Funeral Services

"We are here to facilitate, never to dictate" and that is the way we have always done business.  

Penttila's Chapel offers...

Pacific Crematory--a state-of-the art facility and the only crematory in Pacific county since 2006.  Each cremation is performed individually by manufacturer-trained personnel.  Each procedure is conducted with respect and the individual never leaves our care.

When selecting a cremation provider it is important to know the level of expertise; training of the personnel; and time span when the process is completed.  If another provider advertises a "lower price" is is often because they lack the facility to provide the service themselves.  One such facility in Seattle states (in small print) that "the cremation will take place within 10 days after receiving proper documentation".  .

For instance (to the best of our knowledge):

Stoller's (Raymond), cremation performed in Aberdeen, WA

Dowling's (Cathlamet), cremation performed in Longview, WA

Neptune (state-wide), cremation in Olympia, WA or Portland

We carefully monitor all steps in the procedure from identification to processing.  This is an important factor to consider when selecting a cremation provider.

Our chapel facility is equipped with sound system and video screen; adjustable seating; handicapped restroom facility; and ample off-street parking.  The facility has been remodeled with the addition of comfortable chairs, is "user" friendly, and frankly not what many expect at a mortuary chapel.  An adjacent reception area is available at no additional charge.  We invite your inspection!

Penttila's has available a Certified Celebrant who has conducted hundreds of "life centered" services.  We encourage family participation including photos and other memorbilia reflecting the life remembered.  As part of this service, a complimentary video of up to 30 pictures will be provided.

When families have a church home or specific religious affiliation we encourage them to use their clergy for services.  Services may be conducted at your church or our chapel and we assist clergy in any manner, honoring religious traditions.  Ministers of various faiths are available to conduct services at our chapel if requested.

Veterans of military service to our nation have benefits rightly due them.  Burial in a national cemetery (Tahoma in the Seattle/Tacoma or Willamette in Portland), often with military honors, is one such benefit.  We plan such services and explain all benefits due--all it takes is a copy of the "DD-214" to get things rolling.

Our chapel facility is equipped with sound system and video screen; adjustable seating; handicapped restroom facility; and ample off-street parking.  The facility has been remodeled with the addition of comfortable chairs, is "user" friendly, and frankly not what many expect at a mortuary chapel.  An adjacent reception area is available at no additional charge.  We invite your inspection!

Penttila's has available a Certified Celebrant who has conducted hundreds of "life centered" services.  We encourage family participation including photos and other memorbilia reflecting the life remembered.  As part of this service, a complimentary video of up to 30 pictures will be provided.

When families have a church home or specific religious affiliation we encourage them to use their clergy for services.  Services may be conducted at your church or our chapel and we assist clergy in any manner, honoring religious traditions.  Ministers of various faiths are available to conduct services at our chapel if requested.

Veterans of military service to our nation have benefits rightly due them.  Burial in a national cemetery (Tahoma in the Seattle/Tacoma or Willamette in Portland), often with military honors, is one such benefit.  We plan such services and explain all benefits due--all it takes is a copy of the "DD-214" to get things rolling.

Our chapel facility is equipped with sound system and video screen; adjustable seating; handicapped restroom facility; and ample off-street parking.  The facility has been remodeled with the addition of comfortable chairs, is "user" friendly, and frankly not what many expect at a mortuary chapel.  An adjacent reception area is available at no additional charge.  We invite your inspection!

Penttila's has available a Certified Celebrant on staff who has conducted hudreds of "life centered" services.  We encourage family participation including photos and other memorbilia reflecting the life remembered.  As part of this service, a complimentary video of up to 30 picitures will be provided.

When families have a church home or specific religious affiliation we encourage them to use their clergy for services.  Services may be conducted at your church or our chapel and we assist clergy in any manner, honoring religious traditions.  Ministers of various faiths are available to conduct services at our chapel if requested.

Veterans of military service to our nation have benefits rightly due them.  Burial in a national cemetery (Tahoma in the Seattle/Tacoma or Willamette in Portland), often with military honors, is one such benefit.  We plan such services and explain all benefits due--all it takes is a copy of the "DD-214" to get things rolling.

