Hannah Rathman is a licensed funeral director and embalmer at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society in Raytown, Missouri.

How many years have you worked in funeral service?

I have worked in funeral service for almost three years. I was a practicum student at Heartland while in mortuary school and then was employed at Heartland full time.

Why did you begin working in funeral service?

I knew no matter what I did with my life, I wanted to serve and care for others. During college, I evaluated what I enjoyed doing and it boiled down to science, business and caring for people. Being in the funeral service industry is just that: You are able to care for people well in one of the worst seasons of their life.

What is the most rewarding part of your occupation?

Being able to ease a burden of the living and pay tribute to those who have passed. It is an honor to walk with people during this difficult time and it reminds me how precious life is.

What are your professional goals?

I want to continue to learn how to serve people well, and I would love to own or manage a funeral home. I hope to continue to gain wisdom and connections.

What are you proud of that you have achieved so far during your career in funeral service?

I am proud of my work ethic and that I feel like I have found my calling. I have learned so much in these three years. I came from knowing nothing about this profession to serving hundreds of families. I love that I get to make a difference in someone’s life every single day.

What are some important/notable trends that you have noticed in funeral service?

The ability to memorialize the dead in many different ways. Throughout  the pandemic, many families were not able to have a service around the date of passing but were pushed to memorialize their loved one in new ways or postpone services. I think this trend will continue from now on. A lot of families I serve decide not to have a traditional service but decide to memorialize their loved one by doing an activity they enjoyed, meeting at their favorite restaurant, reminiscing or even having a BBQ at a park.

How do you spend your time outside of work? Is there anything in particular that you enjoy doing?

I enjoy reading, going on walks, baking and hanging out with friends. I am active in my church and love serving in the children’s ministry. When the weather is nice, I really enjoy walking trails and being out in nature.

What are three of your personal goals?

I want to get married, have a family and possibly adopt, and serve in local missions.

Who or what inspires you?

My faith inspires me. It pushes me to care for people well, work hard and be able to recharge.

What is your favorite phone app?

My favorite phone app right now would probably be TikTok. It is a fun app to unwind, learn and have fun.

What is one thing your peers would be surprised to know about you?

I think my peers view me as more of a timid person and would be surprised by my ability to take on important responsibilities and leadership.

What is one thing that you think is just “golden,” wonderful or exciting?

It is “golden” when I get to spend time at a coffee shop and when there is a chain of people paying for other’s drinks/food.

What do you value most about OGR?

I love that OGR stands for respecting families and loved ones who have passed. OGR respects families by holding ourselves to a high standard, being truthful and helpful to anyone in need. OGR also respects loved ones who have passed by having dignity when caring for the human body and by memorializing them by their wishes.

The organization as a whole tries to ‘follow the Golden Rule.’ What other words do you try to live by?

The mantra I live by is that “I get to” not “I have to.” This helps me live in a state of gratitude and humbly serve those around me.