About Us
Celebrating life since 2009
As a proud member of the Rockford community since 2009, we're honored to help families celebrate their loved ones. We pledge to ensure that every funeral and memorial service is deeply personal, fostering healing and remembrance.
Our promise
Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.

Dignity
Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.

Guidance
Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.

Legacy
Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.
Our story
Grace Funeral & Cremation Services opened its doors in June of 2009 in a storefront space in the former Colonial Village Mall. After a decade, the business outgrew the location and relocated in October of 2019. The facility is modern, comfortable, completely remodeled and able to accommodate both large and small gatherings.
We have human and pet crematories onsite, along with a beautiful gathering room for visitations and funeral services. Additionally, we have a reception room for post service meals or informal funeral events.
Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is a member of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA), Rockford Chamber of Commerce, and the Rockford Network of Professional Women.
Hundreds
of Legacies Honored
15
Years in Business
Countless
Moments Remembered
Our incredible staff
Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.
1 of 6

Kristan McNames
Founder & Owner
Kristan McNames graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor Degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service, and has 25 years of experience in the profession. She is a resident of Loves Park, where she lives with her three boys; Nate (21), Gabe (18) and Eli (15); a reclusive calico cat named Thunderbug; a scrawny tiger striped cat named Sherman Peacock, a delightful and mischievous ginger kitten named Cheddar, a grouchy Blue Heeler, named Dingus and Wally, an English Labrador puppy who is a comfort dog in training at the funeral home.
When she's not a work, Kristan enjoys spending time with her boys and her best friends. She also loves practicing yoga, attending Pilates classes, reading, embroidery, camping and sampling whiskey.

Patrick Betts
Certified Crematory Operator & Staff Associate
Pat was born and raised in Rockford, attended St. James and St. Peters and is a graduate of West High School, class of 1972. He’s been a drummer in several area bands for 60 years and worked locally in funeral service for 44 years. He lives in Rockford, with his wife Nancy and his dogs Buddy and Bella. He is warm and compassionate and enjoys partnering with grieving families in their time of need. Pat is assisting with operating our pet and human crematories. You’ll also see his friendly smile at visitation and funeral services.

Samantha Rossi
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Samantha Rossi graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2007. After her graduation, she worked at funeral homes in the Chicago suburbs, and as a manager at Muzyka & Son Funeral Home in Chicago. She was given the freedom and flexibility to run the business as if it were her own; gaining valuable skills and bringing a progressive perspective to an often traditional field.
In 2014, Samantha had her first child, Louis and shortly after in 2015 her daughter, Marilyn. Samantha juggled being a new mom, running a new business, and managing the funeral home fulltime. She was on the path to funeral home ownership but life took an unfortunate turn when her mother was diagnosed with triple-negative-breast cancer in 2015. Stepping back from her full-time management position allowed her to start her own funeral trade service and pet cremation business, which gave her the flexibility and balance she needed to raise her children and help with her mother’s medical needs. She continued to push through the rollercoaster; sadly she ended up losing her father in 2018 (53 years old), and her mother in 2020 (54 years old).
Though her losses are tragic and she endured them at a young age, her life has allowed her to see things very differently. This strength allowed her to start Straight Paths, Inc. a funeral consulting company.
Samantha's motivation and life experiences bring a new light to the funeral profession. Samantha is a bright light in the funeral profession, she truly cares about her clients and the families she cares for. Her love of people, enthusiasm and professional skill set have had a great impact on Grace Funeral & Cremation Services.

Deborah K. Rose
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Deborah graduated in 1994 from Southern Illinois University with her A.A.S. in Mortuary Science and Funeral Services. With thirty years of experience, Deb has worked in all aspects of funeral service and enjoys assisting families in creating meaningful experiences surrounding their loved ones' deaths. Deb was born and raised in Monroe Center, IL and has lived in the Rockford area most of her adult life.
In addition to funeral service, Deb earned her M.F.A. in Writing and Consciousness from California Institute of Integral Studies in 2012. She teaches writing, is a Reiki Master, and facilitates women's retreats. She is a member of Womanspace and the Unitarian Universalist Church.

Wally McNames
Comfort Dog & Director of Human Resources
Wally is a three year old English Labrador that comforts grieving families and their guests. He enjoys working visitations and funeral services, imploring people for snacks and rump scratches. The best part of Wally’s day is when his best friend, Pete our UPS delivery driver swings by the funeral home. In addition to his Comfort Dog responsibilities he is the Director of Human Resources. When Wally’s off the clock, you can find him loafing around the McNames household, going on long car rides, swimming and camping.

Tony Gasparini
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer / Independent Owner
Tony relocated to the Grace Funeral & Cremation Services facility in the summer of 2024. He’s a lifelong Rockford resident, and a 4 generation funeral director. Tony attended St. Francis Consolidated grade schools, Boylan Central Catholic High School, Western Illinois University, and Worsham College of Mortuary Science. He and his wife Nicole have raised 3 boys in Rockford. More information about his business can be found here: www.tonygasparinifunerals.com
A place of healing
We welcome you to explore the Grace Funeral & Cremation Services facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.







Seamless Arrangements
We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and cemetery plans.

Unique Funerals and Tributes
Every individual is unique. Which is why we offer fully customizable memorial services designed just for your family.

Around the Clock Support
We're here to answer any questions and help in any way we can – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Grace is honored as one of the Best Places to Work in 2023.

We're hiring
Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Grace Funeral & Cremation Services offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.
