funeral director Peter as well as Cecilia and Jackie who all made sure everything went smoothly. Losing a loved one is difficult but the experience with Lighthouse made my dad's final send off easier. read more

I want to acknowledge peter, craig, jean & tracey who provided great service & support for my mothers memorial service. She passed away in january & we postponed her service until September because of covid. I want to thank the rice center for helping us with this difficult task. It was a pleasure to work with them. read more

Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions - Rice Center - Mortuary Services Near Me - Torrance, California

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I went here for business and liked it so much I have recommeded it to relatives who wanted to do pre-arrangements. They are clean in front and behind the scene, which I think is important. My mom signed up and paid for her arrangements, which included cremation and having her ashes spread at sea. Unfortunately about 10 years later, my mom passed away. We had to pay absolutely nothing out of our pockets. The Torrance location and employees were awesome to deal with. The boat they provided that took us out to sea was a small yacht with hors'doeuvres and wine. It was clean and well maintained. A very, very nice boat. I was literally expecting like a fisherman's boat. LoL It was a really classy experience. read more

The services provided by this facility were absolutely first class. my family was very pleased with how they prepared our dad for his memorial service. We actually used the Gardena facility for the service & repast. The staff was very supportive and always accommodating. The repast facility was ideal for our family gathering. The kitchen area was in great condition upon our arrival to use it. Our overall experience was a very memorable one. God bless your business abundantly. The Beard Family!!! read more

My name is Denise Maxie price. Just recently I lost my husband he passed away. I was so devastating and sad I felt like I was about to come unglued I couldn't think straight Couldn't conduct business like I normally do so my daughter and my cousin had to step in and help me out they called the funeral home for me and spoke with miss Vicky when I tell you Miss Vicky and Miss Jasmine and miss Cecelia handled everything and took control over the whole situation like angels from heaven Apple file I encourage anyone that have a loss in their family to reach out to the lighthouse funeral home they will make everything goes so smoothly hassle free and they make you feel like no question is too big or too small for them to answer for you you're not being a bother to them at all thanks so helpful anytime I had any questions they asked her all my questions with so much politeness and caring as if they knew my husband forever I never got any negativity out of anyone that works there I was so happy employees from beginning to the end with their service I encourage anyone if you need any type of services dealing with one of your loved ones lighthouse is the place to call and talk with Vicky Jasmine or Cecelia or anyone for that matter dare they always pleasant and nice and will help you out with any questions any situation you may need answers to encourage anyone and everyone read more

This was my family's first time here and we were very satisfied with the way our needs were handled. Joe went above and beyond with helping us during the loss of our father and made sure that everything ran smoothly. I definitely recommend Rice Center and for all your needs when experiencing the loss of a loved one. read more

Thank you Rice Mortuary and staff for making our experience an excellent, bearable one concerning the planning of a service for our Mother. Lyman Wheeler was the consummate professional who's kindly guidance made it easy and comfortable for my family at a rough time. He worked with us patiently and sympathetically, presenting to us all the options, suggestions and details we needed to consider, which resulted in a personalized burial service tailored to our families wishes. I would also like to mention we had the good fortune Rice has a very skilled and creative video artist Sarah M. on their staff who borrowing our family photos created a wonderful audio visual presentation of my Mother's life-I broke down in tears after previewing it! I highly recommend Rice Mortuary and their staff for anyone's family funeral services. Sincerely, Patrick Tierney read more

Honestly during this difficult time, this location has been the most beautiful, caring , respectful place that has ever helped me . step by step , options by options ,they have assisted me and guided me . My father who passed on March 27 of 2020 , unfortunately it was a very difficult time for me , and with Covid 19 made things extremely difficult but, a my family member recommended this place , and it became the best decision I have made so far ! I had my father at different funeral home at first .. it wasn't as beautiful , the people were very mean , pushy and not helpful at all . When you loose someone those are not the things you expect from the people who are going to help u make sure your loved had beautiful respectful resting plans. But this location made my plans come true with what they could . Lyman was extremely helpful throughout the whole process and joe was very informative and caring as well . Thank you for your services . Please this is a true story , if you need anywhere last minute or your just looking for the right spot . This is the place from the bottom of my heart Below is a picture of the urn that I purchased from this funeral home & the beautiful engraving that was added to it . read more

Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions - Rice Center - Mortuary Services Near Me - Torrance, California

I would like to thank Vickie Kennedy for going above and beyond to assist us during our difficult time. Her understanding, compassion and total commitment in resolving a difficult situation deserves high praise and commendation. Lighthouse Is fortunate to have someone of such caliber as part of their team. Thank you again Vickie for being our angel. read more