Our chapel facility is equipped with sound system and video screen; adjustable seating; handicapped restroom facility; and ample off-street parking.  The facility has been remodeled with the addition of comfortable chairs, is "user" friendly, and frankly not what many expect at a mortuary chapel.  An adjacent reception area is available at no additional charge.  We invite your inspection!

Penttila's has available a Certified Celebrant who has conducted hundreds of "life centered" services.  We encourage family participation including photos and other memorbilia reflecting the life remembered.  As part of this service, a complimentary video of up to 30 pictures will be provided.

When families have a church home or specific religious affiliation we encourage them to use their clergy for services.  Services may be conducted at your church or our chapel and we assist clergy in any manner, honoring religious traditions.  Ministers of various faiths are available to conduct services at our chapel if requested.

Veterans of military service to our nation have benefits rightly due them.  Burial in a national cemetery (Tahoma in the Seattle/Tacoma or Willamette in Portland), often with military honors, is one such benefit.  We plan such services and explain all benefits due--all it takes is a copy of the "DD-214" to get things rolling.

Our chapel facility is equipped with sound system and video screen; adjustable seating; handicapped restroom facility; and ample off-street parking.  The facility has been remodeled with the addition of comfortable chairs, is "user" friendly, and frankly not what many expect at a mortuary chapel.  An adjacent reception area is available at no additional charge.  We invite your inspection!

Penttila's has available a Certified Celebrant who has conducted hundreds of "life centered" services.  We encourage family participation including photos and other memorbilia reflecting the life remembered.  As part of this service, a complimentary video of up to 30 pictures will be provided.

When families have a church home or specific religious affiliation we encourage them to use their clergy for services.  Services may be conducted at your church or our chapel and we assist clergy in any manner, honoring religious traditions.  Ministers of various faiths are available to conduct services at our chapel if requested.

Veterans of military service to our nation have benefits rightly due them.  Burial in a national cemetery (Tahoma in the Seattle/Tacoma or Willamette in Portland), often with military honors, is one such benefit.  We plan such services and explain all benefits due--all it takes is a copy of the "DD-214" to get things rolling.

Our chapel facility is equipped with sound system and video screen; adjustable seating; handicapped restroom facility; and ample off-street parking.  The facility has been remodeled with the addition of comfortable chairs, is "user" friendly, and frankly not what many expect at a mortuary chapel.  An adjacent reception area is available at no additional charge.  We invite your inspection!

Penttila's has available a Certified Celebrant on staff who has conducted hudreds of "life centered" services.  We encourage family participation including photos and other memorbilia reflecting the life remembered.  As part of this service, a complimentary video of up to 30 picitures will be provided.

When families have a church home or specific religious affiliation we encourage them to use their clergy for services.  Services may be conducted at your church or our chapel and we assist clergy in any manner, honoring religious traditions.  Ministers of various faiths are available to conduct services at our chapel if requested.

Veterans of military service to our nation have benefits rightly due them.  Burial in a national cemetery (Tahoma in the Seattle/Tacoma or Willamette in Portland), often with military honors, is one such benefit.  We plan such services and explain all benefits due--all it takes is a copy of the "DD-214" to get things rolling.

Our chapel facility is equipped with sound system and video screen; adjustable seating; handicapped restroom facility; and ample off-street parking.  The facility has been remodeled with the addition of comfortable chairs, is "user" friendly, and frankly not what many expect at a mortuary chapel.  An adjacent reception area is available at no additional charge.  We invite your inspection!

Penttila's has available a Certified Celebrant on staff who has conducted hudreds of "life centered" services.  We encourage family participation including photos and other memorbilia reflecting the life remembered.  As part of this service, a complimentary video of up to 30 picitures will be provided.

When families have a church home or specific religious affiliation we encourage them to use their clergy for services.  Services may be conducted at your church or our chapel and we assist clergy in any manner, honoring religious traditions.  Ministers of various faiths are available to conduct services at our chapel if requested.

