Losing someone is heavy. It's a weight that doesn't just sit on your chest; it reshapes the whole room. When you're standing in the middle of that fog in Yakima, the name that usually bubbles up first is Keith and Keith Funeral Home.
They've been around since 1939. That’s a long time.
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Honestly, most people think a funeral home is just a place with stiff suits and expensive boxes. But there’s a lot more moving parts behind the doors at 902 West Yakima Avenue than you might expect. People often assume every funeral home in town is the same, but Keith and Keith has a specific footprint in the Yakima Valley that’s worth looking at closely, especially if you’re the one who has to make the "big" phone call.
The Reality of Keith and Keith Funeral Yakima
Back in 1939, Donald C. Keith bought out Hamm Funeral Home. He rebranded it, put his name on the door, and basically started a legacy that has lasted through the moon landing, the rise of the internet, and everything in between. It’s not just a local mom-and-pop shop anymore, though.
In 1990, they joined the Dignity Memorial network.
This is where things get interesting. Some people love the "big network" feel because it means they have resources that smaller shops don't. Others worry that the personal touch gets lost when a corporate name enters the chat. But if you talk to the folks who actually work there, they’ll tell you the "Golden Rule" philosophy Don Keith started is still the backbone. They try to treat every family like it’s their own. Whether that’s actually true 100% of the time depends on who you ask, but their 80-year track record suggests they’re doing something right for the community.
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What does it actually cost?
Let's talk money. Nobody likes to, but you have to.
Funerals are expensive.
Basically, if you’re looking at a full traditional burial at Keith and Keith, you’re likely starting around the $7,500 mark.
Here is a rough breakdown of what that looks like in the real world:
- Basic Services: Around $2,995. This is the "professional fee" for the director and staff.
- The "Extras" that aren't really extras: Embalming is usually about $795. A viewing or visitation adds another $395.
- The Ceremony: Having the actual funeral ceremony? That’s another $395.
- Direct Cremation: If you’re skipping the big bells and whistles, this usually starts around $1,995.
Prices shift. Inflation is real. But these numbers give you a starting point so you aren't walking in totally blind.
Beyond the Basics: What They Actually Do
It’s easy to think it’s just "casket or urn."
It’s not.
They handle a ton of stuff you probably don’t want to think about when you’re grieving. They manage the transport of the remains, which is about $395 for the "first call." They deal with the paperwork. They coordinate with the cemetery—usually West Hills Memorial Park or whatever local spot you've picked.
They also lean heavily into veteran services.
Being a "Level One Founding Community Partner" with We Honor Veterans, they actually know the paperwork trail for military benefits. That’s a huge relief for families who are trying to navigate the VA while also trying to remember where they put the life insurance policy.
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The "Personalization" Trend
Kinda recently, there's been this big push for "celebrations of life" instead of just somber funerals. Keith and Keith has leaned into this. I've heard stories of people bringing in a loved one's favorite motorcycle or setting up a whole display of their prize-winning quilts. It’s not just pews and organ music anymore. You can basically build a service that feels like the person who died, rather than a generic template.
What the Community Thinks
If you look at reviews—which you should—it's a mixed bag of deep gratitude and minor frustrations.
Most families rave about people like Dan or Gracie at the home. They mention how fast things moved, especially when death happens unexpectedly or during the holidays. "Compassionate" is the word that shows up the most.
But, honestly? No business is perfect.
Some people feel the "sales" side of the Dignity Memorial network can be a bit much. You might get reminders about pre-planning your own funeral while you're still mourning your spouse. It can feel a bit "corporate" if you aren't expecting it. But generally, the local staff gets high marks for being the "boots on the ground" who actually care.
Dealing with the "What Now?"
If you're reading this because you just lost someone, you’re probably overwhelmed.
First, breathe.
Second, know that you don't have to decide everything in the next five minutes.
Keith and Keith Funeral Yakima is available 24/7. That's a real thing. If you call at 3:00 AM, a human usually answers.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are currently tasked with making arrangements, here is exactly what you need to do next to keep your head above water:
- Locate the Paperwork: Find the Social Security number, birth certificate, and any military discharge papers (DD214). You’ll need these for the death certificate and any veteran benefits.
- Set a Budget Before You Walk In: It is very easy to say "yes" to every upgrade when you're emotional. Decide on a hard ceiling for costs before you sit down with the director.
- Ask for the General Price List (GPL): Federal law (the Funeral Rule) says they have to give this to you. It lists every single cost clearly. Use it.
- Check for Pre-Arrangements: Sometimes people have a "secret" folder or a prepaid plan they never told anyone about. Check the safe or the "important papers" drawer first.
- Identify a Point Person: Don't try to be the one who talks to the funeral home, the florist, the caterer, and the crazy aunt. Pick one person to be the "liaison" for the funeral home to reduce the noise.
Ultimately, the goal is to get through the week without losing your mind. Whether you choose a full service at Keith and Keith or a simple cremation elsewhere, remember that the ceremony is for the living. It’s for you. Take the space you need.