On Thursday, July 9th, I called Stauffer and spoke with a staff member, Ashley Brown, to confirm the date of my husband's cremation. She told me it would be the following day, but when I asked for the time, she said she did not know. Her voice sounded very dark and heavy. I visited the funeral home shortly after 12:00 PM on Friday, but she was absent. When I confirmed the cremation date with the manager, I discovered that my husband had already been cremated on Thursday. No one had contacted me; my husband had already been cremated and reduced to ashes. Learning this truth left me in deep shock and tears of sorrow. I could not be there to see him off for his final farewell, and my heart breaks thinking about how sad and lonely he must have been. I demand an explanation for why the cremation date was hidden from me, and I expect a sincere apology. read more

Perhaps it was just the "salesperson " we met with. We felt that we were talking to a used car salesman rather than a funeral director. So glad we met and decided to use the services of Burrier-Queen. They treated us like family and provided lovely and compassionate service. read more

Stay away from Stauffer Funeral Home in Frederick MD. No one in my family was pleased with the services they provided. Not only are they overpriced, but none of the people working there seemed to know what they were doing. When we arrived to make arrangements for my brother, my daughter, niece, and I were ushered down the hall into a room where another family's viewing was going one. Very awkward moment for us and the other family. When we explained why we were there, we were told that my brother was not there, and they had nothing scheduled for him. We were in a panic - not knowing where my brother's body was. After checking, they did come back and tell us they did have him, and they put us in a room with a fella who when over options using very antiquated equipment - and an overhead projection that you could not even read. After making the arrangements, things only got worse. Every single time we came to the funeral home, the employees acted like they were not expecting us at all. At one point, we were (mistakenly) told that my brother's body was going to be cremated before his daughter had the opportunity to see him and say goodby. We all lost sleep worrying that they might do it anyway. None of the people working there came across as being empathetic. Nore were they very helpful with setting things up in the room for viewings. My family did most of the work. My daughter said they were even pressing her to have us wrap things up early at one of the viewings. Worst service and experience ever. read more

My experience with Stauffer FH was deplorable. We had to made out of state arrangements to get his body back home and I was hammered by Jacqui into making instant decisions without having even seen a brochure (rather a price list). All she did was name items like casket and the price and all I heard was this cost this and that cost that. We hadn't even had a chance to think about this yet. I was pressured into making immediate decisions because she needed a contract and all the money up front or else they wouldn't pick up his body from the airport. I walked out in tears. I wanted to get another FH after this but permits were needed and would have to apply again which would take another week, so was stuck with Stauffer's. I refused to have anything further to do with Jacqui, so next I had Leah who couldn't have been better or more kind. Problem is, the next day she was on a week's vacation, so next I got Ashley. I had a slide show I wanted to use at the visitation and prior to the Celebration of Life and for on the website, but learned to have the photos on the website, I would have to purchase the $250 package with three DVDs (they were my photos and I had already edited and arranged them, so why would I want a DVD?). The evening before the visitation I called to verify the photos would be shown, as they hadn't been posted to the website. Ashley was off, so I spoke to Kelly (#4) who kind of brushed me off, saying yes she had the DVD/thumb drives and everything was set. When I asked when the photos would be uploaded to the website, I was told they had to wait until the family approved them first. What????? The family brought the photos there. I was wondering if anybody knew what was going on. Then, at the visitation, not one of the four funeral directors were there - and - there were no photos showing on the three screens. I went to the reception couple (only people there) and although they were very nice, they didn't know how to make the photos show up. My grandson was able to get them to work on the back screen, but we had three screens in the room. After discovering we had no remote to put up the photos (from the thumb drive I brought with me) on any one screen, we went back and they allowed my grandson to use the 'main frame' to put in the photos which then worked. There were no photos prior to the start of the Celebration of Life and afterwards we proceeded to the gravesite. Friends had brought wreaths for wife and mother and long stemmed red roses for everyone to place upon his casket while they sang. Before they lowered the casket, I was told by Ashley that we could leave and she would take care of everything. But, if all that wasn't enough - the next day we went to the gravesite and brought flowers and to our stunned dismayed shock - none of the flowers were on his grave - they had buried them! All those beautiful fresh flowers we expected to see on his grave and they had buried them, even the $300 casket spray. THEY required a vault and it had to be THEIR vault company and after closing the vault, instead of leaving the flowers there to be placed on the grave after it was closed, they threw them onto the vault and they were buried. I spoke with the owner, George Stauffer, and the only refund we received was the $250 for photos (the photos never got online until two days AFTER the burial). There was no refund for any lack of compassion or their multiple failures or even for burying the flowers. I would NEVER EVER recommend them to anybody. read more