Veterans of military service to our nation have benefits rightly due them.  Burial in a national cemetery (Tahoma in the Seattle/Tacoma or Willamette in Portland), often with military honors, is one such benefit.  We plan such services and explain all benefits due--all it takes is a copy of the "DD-214" to get things rolling.

Our chapel facility is equipped with sound system and video screen; adjustable seating; handicapped restroom facility; and ample off-street parking.  The facility has been remodeled with the addition of comfortable chairs, is "user" friendly, and frankly not what many expect at a mortuary chapel.  An adjacent reception area is available at no additional charge.  We invite your inspection!

Penttila's has available a Certified Celebrant on staff who has conducted hudreds of "life centered" services.  We encourage family participation including photos and other memorbilia reflecting the life remembered.  As part of this service, a complimentary video of up to 30 picitures will be provided.

When families have a church home or specific religious affiliation we encourage them to use their clergy for services.  Services may be conducted at your church or our chapel and we assist clergy in any manner, honoring religious traditions.  Ministers of various faiths are available to conduct services at our chapel if requested.

Veterans of military service to our nation have benefits rightly due them.  Burial in a national cemetery (Tahoma in the Seattle/Tacoma or Willamette in Portland), often with military honors, is one such benefit.  We plan such services and explain all benefits due--all it takes is a copy of the "DD-214" to get things rolling.

Our chapel facility is equipped with sound system and video screen; adjustable seating; handicapped restroom facility; and ample off-street parking.  The facility has been remodeled with the addition of comfortable chairs, is "user" friendly, and frankly not what many expect at a mortuary chapel.  An adjacent reception area is available at no additional charge.  We invite your inspection!

Penttila's has available a Certified Celebrant on staff who has conducted hudreds of "life centered" services.  We encourage family participation including photos and other memorbilia reflecting the life remembered.  As part of this service, a complimentary video of up to 30 picitures will be provided.

When families have a church home or specific religious affiliation we encourage them to use their clergy for services.  Services may be conducted at your church or our chapel and we assist clergy in any manner, honoring religious traditions.  Ministers of various faiths are available to conduct services at our chapel if requested.

Veterans of military service to our nation have benefits rightly due them.  Burial in a national cemetery (Tahoma in the Seattle/Tacoma or Willamette in Portland), often with military honors, is one such benefit.  We plan such services and explain all benefits due--all it takes is a copy of the "DD-214" to get things rolling.

Pre Planning

There are many advantages to planning "death care", cremation or burial decisions ahead of time.  Pre-planning  your choices minimizes decisions by surviving family during a time of loss and stress.  You will be able to make an informed choice and compare options. Your wishes can be put into writing to give your family direction when the time for essential services arises. Our staff will help you plan so that your family can carry out your wishes.  And, yes, services may be pre-paid in advance, with several important estate planning features. An informed consumer makes the wisest choices.

Online Memorials

When Penttila's arranges and conducts the service a complete on-line obituary is provided complete with guestbook and photograph.  Should our complete services not be selected, a short obituary is posted as part of our service.

Our online memorials provide information about the funeral/memorial services and also provide a tribute to your family member. Guests will be able to gain information about dates, times and locations of services and will also be able to order flowers, make donations and sign a guest book through the memorial. The family will have access to the memorial to add photos to create a photo gallery for their family member. By providing information to guests about services our online memorials help lessen the load on a family during a difficult time. We have received many positive comments about this service and know that many visit our site regularly.

Obituaries

At your request we prepare an obituary from information you provide us.  Most newspapers charge, in some cases substantially, for publishing an obituary and the "local" newspaper The Chinook Observer does charge for obituaries we submit though a short funeral or death notice may be submitted at no cost.  We have access to information regarding the obituary policy of most newspapers and will advise regarding the costs as they pertain to individual newspapers.  A photograph also an option to be considered.  Note: an obituary is optional and not a legal requirement.

