Risher Mortuary & Cremation Service

“First, I want to apologize for the delay in completing this survey. It may be because I did not want to dwell again on a very difficult time in my (and also my sisters’) life. During this most difficult time of our lives, Nancy Valdez was an “angel” sent by God to help my family get through it. I am crying as I write this, because I am reminded of a parent whose time it was to leave this Earth. From the time I made the call to Risher Mortuary, the response was immediate to have my father transported from a residential care facility to the mortuary (home of preparation).To top it off, I received a text confirming that he had made it safely there. Shortly thereafter, I received a call from Nancy to make an appointment for the funeral/burial arrangements. To be honest, I have to admit that I was seriously dreading going that morning to handle these details. I prayed to God to help my three sisters and me to have the strength to deal with this portion. From the first contact via telephone to the meeting at the mortuary, Nancy Valdez assisted from the start, expressing her sympathy and condolences. She was very considerate and compassionate. Not only that, she was organized and thorough with every detail. She took extra time to ask questions about our preferences for all the specifics and to explain the steps pertinent to handling certain necessary transaction due to my father’s death. She was kind enough to share her personal tea collection with us, which made it a so much more soothing time. I felt she was genuinely concerned about what we were going through. Since the services were kept to a bare minimum, she even suggested inquiring to the cemetery about having some of their staff act as pallbearers for the coffin. Afterwards, I felt like a burden/weight was lifted off our shoulders. The day of the funeral brought more sadness, but it was great to have Nancy there in person, giving us Kleenex, an envelope personally addressed to each of us, and a rose to comfort us. The special envelope contained a Holiday poem (My First Christmas in Heaven), a Holiday booklet and “Forget Me Not” seeds. It was touching and absolutely fitting since my father passed on November 30, 2024. I am grateful to have had Nancy Valdez be the “angel” who lent a hand and opened her heart in my father’s homecoming. And I would definitely refer her and Risher Mortuary for their services. Additionally, I do not even have to say, “I wish she was part of my family,” because she actually is – a cousin within the family I gained in marriage. By her having to deal with the horrors of her mom’s passing, she ultimately decided to get involved and took it upon herself to learn the business. Most importantly, it is in her heart to provide service above and beyond what may be expected. Talk about devotion and inspiration!!! My sisters and I appreciate you, Nancy Valdez, and your never-ending dedication to ensuring a most difficult time/situation was handled with ease and true sincerity. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

— Linda Valdez

“Absolute phenomenal experience in our time of need. We were lucky enough to have been referred to the Risher family instead of going to the very overpriced and non-personal Forest Lawn. They did an outstanding job in every facet a funeral preparations. Thank you.”

— Ryan Rienstra

“All other mortuaries that I called to pick up our loved ones body, turned us away due to over capacity. We are so THANKFUL to the people at Risher Mortuary for respecting the residents and city of Downey. To take the time to pick up and make room for our loved one, even if they are at capacity. During such a difficult time for us, they took a huge load off our shoulders and we will FOREVER be grateful.”

— Lisa Felix