Business Details
About
Funeral Home
At Franklin & Downs Funeral Home Ceres Chapel in Ceres & Modesto, California, we do, indeed, try to offer you a home, a comforting and inviting place to gather in remembrance and celebration of lives lived well. Our experienced staff is committed to this vision and passionate about making your time with us as memorable and uplifting as possible. We bring together decades of experience caring for families of all cultural backgrounds and diverse walks of life. We pledge to treat you and your loved ones just like family, and we guarantee to offer services that meet all of your specifications while exceeding all of your expectations. Licensed staff members are available around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to discuss your needs. Whether you are doing pre-planning or need to hold a service soon, we are ready to answer our phone and offer you warm, friendly, and empathetic service. Learn more about our funeral services.
Location
Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel
1050 McHenry Avenue, Modesto, CA
95350, United States
Hours
Reviews
4.9
173 reviews
5 stars
167
4 stars
3
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star
3
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Compassionate Care
Customers consistently praised the staff for their compassion, empathy, and support during difficult times, highlighting individual team members like Yoaly, Felisha, and Ashley for their exceptional service.
Professionalism
The staff at Franklin & Downs were frequently described as professional, knowledgeable, and respectful, ensuring that every detail was handled with care and dignity.
Attention to Detail
Many reviews noted the meticulous attention to detail in planning and executing funeral services, with families feeling that their wishes were honored and that personal touches were included.
Ease of Process
Customers appreciated how the staff made the funeral planning process manageable and stress-free, providing clear communication and guidance throughout.
Positive Recommendations
Numerous customers expressed their willingness to recommend Franklin & Downs to others, citing their overall positive experiences and the comfort provided during challenging times.
- CHColleen HeinNov 11, 20255.0Felisha at Franklin & Downs could not have been more loving and supportive. My brother passed in Modesto CA, and had no relatives leaving nearby. Through her kindness, she helped walk me through the entire process, even though I live in Oregon! I was completely unaware of things I needed to do and through her guidance, accomplished what I consider to be a miracle. She even helped me arrange a military funeral in Washington State! I highly recommend Frankllin & Downs if you are in need of this service. With all I had to do, and from out of state, they took that one burden off my shoulders. Thank you Felisha, I will remember your kindness forever
- LTLisa TenorioNov 5, 20255.0I was so pleased with everything they offered and how professional they were they offered so much help it was a great experience would recommend to everybody five stars
- RRRocio RochaOct 29, 20255.0A Heartfelt Tribute to Franklin & Downs First and foremost, embarking on this journey has been incredibly challenging. Initially, my family chose to work with another well-known establishment, but our consultation experience there was a mess. Their pricing did not align with what the consultant conveyed, leading us to feel as though they were exploiting families in grief. That’s when we turned to Franklin & Downs. With heavy sorrow in my heart, I cannot express enough how profoundly grateful we are to Yoaly, the first person we met at Franklin & Downs, and her entire team for the exceptional care they provided for my dad and our family. From the beginning, she made us feel heard, valued, and genuinely cared for. At no point did she make us feel mistreated or taken advantage of; instead, she welcomed us as if we were part of her own family, communicating clearly and compassionately. Moments That Touched Our Hearts Several moments truly moved us: ●During the interview, Yoaly talked about who should receive my father's cross, we began bickering (slightly-sisters), Yoaly quickly intervened, choosing to give each of us one instead. 🥹 This stopped us on out tracks. ●At the viewing my dad had quite the gathering of his close loved ones, extened family and friends. Although most of loved ones needed to leave by a certain time in order for us to spend that private moment with our dad, Alyssa treated our extended family with the kindness they deserved. She graciously allowed us the space to say our goodbyes, and her tenderness was truly noticed & appreciated. ●Another memorable moment occurred during the drive past my parents' house. The driver, Jonathan, stopped the hearse, opened the back, and placed a piece of my dad's tree with him on his casket. There is a great deal more I can add but all of these thoughtful gestures left us in awe and showed us the depths of compassion this team (Yoaly, Alyssa an Jonathan) extends to the families they serve. During such a difficult time, we are profoundly thankful that we chose Franklin & Downs for my dad’s eternal rest. Please accept our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who played a part in honoring his memory with such dignity and care. 🙏🏼💔 Thank you, Rocio Rocha and The Villapudua Family
- CJCissie JenkinsOct 24, 20255.0Yoli,was the best. She is soft spoken compassionate and extremely respectful of your wishes for your loved one She hsd helped me through the hardest days of my life. I am very grateful for her. They whole staff is simply amazing. I highly recommend them.