When you are in that time of need, this is the place to come in Frederick.. Of course the prices are a bit of a shock, but you probably won't have the time or desire to search for bargains, most places have similar fees. The advantage to this location, is that they have a crematorium on site.. This is ideal if you want to 'witness' this procedure. Other places contract to use the cremation services here. The staff was polite and respectful. I'm guessing they are trained to show zero emotion or personality, which is just fine in this situation. The facilities are pleasant, and the staff does their best to make things flow well during difficult times read more

I rarely write reviews but this one goes out to anyone who has lost a child and has suffered the worst grief of their life. If you want empathy or compassion, STAUFFER FUNERAL HOME IS NOT THE PLACE TO HAVE TAKE CARE OF YOUR LOVED ONE. As the mother, mourning the sudden death of my young son, I made it known to my guests and Jacqui, the person who helped with the arrangements, I would rather not be in the room where my child was being laid out but would received guests in the entrance room/hallway which was very large area and had plenty of space for people to pass by or stand in small groups while waiting to give their condolences . The staff woman at the door rolled her eyes when my family and friends explained that I just couldn't hold it together if I had to be in the viewing room. Even after hearing the reason I wasn't in with my son she constantly tried to shuffle the guests into a single line to speak with me. Weeks later, after a little time had passed, many of my family and friends told me about how awkward they felt saying they had never been to a viewing and been treated like they were being herded like cattle before. Once the viewing was over and my son was cremated, I had called the funeral home for weeks waiting for the death certificates to be sent to us. I was told it by the person in charge of our sons paperwork. It could take up to a month but with no explanation why. It was later when I called the medical examiner myself that I was told that when an autopsy required, it takes between 6-8 weeks. After that time period had passed and I called the funeral home again asking about the death certificates, I was promised by one of the Stauffers themselves that they would call the next day with an answer about the delay. After another week of waiting, I, the grieving parent, had to make several calls to the hospital, medical examiner, dept of records and finally another funeral home who transported my son to Stauffers in the first place. Within a day, the the funeral home who was only responsible for the transportation of my sons body, got the death certificates to me the next day so my family could at least get some closure and continue to grieve. I will never recommend this place to anyone... read more

This is not an honest company. When they were notified of an oversight in terms of MD state regulations for notifying next of kin, they refused to correct their error. There was also an error on the death certificate, which they declined to correct. They seem to be in the business of making difficult times even harder. read more

After a death in the family my sister and I looked for funeral homes in the area and Stauffer's was nearby. I got in contact with them and they were quick to respond with all the information I needed and answered all my questions as we didn't have any idea what to do. I was able to get in contact with questions any day of the week and never felt I was being pushed to buy anything. The entire process was explained and were given different options on what to do. On the day of the funeral Stauffer's staff were there the entire time and helped guide everything. The service and burial went very smooth and they helped it be stress free. All the staff we met were professional and very friendly. We were very satisfied and happy with Stauffer's services. read more

If you're ever in a position to need a funeral home, I highly recommend Stauffer's. They are respectful and caring. Every single person we spoke to went above and beyond. They helped guide us through every step and made the process as simple as possible. I can't say enough about how wonderful they have been. read more

I don't know what I would have done without their expertise and just their overall professionalism. All staff was very polite and responsive to all questions. Place of business was very welcoming. read more

My father-in-law recently passed away in the Line Of Duty as a firefighter. The entire staff of Stauffer's was extremely professional and concerned for our family's every need. The respect and dignity shown was well above and beyond what we expected. We cannot say enough how easy they made such a horrible time in our lives. We are forever grateful for the way they treated our hero! read more

They are called the Funeral Factory because they push you through and charge extra for items you don't need. They take advantage of you at your lowest point in life. There are so many other services in the area that truly care. Be careful and don't let them take advantage of you. read more

Overpriced by what I have learned. The female owner (at least I think she was an owner) was rude and did not want to give me the rates that they charge. I had to ask 4 or 5 times to find out how much they cost. And I was upset because I have a sick family member. So maybe it was me, but don't think so. read more

During such a difficult time for our family, Stauffer truly went above and beyond. We will be forever grateful for all they have done for us to preserve the memory of my father. Jacqui was absolutely incredible, walking us step by step through the process. The entire team genuinely cared about why was best for our family, continuously doing things for us that we're unexpected and so very much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time I make Dad look like himself for our final viewing, including extra guest pages for out memorial book, helping with the obituary, changing orders at the last minute, and just really spending the time that was necessary to make the process that no one wants to experience, a little easier by holding out hands. From a single location, everything was able to be taken care of. Thank you so much. read more

Best in the DC Area Before my father passed away, I called a few funeral homes in the area to check services and prices. When I met with one of the funeral directors, I was impressed with their professionalism and care. When my father passed, they came and took him. I was there the whole time, and the two gentlemen that took care of my father were absolutely respectful with my father. The funeral service was beautiful and everybody loved their premises. Out of all of the places that I called, they were the ones that were the most flexible and understanding of my needs. I would recommend this funeral home in a heartbeat. Ryan was caring and helpful throughout the whole process. read more