Lighthouse provided exceptional services for my mother. I was extremely pleased with the level of service; presenting and reviewing the various options and guidance that was provided during such a difficult time. Craig McCormick and each representative I encountered was exceptional from beginning to end. The service itself was beautiful, well organized and exactly what I was wanting it to be. I am very grateful to Lighthouse and highly recommend them without hesitation. read more

I did not have a good experience with Lighthouse memorial for my father, he paid for everything before he passed, and still was not able to get a real obituary done, what they handed me were invites, not obituaries. One pic, time and date, no encouraging words, no eulogy, no pics on the inside, back blank.... Like I said , invite. It's not like I was not communicating with someone down there, I was sending pics left an right, I even sent them his eulogy my father wrote , and was told it was repetitive, didn't ask for all that, just do your job. Who has a funeral with no obituary, that's the experience Lighthouse Memorial gave me, I don't want nobody to go threw I did, so I recommend that if you are a Black person, take your money somewhere else, they don't care. I only say that because I still needed the obituary, so I gave them another chance to fix this situation, it's weeks later an still nothing,so I cancelled the obituaries and ask for a refund , never again read more

Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions showed great respect and care throughout. When I recently called and requested a document, Jacqueline was very responsive and provided the information I needed right away. No hoops to jump through, or multiple calls to make. I highly recommend them. Thank you, You truly made a difference during such a difficult time. read more

RM did a beautiful job for our mother's memorial. They were also very well organized and thoughtful and helpful.

I have to take a moment to highlight this business because they helped us so much with the passing of my mother in law. They were there every single step of the way, so compassionate, patient, and understanding. Especially Joe and Traci. They honestly make an incredibly difficult situation a little better with all of their support. The services were beautiful and the reception hall was perfect for our needs. They take care of everything you ask for with a smile and a sturdy hand when you don't have one. I can't recommend them enough.! read more

Im soo very disappointed and mad at this company. I arranged for a clients family member to be picked up who had suddenly past. They said the body would be picked up in 90 mins. My clients call me 5 hours later to inform me that no one had come and when they called to see why the company said they never received the CALL!!! So unprofessional I will not be using or recommending them to ANYONE. read more

I cannot believe it. My father passed Tuesday morning, he should have been cremated by Sunday. Today we find out he needs an autopsy so TODAY, the following Monday they inform us he has to go to the coroner meaning he won't be with us at his prayer vigil or the funeral mass. Thanks for nothing Rice, just how inept can you be? read more

I would like to share the pleasant experiences I had working with all the staff at Lighthouse Memorials. Their service is pure professional, extremely prompt, and super helpful. All the staff, beginning with our first telephone call, demonstrated tremendous empathy at every step of the way for my family. The staff always supported me, understood what I was trying to convey and provided perfect solutions for this heart-breaking event. I am so grateful to have worked with such a wonderful organization and caring group of people. I am especially grateful to the superior service and top-level suggestions provided by Joe and Traci as they helped me with all the necessary county documents and especially with a wonderful internment for my father at the new Veteran Administration Cemetery in Westwood, CA. As a result of their efforts, everyone in attendance of this service was just so proud of my father and his wonderful memories will now stay with them forever. Thank you again for all your help in this time of real need. read more

The staff were so supportive and helpful they made the experience smooth and easy. We were able to rely on their expert experience to handle all the details. Joe Springer & Traci were very professional and kind to our whole family. Everything was on time and set up just as they advised. They coordinated a Viewing, Church services, Cremation and Death certificates. read more

For peace of mind, we wanted to complete our pre-arrangements with Rice Mortuary, where we had very good experiences in the past with other family members. We were very pleased with the entire process, and must commend the guidance and professionalism of Art Escutia who helped us with our decision-making. Would highly recommend. read more

Lighthouse Memorials and Reception- Rice Center is truly a compassionate and caring family. When my dad passed away early morning on Saturday at home, John Kirk said we will take care of picking up your father. John was very compassionate, caring and diligent in answering all our questions. The day my dad passed away, we were blessed with two angels; our hospice nurse and John. They are both the reason why I write this review. I am so grateful to both my angels for shining a ray of light in our darkest moments. Sometimes it's not what is said or done, but how it is said and how it is done, clearly John said and did right by my family. Thank you John and Cecilia for your kindness and for what you do for all families, which is show you care. May God bless you and may the light of Lighthouse Memorials and Reception shine on. read more

We had no idea what to do and were at a loss due to the sudden passing of my father. Lyman Wheeler was super knowledgeable and made the whole process easy for us. He was able to explain everything to us clearly and gave good, solid advice. We only had a limited amount of time to get everything done as my siblings and I had flown in from various parts of the world. Lyman and the team at Rice did everything including pushing the coroner to issue the death certificate, find a VA cemetery, etc. They were very professional and very accommodating. Highly recommend! read more

