Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our gates we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Learn the legacy.
Cornwell Colonial Chapel was founded in 1933 by J. Melvin Ringo in Woodburn, when he purchased the business on the corner of First and Garfield. Within a few years the business moved across the block to 2nd and Garfield where expanded facilities became available. As the family business continued to grow, Charles Cornwell, Melvin's son-in-law joined the business after serving in WWII. Charles and his wife Lou Jane continued the business over the next 60 years. Recognizing a growing and underserved population, construction of a new chapel in Wilsonville was completed in 1995, making it the first new funeral home in the state of Oregon in over 20 years. The amenities include the most up to date facilities with the attention to detail that makes any family feel immediately welcomed.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.

Neil is a native Oregonian, he was born and raised in Keizer, where he graduated high school in 1996, and then college in 2002 from Western Oregon University. He started working in the funeral industry in 2012.
Since becoming a funeral director Neil has been privileged to get to know and serve the families of Woodburn, Wilsonville and the surrounding areas. Funeral service is a career that he had never envisioned, but now can’t see himself doing anything else. In addition to helping families at the time of need, he also helps families set up pre-arrangements and carry out the families wishes.

Bryan is from a family of eight, was raised in the Salem/Brooks area and attended North Salem High School.
His professional and tie-wearing career started in customer service. After a career in the semiconductor industry, the funeral industry came calling. Bryan began a funeral director career in the Salem/Keizer in 2004 followed by management positions in Portland.
When not working, Bryan enjoys watching films and NBA basketball and spending time with friends, family and his dog, Bebe.

Bill has worked in the funeral business for nearly 50 years and doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. He couldn't imagine life without serving the families he cares about. Bill's hobbies include watching sports on the weekends, visiting with his extended family, and most of all cruising around town in his two seater convertible sports car.

Jennifer was born in Portland and grew up in Hillsboro, graduating from Hilhi.
She has been married to Kim Jeffries for 44 years and has a daughter Stacy and son Stan.
She enjoys spending time with her 5 grandchildren, Kendal, Cody, Danny, Ian and Emily.
In her spare time she enjoys gardening, horse camping, and traveling.
Jennifer began working for the funeral home 23 years ago assisting families in her office.

Beth is committed to meeting the life-long needs of the families she serves. She offers a listening ear, resource options to help family members meet their specific needs, and practical tools for handling the details of final arrangements.
Originally from Colorado and Wyoming, Beth has lived in the Northwest for 14 years. She loves the Northwest lifestyle, awesome and varied scenery, and Northwest cuisine. She loves to cook and bake using fresh local fruits and produce to create healthy and eye-catching authentic dishes. She is passionate about showing God's love to others, spending time in nature where she can hike or bike, traveling, and health and fitness.
Beth's talents for beauty and her passion to help people during difficult life transitions maker her a natural addition.
Explore Our Locations
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