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The 5 Most Surprising Changes At Sumner Voiles Funeral Chapel: From Historic Legacy To Eco-Friendly Terramation

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The Sumner Voiles Funeral Chapel, a long-standing institution serving the Sumner, Washington, community since the early 1920s, has recently undergone a significant transformation, marking a new chapter in its storied history. As of late 2025, the chapel is operating under local, family ownership, bringing with it a fresh commitment to compassionate service and an innovative approach to end-of-life care that includes some of the most modern, environmentally conscious options available today.

This historic funeral home, now often referred to as Powers Sumner Funeral Home under its new management, is not just maintaining its legacy of affordable, dignified services; it is actively setting a new standard for funeral care in the Pacific Northwest. From a major ownership change to the introduction of groundbreaking green burial alternatives, here are the most surprising and important updates for families in Sumner, Puyallup, and the surrounding areas.

The New Era of Local Ownership: Corey and Jennifer Gaffney

The biggest news surrounding the historic chapel is its return to local, family ownership. The facility, which has a long tradition of providing quality funeral services, was acquired by the Gaffney Group, a Tacoma-based family enterprise.

This acquisition ensures that the chapel's operations are guided by individuals deeply invested in the local community, a crucial factor for families seeking personalized and compassionate care during a difficult time.

Biography of the Gaffney Group Leadership

  • Corey Gaffney: President & CEO of the Gaffney Group. Corey is a licensed funeral director who, alongside his wife, founded the Gaffney Group in 2017. His leadership focuses on maintaining the chapel's reputation for providing affordable options while expanding its service portfolio.
  • Jennifer Gaffney: Vice President & CFO. Jennifer is also a licensed funeral director and plays a vital role in the management and financial operations, ensuring the business remains stable and ethical.
  • The Gaffney Group: Founded in 2017, the group now operates multiple funeral homes in the Puget Sound area, including Gaffney Funeral Home, Powers Funeral Home, Price-Helton Funeral Home, and Sumner Voiles Funeral Chapel (now Powers Sumner Funeral Home). Their mission emphasizes a return to local, family-centered service.

The chapel's new identity as part of the Gaffney Group's network, sometimes referenced as Powers Sumner Funeral Home, reinforces its commitment to high standards, including maintaining a BBB Accreditation since September 24, 2020.

Groundbreaking Green Burial Options: Terramation and Water Cremation

In a move that solidifies its status as a modern leader in funeral services, Sumner Voiles Funeral Chapel offers two of the most environmentally friendly end-of-life options available in the state of Washington: Terramation and Water Cremation.

1. Terramation (Natural Organic Reduction)

Terramation, or Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), is a revolutionary process that gently transforms human remains into nutrient-rich soil. This method is an eco-conscious alternative to traditional burial and flame cremation.

Washington state is one of the few places where this service is legal, and the chapel is positioned to offer comprehensive Terramation services.

The process is designed to be gentle and sustainable, using natural materials and a controlled environment to complete the transformation over several weeks. Families may then choose to use the resulting soil for planting or scattering.

2. Water Cremation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)

Also known as Aquamation or Alkaline Hydrolysis, Water Cremation is another environmentally preferred option offered by the chapel.

This flameless process uses water, temperature, and alkaline chemicals to reduce the body to bone fragments, which are then processed into ashes, similar to traditional cremation. It uses significantly less energy and has a much smaller carbon footprint than flame cremation.

By offering both Terramation and Water Cremation, Sumner Voiles Funeral Chapel provides families with a full spectrum of choices that align with environmental values, a growing trend among Pierce County residents.

Comprehensive Services and Community Entities

Beyond the innovative green options, the chapel continues its mission to provide a full suite of traditional and modern funeral planning services, ensuring every family's needs—from the most traditional to the most contemporary—are met with dignity and professionalism.

Traditional and Essential Services

The core offerings remain robust and tailored to the needs of the Sumner and Puyallup communities. These services are handled by licensed funeral directors who provide compassionate support throughout the entire process.

  • Traditional Burial Services: Complete coordination of funeral services, viewing/visitation suites, embalming, and interment at local cemeteries.
  • Flame Cremation: Standard, affordable cremation services, often including a memorial service or ceremony.
  • Funeral Ceremonies: Offering both chapel-based and graveside services, providing a peaceful and calm place for families to say goodbye.

Key Entities for Pre-Planning and Support

The chapel places a strong emphasis on planning ahead, a critical step that alleviates the financial and emotional burden on surviving family members.

  • Funeral Pre-Arrangement: Comprehensive pre-planning services that allow individuals to make their final wishes known and lock in costs.
  • Travel Protection: Special programs to protect pre-arrangements should a death occur away from home.
  • Grief Support: Resources and referrals for families navigating the complex emotions of loss.
  • Viewing/Visitation Suites: Private, comfortable rooms available for families to hold viewings and visitations before a service.

The transformation of Sumner Voiles Funeral Chapel, under the stewardship of the Gaffney Group, represents a perfect blend of honoring a historic legacy—founded in the early 1920s—while embracing the future of funeral care. By offering traditional burial alongside cutting-edge, eco-friendly Terramation, the chapel ensures that it remains the premier choice for families in the greater Sumner, WA, area for generations to come.

The 5 Most Surprising Changes at Sumner Voiles Funeral Chapel: From Historic Legacy to Eco-Friendly Terramation
sumner voiles funeral chapel
sumner voiles funeral chapel

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