When you're driving down East Bell Road, it’s easy to miss the turn. Most people only notice the manicured lawns and the quiet, low-slung buildings of Hansen Mortuary on Bell Road when they absolutely have to. That's just the nature of the business. But there is a massive difference between a corporate-owned "death care factory" and a place that has been run by the same family since Harry Truman was in the White House.
Honestly, the funeral industry has changed a ton lately. Huge conglomerates have been buying up local mom-and-pop shops, keeping the old family name on the sign while a board of directors in another state calls the shots. That hasn't happened here.
Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Cemetery—which is the official name for the 6500 E. Bell Road location—is still very much a family affair. It's owned by the second generation, specifically Trish Hansen Kerr, and the third generation is already deep in the day-to-day operations. When you walk in, you aren't just a case number. You're dealing with people whose last name is actually on the building. That matters.
The Local Control Difference at Hansen Mortuary on Bell Road
Why does "local" matter when we're talking about a mortuary? Basically, it comes down to where your loved one actually stays. Most people don't realize that many funeral homes outsource their cremations to massive industrial facilities.
Hansen doesn't do that.
They own and operate their own crematory, called DECA. This means from the moment they pick someone up until the ashes are returned or interred, that person never leaves the Hansen family's care. It’s a level of oversight that provides a weirdly specific type of peace of mind. You aren't wondering if a transport van is moving your dad across three counties in the middle of the night.
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The Bell Road location is unique because it's a "combo" facility. It’s got the mortuary, the chapel, and the cemetery all in one spot. In the industry, they call this a memorial park. Practically speaking, it saves a lot of logistical headaches. You don't have to organize a 20-car police-escorted procession across Phoenix traffic on a Tuesday morning. Everything happens on one campus.
Beyond the Traditional Casket and Grave
If you think a funeral is just a somber room with heavy velvet curtains and a generic organ soundtrack, you haven't seen how they do things now. The vibe at the Bell Road location is surprisingly modern.
Take the "Healing Garden," for example. It’s not just a patch of grass. It’s an interactive space designed to engage all five senses. They have a "sharing post" where you can actually write a letter to the person you lost and "mail" it. It sounds simple, maybe even a little "kinda" out there for some, but for people stuck in the middle of raw grief, having a physical action to perform can be huge.
They also do something called "The Bridge."
Pet Services at Hansen
Most mortuaries won't talk to you about your dog. Hansen is different. They recognize that for a lot of us, losing a pet is just as gut-wrenching as losing a human relative. The Bridge is a dedicated pet cemetery on the grounds. It’s a rare thing in Phoenix to find a professional mortuary that treats pet loss with the same level of dignity as human services.
The Logistics: What to Actually Expect
Let’s get into the weeds of what happens if you have to call them. They are open 24/7. You don’t get an answering service in another country; you get their team.
The facility itself at 6500 E. Bell Road is fully accessible—ramps, wide doors, the whole bit. They also have an on-site reception area. This is where the "new" version of funerals really shines. Instead of a stiff line of people shaking hands, you can have a catered lunch. You can have a "social" where people actually talk and maybe even laugh a little while sharing stories.
- Pre-planning: You can set everything up years in advance. It’s not morbid; it’s actually a massive gift to your kids so they don’t have to guess what you wanted while they’re crying in an office.
- Livestreaming: This became huge a few years ago and it stayed. If you have family in Europe or New York who can't fly in, they can watch the service in real-time. The quality is actually good, not some grainy cell phone video.
- Veteran Honors: Being a family with deep roots, they are very particular about military honors. They handle the coordination with the VA, the flag folding, and the taps.
What People Get Wrong About the Cost
The biggest misconception about Hansen Mortuary on Bell Road—or any high-end mortuary—is that they are going to "upsell" you like a car dealership.
Real talk: grief makes you vulnerable.
But the feedback from families who use the Bell Road location consistently mentions transparency. They provide a General Price List (GPL) which is required by law, but they actually stick to it. They offer all-inclusive packages so you aren't getting nickel-and-dimed for every "extra" prayer card or limousine mile.
Stuart Hansen and Tanner Kerr are often mentioned in reviews as the guys who keep things grounded. They understand that while this is a business, it’s a business built on the worst day of someone else's life.
Actionable Steps for Navigating the Process
If you find yourself needing to coordinate with a mortuary, or if you're just trying to be responsible and plan ahead, here is how to handle it without losing your mind.
- Tour the grounds first. Don't wait for an emergency. Walk through the Healing Garden at the Bell Road location. See if the atmosphere feels right to you. It's a public space; you don't need an appointment just to walk the paths.
- Ask about the "Chain of Custody." If you are looking at cremation, ask any mortuary if they own the crematory. At Hansen, the answer is yes. If the answer is no at another place, ask where the body is actually going.
- Use the "Comfort Box." If you’ve lost someone, ask about their grief support resources. They have follow-up materials and "comfort boxes" that help with the immediate emotional aftermath.
- Compare prose, not just prices. Look at the reviews for "attention to detail." Did the staff remember the deceased's favorite music? Did they handle a weird family dynamic with grace? That’s where the value is.
Planning a service at Hansen Mortuary on Bell Road isn't just about picking a casket or an urn. It’s about deciding how a story is going to be told. Whether you want a traditional burial in the Memorial Park or a modern celebration of life with a catered reception, the focus is on the transition from the "event" of death to the process of healing.
The most important thing to remember is that you have options. You aren't stuck with a "one size fits all" funeral. You can have a small, private "family farewell" or a massive service with hundreds of people. The staff at Bell Road is there to facilitate your specific version of goodbye, not to tell you how it "should" be done.
If you're starting this journey, your first move should be a simple phone call or a quiet walk through their desert gardens. It helps to see the space when the sun is out and the pressure is off. That way, when the time comes, the location feels familiar, not frightening.
Next Steps to Take:
- Visit the Site: Drive to 6500 E. Bell Road during daylight hours to walk through the Healing Garden and see the Angel of Hope monument.
- Request a GPL: Call the office and ask for their General Price List to be emailed to you so you can review costs in the privacy of your own home without any pressure.
- Check the Calendar: Look for their annual community events, like the Candlelight Service, which allows you to experience the facility's culture before you ever need their professional services.