Who We Are

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.

Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.

• Our History

  Since 1993, Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home has provided service to the families of Buchanan County and surrounding areas.

  The business is operated by co-owners Douglas Shortridge and Dennis Ramey, according to Shortridge, who noted it all started when he approached Ramey in 1993 with the idea of building a modern funeral home with easy access, plenty of parking and a home-like atmosphere.

  After some discussion, they agreed to build the funeral home which is now located west of Grundy. The area's largest chapel, family sitting rooms, a comfortable lobby area and a kitchen in which refreshments for the family can be made available provide bereaved families and friends with a home-like atmosphere in which to share their grief and to remember the deceased. Once a year, at Christmas, the funeral home sponsors a candlelight memorial service for families to remember with them and the community those who have died in the past year. The funeral home is a full service funeral home, providing funerals; pre-need planning, including life insurance to help families with final expenses; and monument sales.

  "Shortridge-Ramey specializes in personalization of funerals," Douglas Shortridge said. "Not all individuals are the same, nor should their funerals be the same. We encourage family members to bring personal items, such as a favorite handmade quilt, pictures, medals, a hat or even a fishing rod to be displayed on a memory table. Not only does this help provide memories, it helps the family to be involved in the planning.

  Douglas Shortridge has begun his 30th year of funeral services. He received his degree in mortuary science in 1988 from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, GA., and serves as funeral director and is an embalmer, licensed in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. He is also a life insurance agent for Settlers Life. Shortridge is married to Rhoda and they reside in Grundy. They have one son named Lucas Denis. He, his wife Rhoda and son Lucas are Charter Members of Christ Fellowship Church where he has served as Elder. He is very active and involved in the community service. He is a member of the Grundy Masonic Lodge. He is a financial supporter of many charity organizations. Douglas and Rhoda have been married for 10 years. Rhoda has a Bachelor of Social Work and works as Social Service Director for a local Nursing Home. She counsels families and ministers in song and music. Douglas and Rhoda's son Lucas is seven. He is very athletic and loves basketball and riding horses.

  "I have always known what I wanted to do in my life, helping people when they need it most," Douglas said.

  Dennis Ramey, in addition to his involvement in Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home, has also been in the mining business. He is a former coal operator and owner of several other businesses. He is the franchise holder for the Vansant Subway, which opened in 1997. He also operates Pacer Construction, a general contracting company. He is married to Carol and they have two children, Joe Gary and Devan and two grandchildren. Carol is manager of their Subway restaurant. He and Carol attend Vansant Baptist Church.

  Douglas noted the business has been successful since the time it has opened because of a caring dedicated staff treating every family they serve as though they are their own.

  "Our staff has been the key to the growth of the business," Douglas concluded.

• Our Valued Staff

  • 
    Douglas Shortridge, Co-Owner, Funeral Director/Embalmer

    Douglas has worked in funeral service since the age of 15. “I took to it like a fish to water,” shared Doug, “and wanted to be a part of everything. Maybe it was part curiosity, but it was more than that – I felt called to funeral service by God.”
    
    Douglas loves helping others. It is evident to see when a family has lossed their dearest loved one, Douglas offers compassion and a kind word of encouragement. “I love what I do, it’s just that simple.” So much so, that Douglas is a licensed funeral director/embalmer in Virigina and Kentucky, and holds a West Virginia funeral director license.
    
    He is a graduate of Grundy High School, class of 1984, and graduated from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in 1988. He is also a Virigina licensed life insurance agent, and Settler’s Life representative. “I want families to know that I’m able to help them with life and pre-need insurance, as well as their funeral arrangements.
    
    In his off hours, Douglas loves to travel and spend time with his wife, Rhoda, son, Lucas and the family pet Kasper. "I treasure my family and I also want to help other families who are hurting and may need a kind word. I also love the people of this area. This is a great town and a very loving community to have a familiy and raise children." Douglas is a charter member of Christ Fellowship Church, where is seves as Elder.
    
    Douglas participates in many charitable events, including various food drives, and helping those in need. For complete relaxation, he prefers landscaping. “In fact, I’ve done all the landscaping at the Grundy location, and my residence", he also enjoys gardening working outdoors in his garden.
    
  • 
    Dennis A. Ramey, Co-Owner

    Dennis and his wife Carol have two sons, Joey and Devan, as well as two grandchildren. He is a former coal operator, and an investor in a number of local companies, including Pacer Construction, and Subway restaurant. Dennis also serves on the Board of Directors of Grundy National Bank. He enjoys fishing and deer hunting. He and his wife attend Vansant Baptist Church. Dennis said he wanted to "give something back to county, that would help people". This was just one reason he decided to go into the funeral business. He is also a member of the Grundy Lodge#17 AF AM, 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite and a member of the Kazim Temple of Roanoke, VA.
    
