photos by: LISA CRATES PHOTOGRAPHY
Bennett Funeral Service is all about treasuring family — not only as part of their dedication to operating a family owned business — but also for the families they serve, at a time when a respected, trusted source is most needed.
Established in 2013 by Robbie and Rhonda Bennett, the original location is still part of the Conover, NC community, while the main office in Newton opened in November of 2019. The Bennetts’ son, Kyle, and his wife, Lindsay Gilliam Bennett, also joined the business and are dedicated to the mission of creating a home-like atmosphere for the families they serve.
You’ll find local art adorning the walls of each room, and both the front and back porches of their building feature rocking chairs. When you’re facing overwhelming emotion or a difficult decision, there’s always a spot for a quiet, comfortable retreat.
“Being a family business allows us to better understand our community’s values and background,” shares Robbie. “We have a deep understanding of the nature of funeral service, as we have passed experiences down from one generation to another — and to our employees, who are seen as family members.”
Sharing a community spirit — shopping in the same stores, attending church together and involvement in the same local events and school outings — forms a bond that makes a valuable difference when navigating the passing of a family member.
The employee “family” at Bennett includes a group of 30 (12 are full time employees) who work together as a team that local families can count on.
“Our employees feel inspired and empowered knowing their needs and concerns can be voiced directly to the owners, rather than lost in a more corporate environment,” adds Rhonda.
Voted Best Funeral Service in the Catawba Valley for 10 consecutive years and awarded Best Customer Service and Best Place to Work in 2024, the Bennett team is known for its attention to detail in helping families make plans that align with both their values and their budgets.
“With people having access to so much information via the internet, they come in with a lot of knowledge ahead of meeting with us,” Robbie explains. “They have accurate information, but also many misconceptions, so our first step is to educate them on all of their options.
Ultimately, we want to provide families with the funeral plan they want based on having a full understanding of reality versus fiction.”
Aftercare Director Sherry Jones follows up with all families after their services and connects them with Healing Hearts Aftercare — gatherings that are wonderful times of fellowship with a meal courtesy of Bennett Funeral Service.
Pre-planning your funeral is always a topic of conversation, offering the chance to relieve the emotional and financial burden from loved ones. Bennett Funeral Service conducts several pre-planning seminars throughout the year, highlighting the benefits of pre-planning and providing no-obligation consultation services. Pre-need counselors will commute to a family’s location or meet at one of the convenient office locations, or pre-planning literature can be mailed to you. Pre-planning has increased in popularity in recent years, and Robbie shares that nearly half the families they serve have some type of pre-planned arrangements in place.
The Bennett family is also dedicated to seeing that every veteran they serve (and their family) is provided a service that honors his or her service to our country. They will help coordinate with the military and local veteran’s groups to provide military honors at the service and assist the family with necessary documents to provide the family with a flag, grave marker and possible burial or inurnment in a veteran’s cemetery.
From their family to yours, compassion will always be a top priority and one that truly makes all the difference!
Bennett Funeral Service is located at 7878 NC Highway 16 in Newton, NC, 828.465.2111, and in Conover, NC at 502 1st Avenue South, 828.465.2025. The Bennett family also proudly supports community efforts through The Corner Table Soup Kitchen and Back Pack Program, Carolina Caring and other local school and community events.
TESTIMONIALS:
“Bennett Funeral Service handled the funerals for both my father and mother. They are so impressive — professional, kind and very focused to ensure every detail is covered. Highly recommend and would absolutely use them again in the future!” — Cheryl H.
“Truly a class act! There is no other place I would want to do my mother’s arrangements than Bennett Funeral Service. They truly went above and beyond with all my mother’s wishes and made my family proud.” — Jason P.
“I’m a 30-year-old who lost my mother recently, and I chose to work with Bennett because I saw them care for my aunt and uncle. I live a county over and passed several funeral homes because I wanted to utilize their services. I am very glad I did. The team was very easy to work with during a difficult time. The Newton facility is immaculate and the staff is well polished. I highly recommend them.” — Neal I.
