Certified by Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel • Oct 11, 2026
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
Certified by Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel • Oct 11, 2026
Certified by Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel • Oct 11, 2026
MondayOpen 24 Hours
TuesdayOpen 24 Hours
WednesdayOpen 24 Hours
ThursdayOpen 24 Hours
FridayOpen 24 Hours
SaturdayOpen 24 Hours
SundayOpen 24 Hours
Reviews
4.9
218 reviews
5 stars
212
4 stars3
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star3
AP
Andy Pitcock
3 days ago
5.0
We have used the services of Franklin & Downs Funeral Home twice now - once for our Mother in 2020 and most recently for our Stepfather last month (Sept 2026). Both times everyone at the funeral home was extremely caring, helpful and professional. This last time we were assisted by Ashley and she was wonderful as she ensured all bases were covered and that the service was seamless. Both times we walked away feeling very good and satisfied we were able to pay our last respects to our loved ones in such a professional and caring manner. We can't thank Ashley and the rest of the Franklin & Downs staff enough, and we highly recommend their services!
RL
Rick Lipscomb
Oct 7, 2026
5.0
At a time when you need someone to handle a delicate situation, Franklin and Downs was excellent. Felicia was very helpful, considerate and had the compassion to make it peaceful situation. She was very knowledgeable and communicated everything through the whole process. As did the rest of the staff. Thank you
YP
Y P
Oct 2, 2026
5.0
Felisha was kind, patient, never rushed or pressured us. But she took care of business and helped us make decisions that meant things got done in a timely way. We had our temporary death certificates in just over a week - others we knew who applied by themselves took almost 2 months to receive them. This allowed us to move forward with business with a minimum of stress and barriers.
I would highly recommend Franklin & Downs - they take care of you at a time when you need someone else to take away some of your worries.
ED
erica dominguez
Oct 2, 2026
5.0
Thank you so much to Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry.
From start to finish, Yoaly was absolutely amazing. During such a difficult and emotional time for our family, she was incredibly compassionate, attentive, and understanding of all our needs. Communication was amazing.
She helped bring our vision for my mother-in-law’s service to life so beautifully, and we are truly grateful for everything she did for our family.
The facility is beautiful, clean, peaceful, and very calming. The entire staff was wonderful to work with and went above and beyond to accommodate our needs during such a difficult time.
Thank you again, Yoaly, and to the entire Franklin & Downs team, for your kindness, compassion, and support. We truly appreciate everything you did for our family. I would highly recommend Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry.
MP
Miguel A. Palma
Sep 16, 2026
5.0
Ashley and the team at Franklin & Downs exceeded my expectations during one of the hardest times our family has faced.
From the beginning, Ashley was patient, compassionate, responsive, and professional. There were a lot of moving parts and, as often happens in families during an emotional time, not everyone agreed on every detail. She listened, adjusted when needed, and never made us feel like we were a burden.
Most importantly, my mom looked beautiful. That meant more to me than I can really explain.
The entire service came together beautifully. The private viewing, the music, the slideshow, the transfers, the church service, the dove release, and the coordination at the cemetery were all handled smoothly and with great care. Their team always seemed to know what needed to happen next, which let us focus on my mom instead of worrying about logistics.
One moment that really stayed with me was when a member of the staff spoke briefly about what happens to the soul after death from a Catholic/Christian perspective. I was not expecting it, but his words were thoughtful, comforting, and very appropriate for the moment.
What stood out most was how caring and professional everyone was. We were grieving and making a lot of decisions at once, and Ashley and her team made us feel like they had everything under control.
My mom deserved a beautiful and dignified send-off, and Franklin & Downs helped us give her one.
If your family is trying to decide who to trust after losing someone you love, I would strongly recommend Franklin & Downs. When you are grieving, you need people who are organized, experienced, patient, and kind. That is what we found there.
Thank you, Ashley and team, for taking such good care of my mom and our family, and for making her celebration of life a little less painful. We are truly grateful.
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.
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