    “Dennis and I grew up together, and in 1993, we decided to come together to open the Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home,” shared Douglas. “Dennis and I were in agreement that our community needed a more personal approach and homelike funeral home for the area. We have a full-service kitchen so families can come together to share a home cooked meal before or after a service; and we provide cookies and coffee at every visitation. Dennis and I strive for a personal touch in everything we do for our client families.”
  • 
    Beulah Shortridge, Greeter and Counselor

    Beulah is Douglas Shortridge's mother. She is a minister, Sunday school teacher, and counselor – and always enjoys greeting families as they come to us. She is usually at every visitation and tries to comfort families during the loss of their loved one. She, and her husband Edd Shortridge attend Christ Fellowship Church and Grundy Church of God. They have three children, Douglas, David and Rebecca. Beulah has two grandchildren, Chasity and Lucas. She has taught Sunday School for over 45 years.
    
    She is a very devoted and loving person who goes above and beyond in every situation. She is always there for the families to comfort and support them during the death of their loved one. She volunteers her time by directing weddings, providing food and shelter for those in need, and dearly loves spending time with her grandchildren and helping anyone that needs her.
  • 
    Ruth Hutchinson, Office Manager/Receptionist

    Ruth has been with the funeral home since the day we opened in 1993. She is a devoted and caring lady. She has a compassionate and caring nature. She often will greet families as they come into the funeral home and console them. It is also evident that Ruth is very good to the communiity and participates in many volunteer activities. Ruth is quick to help the elderly and the needy, and is always thinking of ways to offer assistance to others.
    
    Ruth attends Big Rock Church of Christ. She has two children, Jeffery Hutchinson, and Rhonda McClanahan. She takes great delight in spending time with her four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
  • 
    Elmer Stiltner, Funeral Director Assistant

    Elmer is another member of our firm who “does it all.” We rely on him for just about everything – and his constant willingness to help is the hallmark of his character. He, and his wife Cindy, attend Harman Holiness Church. Elmer loves spending time with his wife Cindy when he is not working.. They love to travel and really enjoy that old-fashioned American tradition, the ‘road trip.’
  • 
    Reual Ratliff, Funeral Attendant/Greeter

    Reual has been with us since we opened our doors back in 1993. While he’s an all-around guy, Reual is our “computer guy” who is responsible for creating the service programs and folders.
    
    Reual is a member of the Poplar Creek Church of Christ, where he serves as elder and treasurer. When he is not busy with Church activities, Reual loves to work in his vegetable garden. He, and his wife Dorothy, enjoy spending time with their children and their many grand- and great-grand children.
  • 
    Jackie Duty, Funeral Attendant

    Jackie, and his brother Delmer, work with us on a part-time basis. They are a wonderful team, serving families on first-calls, and during visitations and funeral services. Jackie and his wife Annette attend Poplar Creek Church. They are proud parents of one daughter who lives out-of-state. Jackie loves spending family time with his wife Annette and their friends, participating in church activities, and working on behalf of families here at Shortridge-Ramey, Jackie’s passion is deer hunting.
  • 
    Delmer Duty, Funeral Attendant

    Delmar and his brother Jackie are treasured members of the Shortridge-Ramey family. Delmar works for us part-time, and he is often the first person that a family member may see after the loss of their loved one. He attends first-calls at a family’s’ home. Delmer attends The Old Regular Baptist Church, and like his brother, enjoys deer hunting in his leisure time.
  • 
    Kyle Stiltner, Groundskeeper and Grave Servicer

    Kyle is our resident groundskeeper and when called upon, can always be counted on to tend the graves of loved ones. He attends Harmon Holiness Church, and when not busy at work or with church activities, Kyle loves to go fishing.
  • 
    Jason Keen, Funeral Apprentice

    Jason is a graduate of Grundy High School class of 2007, where he was a member of the Grundy Wrestling Club. After graduating, he served in the armed force, U.S. Army Infantry and now is training to be a Reserve Drill Sergeant. He is an accomplished martial artist, becoming a professional mixed martial arts fighter in 2010. A student at SWVCC, studying in sports management and a member of Poplar Creek Church of Christ. Jason volunteers with the Grundy Wrestling Club in his spare time, and trains local fighters in the community. He is the son of Robert and Rosa Keen of Grundy, VA, his father is a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran and Retired Coal Miner.
  • 
    Sylvia Keen, Office Manager/Receptionist

    Sylvia works at our Keen Mountain Location, she has been with the funeral home at Keen Mountain for serval yeras. We are very please to have her as a member of our staff. She often will greet families as they come into the funeral home and console them. It is evident that Sylvia goes out of her way to help the elderly and the needy, and is always thinking of ways to offer assistance to others. Her husband is Arnold and they are of the Pentecostal Faith.