We began the planning process with Rice after we brought my father home with Hospice. The process was described to us as to what steps to take when he passed and when we could expect to pick up his ashes. The night he passed, the attendants who came to pick him up, were not capable to accommodate his stature. Grieving family members had to assist with carrying him out. A week after Rice had been in possession of my father's body, we received a call from the coroner that they would be conducting an investigation. Rice failed to notify us as to what this meant regarding our timeline to have his service & burial. We were notified a second time by the coroners office... asking the same questions. When I questioned the employees at Rice about it they declined to accept any responsibility for the lack of communication that almost resulted in us not having my father's remains in time for his service and burial 14 days after passing. I had to insist on when I could pick up his ashes and was told, " I think they will be ready the afternoon prior to your service" .... when friends & family have flown in from across the country and all other arrangements have been made based upon Rice's estimate that it takes 6 days to get the remains returned, we were completely stressed out. The delay may not have been their fault, however they were the ones we entrusted our father's remains to and they had the obligation of keeping us informed and expressing a sense of urgency to get things handled in a timely manner. This did not happen. The death certificate was not available at the time we picked up the remains. This necessitated in yet another trip to the mortuary. Very disappointing and stressful experience. We thought by planning ahead we could have simplified this process. read more

Never an easy subject, but probably one of the most important. Very nice place, much like a model home, full AV available, large room for catering. Comfortable considering the somber event. read more

My husband died suddenly, at home, in the middle of the night. We did not have arrangements, so I chose Rice Mortuary at random out of a handy little book the police officer had with him. I'd been to a funeral there a few years prior, and it seemed nice enough. When the Rice employee arrived, he actually groused in my presence about how it was going to be difficult to move my husband's body out of the house. Oh my goodness - I'm so incredibly sorry for your trouble! Whatever was I thinking, moving into such an inconvenient home before my husband became ill unexpectedly and died at a too-young age!? Once everything was said and done, we discovered the employee had moved our barbecue grill, which apparently was in the way. He left it sitting in the middle of our front lawn, with one wheel missing, and barbecue ashes all over the cement. Just what I wanted to do after losing my husband: sweep the porch. He had left the ash pan on top of the wall separating my house from the neighbors', and my neighbors in turn used as an ashtray. Niiiiice. Piecing the barbecue back together was yet another fun project at the top of my to-do list as a new widow. Okay, that was all very annoying, but here's the real kicker: I went to the cemetery a few days later, to make all the necessary arrangements for cremation and handle all the other post-death stuff that I didn't want to do but had to be done. First, they mentioned there being two Rice employees present at my home to remove my husband's body. No, I only saw one. Hmm, they always send two. Well, I clearly remember one police officer and one mortuary employee at the end of the whole ordeal. The representative left the room, and came back with the news that there was indeed only one employee - they were going to bill me for two! Shortly thereafter the representative/planner, or whatever you want to call him, was leaving the room to get the death certificate paperwork rolling, and turns around at the door and asks, "oh by the way, how much did your husband weigh?" Not thinking anything of it, I told him 251 pounds - which was what he weighed at his last doctor appointment 5 days prior. He came back with a bill that had an extra $390 tacked on because they needed a special piece of fucking wood and some other shit for someone 251-400 pounds. ONE POUND cost me $390. And guess what. My husband had CANCER, was not eating much, and I'm 100% positive did not weigh 251 pounds at the time of death, and I'll bet anything they already knew that! That is some shady trickery right there! I had people trying to help and advocate for me so I wouldn't get taken, and they STILL got me. Super lame. I don't know whether we would have received better service elsewhere, or if this is standard mortuary fare. But I wasn't happy with it. read more

I had the misfortune to have to attend the viewing of a dear friend. This mortuary was very well appointed, large and clean with a friendly staff, one of whom went to the burial the next day and passed out the mass cards. A good choice if you have the sad occasion to use a mortuary. read more

Never a pleasant occasion. The closed circuit television in the reception area provided a nice place for the overflow crowd to watch the services. All in all, Rice did a good job. read more

I have now attended at least three funerals through Rice Mortuary. Overall, it is clean, comfortable, and does not "scream" FUNERAL HOME at you. The staff are friendly, compassionate and more than competent. Plenty of seating but if the deceased was popular they allow overflow seating in the reception area. The reception area is spacious, with a good sized area to set up food/drinks for repast, and ample seating for those who wish to partake. Restrooms are kept spotless and there are boxes of tissues readily available (as well as trash bins so you're not carrying your soaked tissues around.) read more

