The roots of Henderson-Van Atta Funeral & Cremation Service go back a long way in the history of our community. In 1922, Mr. Ernest A. Gutliph came to Newark from Logan, Ohio where he had been engaged in the funeral business for some fifteen years. He purchased one of the oldest funeral firms in Newark, Bradley Funeral Home. C. Ross Henderson joined the firm in 1927 following his service in the United States Navy and in 1929, the name was changed to Gutliph and Henderson Funeral Home. In 1957, the funeral home was incorporated under the name Ross Henderson Funeral Home. Having operated from three downtown locations, the funeral home was moved into its present location of 59 North Fifth Street in 1940.

In 1990, we opened our Heath Chapel in Heath, Ohio. Our Heath location is the only funeral home in the city of Heath, a city of over 12,000 citizens.

The summer of 2004 was a time of change for the company. We became the only local funeral home to operate our own crematory facility in Licking County. Our Cremation Center operates from our location at 1249 Hebron Road. The addition of this facility has enabled us to, once again, be on the leading edge of quality service to our community.

Charles L. Johnston, a 1950 graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and Ronald G. Van Atta, a 1954 graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, both licensed funeral directors and embalmers, became part of the funeral home in 1951. Charlie retired from the funeral home in 2004 and Ron retired in 2008.

Roy A. Van Atta joined the firm in 1987. A 1985 graduate of Miami University and a 1987 graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Roy received his funeral director and embalmer license in 1988. Roy was the third generation of the Van Atta family to join the firm in its service to the community. Roy left the firm in January of 2008 to pursue a career in financial planning.

Greta E. Blegvad joined the firm on August 28, 1989. Greta graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in March of 1989 and from Xavier University in May of 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mortuary Science. Greta received her funeral director and embalmer license in 1990. Greta is a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church and lives in Newark with her husband, Jens, and daughter, Emily.

Ethan A. McKee joined the firm on May 15, 1996. A graduate of Licking Valley High School, Ethan attended The Ohio State University and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in March of 1995 with a Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree. Ethan is a member of Hanover Presbyterian Church and lives in Heath with his wife, Jennifer.

Jack W. Stickle II became a part of the firm on December 17, 2007. Jack is a graduate of Licking Valley High School and is a 2005 graduate of The Ohio State University and a 2006 graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He is a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and a member of Newark Rotary. Jack is a native resident of Newark with a strong passion for being of service to his community.

Generations of caring professionals have built the legacy that continues today. As you browse our web site and learn a little about us, you will learn why we are proud to say that we are the "one to call" in your time of need.