Member Spotlight Member Spotlight Spotlight on Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home & Crematory – Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Marlene "Marty" Shoemaker is the co-owner & operator of Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. She shared her experiences with running a successful funeral home that has been around since 1905. How was your funeral home founded, and how does it operate today? The history of the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home is one of caring, dedication, respect, integrity, honesty and fair dealings. It all began in 1905 when Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Weller came to Cuyahoga Falls to start their own funeral business. In 1958 the Weller Funeral Home was purchased by Mr. & Mrs. William Clifford and renamed the Clifford Funeral Home. In 1979 Ken & Marlene Shoemaker, Clifford’s son-in-law and daughter, joined the business. In 1989 the name was changed to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home. Today our funeral home continues to be family-owned and -operated under the direction of Ken & Marlene’s son, Steve Shoemaker, carrying on as a third generation family business. Why do you believe funeral service is important? Funeral service allows us to honor the deceased with dignity and respect. We as funeral directors are also able to relieve the family of many of the overwhelming tasks people experience with the loss of a loved one. We feel honored that people trust us to care for their most beloved family members at such a delicate time. What is the most rewarding part of working in funeral service? The gratitude and appreciation we receive after serving a family. What makes your funeral home unique? Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home & Crematory is deeply rooted in the Cuyahoga Falls area, and we love being a part of this community. While we serve families from all over the Summit County (and beyond) area, our single location firm has been a fixture in the local area. Clifford’s Mini Antique Car Museum also sets our firm apart from others. We love that we can connect with the community in a unique way with the classic cars. Oldsmobile display at Clifford's Mini Antique Car Museum in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (provided photo) www.ogr.org | The Independent® 13
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