Veteran's Benefits

We will help you secure your potential veterans benefits such as a burial flag, government markers, memorial certificate and a burial plot in a natioal cemetery  (Willamette National in Portland, Tahoma National in Maple Valley or another shoudl you wish).   A DD214 forms is necessary for this service, a form that each honorably discharged veteran has.  Additional benefits may be available if the veteran dies in a VA medical facility or has a service-related disability. 

Social Security

We notify the Social Security Administration of the death and will explain and help you apply for any benefits you may be entitled to through Social Security.  These benefits vary with each individual.

Death Certificates

We will obtain death certificates which may be needed for insurance purposes, property transfers, financial matters as well a host of other issues.  The director will explain all the details as needed along with related charges direct from the state in which the death occurs.   

About us

Pentila's Chapel by The Sea has served area families since 1955 when Eldred and Dorthy Penttila began operation in then Long Beach.  Eldred served this community for a number of years as county commissioner, deputy coroner and in other public service capacities until his death in 1980.

Our facility has always been where it is now, though the neighborhood has changed a bit.  The initial building consisted of an Army barracks from Fort Canby.  Later a chapel was added and then offices and an arrangement area.  In 1989 Ron and Liz Hylton purchased the facility from Mike and Gail Sonnenberg and over the years have made many changes.   

For those selecting burial services, a little background:  there are four cemeteries located on the Long Beach Peninsula:  Oysterville, Ocean Park, Lone Fir (Long Beach) and Ilwaco.  All are operated by community backed volunteer associations without public funds.  We assist those wishing to purchase graves and explain options regarding burial of cremated remains and purchase of headstones or other memorialization choices, and we have cemetery records for genealogy research.   Ilwaco Cemetery has available three granite columbariums for placement of cremated remains; prices and niche selection available upon request. 

Historically we have been priviledged to serve the Naselle-Rosburg area.  Cemeteries in this area include Peaceful Hill and Salmon Creek in Naselle; Deep River, Seal River and Rosburg cemeteries in western Wahkiakum county; and Grays River and Eden Valley a little further east.  Here again, these pioneer cemeteries are locally operated and maintained by dedicated individuals.  We can assist with those wishing to use these historic grounds. 

We arrange for all cemetery "opening and closing" services which include tent and chairs with a local sub-contractor. 

For families wishing a burial outside the local area, Penttila's Chapel can arrange services, burial and transport throughout Oregon and Washington or anywhere in the US.  We have arranged international shipments to countries such as Mexico, Canada, Finland, The Netherlands and The Philippines. For those families who have served our country burial at Willamette National in Portland, Oregon or Tahoma National in Maple Valley (Kent), Washington are regularly arranged.  

For families selecting cremation we offer many options and at prices that are very reasonable, even lower than many of the so-called cremation societies or such services.  According to a 2009 price survey of charges for cremation in Washington state, Penttila's Chapel is over $150.00 less that the average statewide charge for a "direct cremation".  Remember too:  we operate our own crematory so you can be assured of personal care and attention to all details.  From a simple cremation without any service, memorial service at our chapel or other facility, rental casket for those selecting viewing--our staff has arranged and conducted hundreds of celebrations that honor one's life in a personal manner. 

Recently we removed the caskets from our "selection room" (they are available on the premise for those wishing such merchandise) and this area now serves as our reception room.  This area is available without additional charge to families who utilize our chapel and we provide cranberry juice punch and coffee complimentary as well, and have available at a small charge cookies and other refreshments.  A convenient place for family and friends to meet at a very attractive price:  free!

Our years of experience and expertise in assisting with the arrangements for services at churches, lodges or other locations eases the burden on families and assures that these ceremonies are conducted professionally.  The value received from having us "at the service" is appreciated not only by the family but also by those attending the service as we take care of details which might otherwise go by the wayside.  An old funeral associate once said that a funeral is a one act play: you've only got one chance to do it right.  We never forget this!

Thank you for visiting our web site! We invite you to contact us by phone, e-mail or in person for additional information whether it be a inquiry or just to say hello.