- TCTina CaudilloOct 11, 20255.0Franklin & Downs provided wonderful service during a diffcult time for my family and I. Ashley helped with my husband’s arrangements. From the moment I met her, she was incredibly kind, soft-spoken, and patient. She took the time to explain everything in detail and provided me with so much helpful information during a very difficult time. Her compassion and professionalism truly stood out, and I felt completely at ease knowing that everything was being handled with such care. I am very grateful for her support and the excellent service they provided.
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel
Does a dead body have to be embalmed, according to law?
The Federal Trade Commission says, "Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require you to pay for it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial."
Why are funerals so expensive?
When compared to other major life events like births and weddings, funerals are not expensive. A wedding costs at least three times as much; but because it is a happy event, wedding costs are rarely criticized. A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, limousines, hearses, etc.), these expenses must be factored into the cost of a funeral.
Additionally, the cost of a funeral includes not only merchandise, like caskets, but the services of a funeral director in making arrangements; filing appropriate forms; dealing with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others; and seeing to all the necessary details.
Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I choose cremation?
It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home or in a crematory chapel.
What can be done with the cremated remains?
With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial, retained by a family member, usually in an urn, scattered on private property, or at a place that was significant to the deceased. (It would always be advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place-your funeral director can help you with this.)
Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision.
What is memorialization for a cremation?
You might choose ground burial of the urn. If so, you may usually choose either a bronze memorial or monument. Cremation niches in columbariums are also available at many cemeteries. They offer the beauty of a mausoleum setting with the benefits of above ground placement of remains. Many cemeteries also offer scattering gardens. This area of a cemetery offers the peacefulness of a serene garden where family and friends can come and reflect.
Can we scatter the cremated remains?
If you wish to have your ashes scattered somewhere, it is important to discuss your wishes to be scattered ahead of time with the person or persons who will actually have to do the cremation ashes scattering ceremony, as they might want to let your funeral professional assist in the scattering ceremony. Funeral directors can also be very helpful in creating a meaningful and personal ash scattering ceremony that they will customize to fit your families specific desires. The services can be as formal or informal as you like. Scattering services can also be public or private. Again, it is advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place-your funeral director can help you with this.
Is embalming legally required for a dead body at Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel?
Embalming is generally not required by law except in certain special cases or if specific funeral arrangements like a viewing are selected. You can choose options like direct cremation or immediate burial that do not require embalming.
Why are funerals considered expensive compared to other life events?
Funerals involve extensive 24-hour services with specialized facilities and staff, including funeral directors handling many arrangements and details. These factors contribute to the overall cost beyond just merchandise like caskets.
Do funeral arrangements differ if choosing cremation at Franklin & Downs?
Cremation allows greater flexibility. You may hold a funeral or memorial service before, during, or after cremation in various venues. The choice depends on how you want to commemorate the life.
What options are available for cremated remains after services?
Cremated remains can be buried, kept in urns by family, scattered privately, or placed in columbarium niches. Several memorial options help honor and remember the deceased according to personal preferences.
Are there memorialization options for cremation at this funeral home?
Yes, options include ground burial of urns with bronze memorials, columbarium niches in mausoleum settings, and scattering gardens where families can reflect peacefully.
Can the cremated remains be scattered in a meaningful ceremony?
Yes, scattering ceremonies can be formal or informal and customized by funeral directors. It's important to discuss wishes ahead of time and check local regulations, which the funeral director can help with.
What payment options does Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel accept?
They accept American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa payment methods.
What are the operating hours of Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel?
The funeral home is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Federal Holidays.
Are there places nearby Franklin & Downs Funeral Home that visitors might find useful?
Yes, nearby places include Western Union for money transfers, Valley Oak Property Management for real estate needs, and Modesto Hand Car Wash for vehicle care. Visitors may find these convenient before or after their visit.
What dining options are near Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel?
Nearby restaurants include Pho Bac Noodle Palace, a Vietnamese restaurant, and Garcia JoJo’s, a Mexican restaurant, which can be good options for meals before or after attending services.
Are there any wellness or beauty services near Franklin & Downs Funeral Home?
Yes, nearby wellness and beauty services include Xclusive Hair Salon, Maly's Beauty Salon, Armstrong Chiropractic & Bodyworks, and The Loft Skin Studio for hair, beauty, chiropractic, and skincare needs.