Lasting Legacies
Celebrating lives and nurturing new beginnings through the transformative power of soil. Discover heartwarming stories of remembrance, renewal, and the enduring impact of those who chose to become part of nature's cycle.
In a human life, we think of growth as taking place during specific ages or periods. But what if we considered the infinite potential for growth, during and after life, too?
‍Healthy soil nourishes new life. In this series, we share the stories of people whose loved ones have undergone soil transformation — and those who have chosen this natural process for themselves — to illustrate the growth that can take place at the end of life. These are stories of grief, but also renewal. These are lasting legacies.
I See Life In This Plant
After Kenneth's passing, Dianne found healing through Earth Funeral's human composting process. She mixed his soil into a struggling houseplant that flourished, creating what she calls "a slow goodbye" and keeping his presence alive in their home.
Growing Together
Stephen’s soil transformation enabled meaningful and deeply personal moments for his family, as well as provided continued connection to his partner Sean, who plans to join him at Earth’s Olympic Peninsula conservation site some day.
Travels of the Heart with Soil
After his transformation at Earth, Miles Kintz's soil has traveled to over 100 locations worldwide, allowing his family and friends to honor his love for nature and create new memories.
A Perennial Peace
At 65, Kimberly embraces human composting as a way to nurture her beloved garden after death, finding peace and a sense of continuity in becoming part of the Earth she tends.
Finding the Courage to Summit
After her brother Preston's passing, Alyssa honors his adventurous spirit by taking his soil on challenging hikes, leaving pieces of him at summits he would have loved to conquer.
Eternal Love in the Garden
After 53 years of marriage, Emily honors Wayne's love for nature by transforming him into soil, nurturing their cherished circle garden and planning a new memorial space that captures his adventurous spirit.
Completing Nature's Cycle
For Rick and Tanya Freudenberger, the decision to choose soil transformation wasn't just about end-of-life planning—it was about completing a cycle that perfectly aligns with their practices and lifelong values.
Jennifer’s Recipe for Peace of Mind
For Jennifer Scribner, end-of-life planning wasn't about fear—it was about responsibility. The 49-year-old nutritional therapist found empowerment and peace as she looked at her own life cycle and planned with Earth Funeral.
A Doctor's Pre-Planning Prescription
For Ryan Bell, cemeteries have always been sacred places of story and connection, not sadness. Growing up in Alaska, his grandparents lived beside a state cemetery where family gatherings took on special meaning.
Carol and Kirk’s Last Supper
After Kirk's unexpected passing, Carol Kassner found profound comfort and meaning in Earth Funeral's soil transformation. Her family crafted deeply personal rituals to honor Kirk and spread his legacy around the world.
A Science Teacher's Final Environmental Lesson
Lifelong science teacher Cheryl Buettner had always fantasized about having an illegal Viking funeral, until she learned about Earth Funeral.
“I cannot say enough about the care and understanding I was shown by this company. They were so kind and kept me informed all through the process ... as a nature lover, my wife would have loved knowing that her final resting place would a place of such natural beauty.”
Chris D., Portland