Multiple errors on part of inept staff. Apologies offered. Discount extended. Errors continued. Error #1 Family notified mortuary late Friday night of death of loved one and asked for Mortuary to pick up deceased. Saturday evening family contacted mortuary to determine location of the remains. Staff advised family that she was on the schedule to have been picked up earlier in the day and probably had been. "I'm sure she is in our care," the family was told. Imagine the stress and hurt when the family received a call from the hospital in Monday afternoon requesting permission to release the body to Rice And White and Day Mortuary Error # 2 While discussing the above issue with our funeral counselor, Polly, she advised us that the information provided to us was the answering service and not Mortuary staff. I did not challenge that, but do not believe it to be true because the answering service only takes messages or rings on call staff. The answering services would not have known the schedule of pickups. Never be dishonest with a family Error # 3 On Thursday the cemetery advised family that no service was scheduled even though we had an appointment to come and pay the burial costs. We were advised that we might not be able to have the service as scheduled because of the mortuaries mistake depending on the area where the funeral would be held. Why? Because you don't want two services going on fifty feet from one another. Thankfully the cemetery people were very helpful and professional. Error # 4 In discussing error # 3 with the cemetery we were told that the arrangements counselor had apologized and simply stated that she just forgot. When her boss attempted to help resolve the problem he thought the service was supposed to be on Saturday, which at one point might have been an option The cemetery counselor thought the services were a week distant, but quickly realized her mistake and worked in a most professional manner to correct he error. A good example of less than professional conduct. Error # 5 The mortuary decided to try to make up for errors 3 and 4 by taking charge of "presetting the casket" and told us not to allow the cemetery to charge us for this because they were taking care of it. The cemetery advised us that the mortuary were sending staff to handle that chore and they deducted that cost from the bill. So what happens? The mortuary arrives with inadequate staffing to do this and call the cemetery staff who actually does this. The cemetery worker was gracious when she spoke to family regarding this and indicated we would not be charged for this service because the mortuary had stated that they would take care of that chore. The director at the funeral was very kind and said that if we received a bill to bring it to the mortuary and they would most certainly take care of it. Error #6 We asked for a memorial book to be at the graveside. It was brought. We were told at the private family viewing that there would be a table at the graveside to put the book on to be signed. The book was there. The table was not. Instead, a mortuary staff member carried the book around and held it for people to awkwardly sign. I've had a lot of good experiences with this Mortuary over the years. I've recommended them to a number of families in their hour of sorrow and need. However, after this poor service I will do the opposite. I will tell folks to avoid Rice and White and Day mortuaries as if they were in danger of contracting the bubonic plague. I will tell them that the organization continues to allow their inept employees to wreck havoc on a family when they are already at their lowest ebb. Folks don't let these people mess up services for your loved one. In an effort to offer a bit of balance, the presentation at the private viewing could not have been more perfect. read more

Lyman Wheeler was the associate who helped me with the loss of my younger brother. Lyman was kind, considerate, did not try to "sell" me anything. He just helped me find the right was to honor my brother. Many thanks to Lyman Wheeler and Rice Mortuary! read more

I would never trust this mortuary with my loved one since for months, i receive daily calls about picking up people's death certificates -- all different people deaths and different mortuary person calling me; all to my number which they are aware are a WRONG number. After the tenth time with the same mistake i fear for the people who left their loved ones with them in a mortuary. read more

I was in need of a mortuary for the passing of my mother. Joe Springer helped my father and I after my moms passing. Very knowledgeable and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Thank you for your help and I wouldn't go anywhere else for my mortuary needs. read more

This is the second time we use your service and would recommend you to everyone. Thank you for all your services and help with our Mother. From the people who picked her up from home to the young lady who assisted us to prep her and made her look beautiful, to the lady and gentleman at the viewing at Lighthouse. Thank you for the support in coordinating her services to the ushers on the day of the funeral and church. We apologize for not remembering everyone's names, but you all will be forever in our hearts. Thank you Blanca for all your support read more

The services that was provided from Rice Mortuary was amazing, everything went as planned for our family member "Salvador". I would like to gladly thank Carlos for directing our service very professionally, I want to give Joey a huge thanks for going out of his way and moving all the flowers for our family not to mention we offered help and he took it in his own hands to move everything with caution. Joey and Carlos went out of there way to provide the best service for our huge family and friends, such an amazing job at Pacific Crest Cemetery that they both did. At the cemetery they were in our time, gave us time to wait for the Mariachi to arrive although the grounds people took too long to get to the site. Joey and Carlos made it feel as it was perfect timing. Thank you guys all for all your services!! read more

I worked with Rice Mortuary for the cremation of my loved one and viewing of same; for the hiring of the "Legend" for burial at sea and to place an obituary in the Breeze. I found everyone at Rice to be compassionate, courteous and very professional. I was very happy that I used heir services. read more

I recently had to arrange an unexpected funeral and I chose Rice. I'm very glad I did. Not only did they deliver as promised but they didn't try to upsale me by pushing me to buy extras I didn't need and they even informed me that I could save money by doing somethings myself like placing the obituary in the LA Times. I especially credit funeral coordinator Polly Parras for her professionalism and kindness during a very difficult time. I recommend them highly. read more