If you live in the Des Moines metro, Henderson’s Funeral & Cremation Care, at 3500 Sixth Avenue in Des Moines, can most likely help. Licensed funeral director Rick Ramsey says its service area reaches about 30 miles from the funeral home, including Clive, Urbandale and West Des Moines. When someone dies, the first questions are often practical: Who will come, how soon can they arrive and can the family have more time together? In Episode 8 of From Compassion to the Conversation, host Mike Downer speaks with Rick, who has 37 years of experience, about how Henderson’s helps families across the metro. Rick explains what happens when a death occurs, how the funeral home coordinates transportation, how it respects a family’s timing and how it makes its service options clear.
How Far Does Henderson’s Travel to Help Families?
Henderson’s generally travels about 30 miles from the funeral home to help a family. A search for a funeral home “near me” may bring up several addresses, but distance alone does not tell a family whether help is available. Rick names Clive, Urbandale and West Des Moines as part of that area.
That range leaves room for a conversation. When Mike asks whether a family 33 miles away could still call Henderson’s, Rick says yes. Families in Ankeny, Altoona or another nearby community can also call to check their address. They do not need to plan a service before finding out whether the funeral home can help.
What Does the First Call Set in Motion?
The first call sets transportation in motion, which answers the most pressing question many families have about what will happen to their loved one. Rick says Henderson’s handles that transportation and asks where the person has died. Staff also ask how the family is doing and when they would like someone to arrive.
When a death occurs at home, Henderson’s sends two staff members. Before they come, they speak with the family about timing. Some people want help as soon as possible. Others hope to spend a little longer together or wait for a relative to arrive. Rick says the funeral home checks that the family is ready.
There may be a step outside the family’s control. Rick explains that medical examiner authorization can be necessary before transportation, particularly after a death at home when hospice was not involved. Iowa’s rules on removal after death require that authorization when the case falls under the medical examiner’s jurisdiction. A funeral director can explain how it affects the family’s situation.
How Can Families Plan Around the Arrival Time?
Families can plan around an arrival of about an hour at most homes in the service area, by Rick’s estimate. Waiting can feel especially difficult when no one knows when help will come. Rick says Henderson’s can reach several Des Moines hospitals in 15 to 20 minutes. At a home it may take a little longer than an hour, and after hours a funeral director first comes to the funeral home.
Those times give families a starting point, not a deadline for saying goodbye. Rick says Henderson’s asks when they want staff to arrive and follows their direction when possible. “We’ll follow the family’s direction as far as timing and arrival at the residence,” he says. If you need more time, you can say so during the call.
A few practical details can help staff prepare. Mike mentions asking whether a loved one is upstairs or downstairs, and Rick agrees that the home’s layout matters. Families can share what they know and ask questions before their loved one is moved.
How Do Families Choose the Right Arrangement?
Families choose by deciding whether they want a ceremony and when to hold it. Once immediate care is underway, Rick describes three paths: direct cremation, a memorial service and a traditional funeral followed by cremation. With direct cremation, relatives may choose to arrange their own gathering later. A memorial service offers a chance to gather without the body present; cremated remains may be present if cremation has already taken place.
For a traditional funeral, the person is present in a casket during the service, and cremation follows.
Cost deserves the same clear conversation. Rick encourages families to compare services and ask what each price includes. He says Henderson’s provides its pricing in writing. The Federal Trade Commission advises families to ask funeral homes what is included in a quoted price. Having those details can help relatives make a decision together.
Even then, every choice need not be made at once. If your family has not decided where the cremated remains will go, you can ask how they will be returned and leave time to consider what feels meaningful. Rick encourages families to call with questions about timing, services or price. Being heard is part of finding care you trust.
Watch the Full Conversation
Watch Mike Downer’s conversation with Rick on YouTube to hear him discuss Henderson’s service area, response times and funeral choices in his own words. If you are planning ahead or facing a recent loss, the episode can help you gather questions and feel more prepared for a call with a funeral director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Funeral Home Near Me in the Des Moines Metro?
Henderson’s Funeral & Cremation Care, at 3500 Sixth Avenue in Des Moines, generally serves families within about 30 miles, including Clive, Urbandale and West Des Moines. Families just outside that range can call to check their address.
Does Henderson’s Serve Families Outside Des Moines?
Yes. Rick says Henderson’s generally serves an area about 30 miles from the funeral home. Call to check a specific address.
Will Henderson’s Come to a Home?
Yes. Rick says two Henderson’s staff members come when a death occurs at home, and the funeral home handles transportation.
Can a Family Ask for More Time Before Staff Arrive?
Yes. Henderson’s asks when the family is ready, while following any required medical examiner procedures.
How Quickly Can Henderson’s Arrive?
Rick estimates about an hour for many homes in its service area. The time can vary, especially after hours.
Can a Family Have a Service and Choose Cremation?
Yes. Rick describes memorial services and traditional funerals followed by cremation.
Should Families Ask for Prices in Writing?
Yes. Written prices help families understand what is included before they choose an arrangement.