personal services
When searching for way to personalize a funeral service, remember the moments you spent with the person and try to highlight the qualities that they are remembered for. Consider hobbies, subjects of interest, and places where the person spent much of his or her time. It can help to make lists of their passions, achievements and memories you shared together. There are a number of ways that these lists can be incorporated into a service:
Photos and Albums
There are many opportunities to display photos at a funeral service. Poster boards with photo collages can be placed on easels for display. Flat screen TV monitors can be used to display pictures or a slideshow during calling hours or just prior to the services. Photographs can be printed in the memorial folders, registry book or on urns.
Videos
A DVD video is a wonderful way to share your loved one’s life with others. It can be personalized with your special photos and music. These videos become keepsakes that you can share with your family for generations.
Artwork
Artwork of the deceased or art created in tribute is a beautiful addition to a service. Sculptures, a slideshow of drawings or displaying artwork throughout the funeral home helps people learn more about a life that was cherished.
Music
Live or pre-recorded music can be relaxing and comforting to those who have come to the service. Some other ways music can be used, is to record a CD with the deceased’s favorite songs or songs that he or she wrote or to have musically inclined family or friends perform at the funeral service.
Readings of Poetry & Literature
Passages from the deceased’s favorite books or poems that capture the essence of life help create a service infused with wisdom and words to remember. You can also invite friends and family members to read passages or poems of their choice or write their own pieces to share.
Sarah J. Moore
Owner/Funeral Director/Embalmer
Sarah is a native of the Abingdon and Avon/St. Augustine area. She graduated from Avon High School in 2006 and attended Carl Sandburg College. She received her degree in Mortuary Science in 2013 and began her apprenticeship and funeral directing career with Duker and Haugh Funeral Home in Quincy, IL. In 2015 she moved back to the Abingdon area and worked for Galesburg Cottage Hospital's Pathology Department. In 2019 she went back to the funeral industry with McGuire & Davies Funeral Home in Monmouth, IL. In 2022 the opportunity for ownership presented itself and she and her husband Michael became partners in this new venture. In November of 2022 they officially took over Wise Family Funeral Home in Roseville, Avon, and Alexis. Sarah resides in rural Monmouth with her husband; 3 children, Sawyer, Logan, and Lyla; 2 dogs, Lucy and Riley, and a flock of chickens. She is a member of Roseville Chapter N P.E.O, the First United Methodist Church of Monmouth and when time allows, she enjoys the outdoors; fishing, camping, swimming, etc, and attending various school and sporting events for her children.
Michael G. Moore
Co-Owner/Funeral Assistant
Michael is a native of Roseville, IL. He graduated from Monmouth/Roseville High School in 2007 and later received his Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture from Illinois State University. He farms in rural Roseville with his parents. He is also a crop specialist with Country Companies and a proud co-owner of Moore Memorial Homes with his wife, Sarah.