About Us

Ryan Fredregill - Funeral Director

Ryan was born in Des Moines, the son of Fred and Jolene (Saxton) Fredregill. When Ryan was two, his parents moved to Zearing and opened Fredregill Funeral Home. Ryan attended and graduated from Colo-NESCO high school in 1999. He then attended Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science and graduated with a degree in mortuary science in 2000. Ryan relocated to Kansas City and worked for Park Lawn Funeral Home there for over two years. In 2003 he decided to move back to Iowa and assist his father with the family business. Ryan started Fredregill Family Funeral Home in Baxter in the spring of 2009, and took over the location in Zearing, Iowa in 2016.  With his passion for helping families in need during a difficult time, Ryan aquired Henderson's  Funeral Home in the Fall of 2023 and looks forward to serving the Des Moines metro families.

Ryan attends the United Congregational Church of Christ in Baxter, and is a member of the Baxter Fun Committee, National Funeral Director’s Association, American Society of Embalmers, Baxter Masonic Lodge, and Za-Ga-Zig Shrine. He enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, riding motorcycles, camping, boating, but most of all helping families during their time of need. Ryan has a true understanding of how important funeral ceremonies are to the community. It truly is Ryan’s calling and passion in life to be able to serve.

Pam Long - Funeral Assistant; Insurance Liason

Pam has over 40 years of claims processing experience with Blue Cross Blue Shield and has been serving God's people for most of her adult life. Her soft spoken and kind mannerisms are felt and appreciated by not only staff, but by all that interact with her.  Pam has been with Henderson's since 2018, she is always a team player and a self starter; it's easy to see why Pam is an asset to the company. 

Pam is a Bible Study Teacher, and in her spare time she enjoys long walks and reading her Bible.

Carrie Fredregill - Pre-Need Specialist

Carrie joined Ryan at the funeral home in 2013 and has been a great addition where she manages the back office to the business.  She wears many hats from being a services assistant to meeting with families and guiding them through all of the planning options.  

In her free time, Carrie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, relaxing at the lake and playing with her dogs.

Graciela Ochoa - Funeral Intern

Graciela was born and raised on the East Side of Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln High School in 2013.  She continued her education and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Grand View University in 2018.  Graciela worked within the human service field at various non-profit organizations and decided to take a leap of faith into the field Funeral Services beginning the new year of 2023.  She anticipates becoming a licensed Funeral Director graduated from the program at DMACC in 2024.

When Graciela has the time, she likes to gather with family and friends and indulge in her hobbies.  She really enjoys making pinatas, painting ceramics, canvases, and also enjoys making caramel apples.  

Tony Gill - Funeral Assistant

Since 2003, Tony has been an intrigal part of the Henderson's Funeral Home.  Throughout the years, he has comforted endless families during the difficult time of loss.  

Originally From Washington D.C., Tony is an avid Washington Commanders Football fan.
Tony is also passionate about cooking delicious food.  His Chicken recipe is worthy of being on any restuarant menu.  During his free time, he enjoys shopping as he is a great dresser. 

Ja'Vaci Long - Funeral Assistant

Joining us since the year 2021, Ja'Vaci has quickly proven to be the bedrock that supports our daily undertakings. With unparalleled dedication, he is a beacon of solace and adept guidance throughout the funeral services we provide, ensuring grace and fluency in these critical moments.

Joining us since the year 2021, Ja'Vaci has quickly proven to be the bedrock that supports our daily undertakings. With unparalleled dedication, he is a beacon of solace and adept guidance throughout the funeral services we provide, ensuring grace and fluency in these critical moments.

When he steps away from his duties, Ja'Vaci embraces his love for style and beats, enthralling as a drummer. He is renowned for his spectacular performances with local church groups, captivating audiences at Mt. Hebron and contributing his rhythm to The Ship's soul-stirring musical gatherings.

As a key figure in the community, he stands tall as a cherished uncle and a treasured friend to many, his presence is a testament to his endearing character. Looking to the future with ambition and love for his calling, Ja'Vaci is gearing up to deepen his expertise and follow his calling by attending mortuary school in the upcoming year of 2024.

Aaron Howard - Pre-Need Insurance Rep

I am the Agency Owner for the Howard Insurance Agency in Urbandale, Iowa. Howard Insurance Agency covers a large variety of insurance products for personal and business needs, with a primary focus on educating and coaching Medicare recipients and Veterans receiving disability benefits. I have been in the insurance and financial service industry for over 20 years, educating my customers on understanding the complexities of Medicare services and how to get the most out of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental insurance. We also sale and service Property and Casualty insurance for personal customers as well as business customers and we offer a wide range of Life Insurance products and Pre-Need Funeral services that can help any of our customers no matter their age.