History & Staff
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.
Our Heritage
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.
Our Valued Staff
Neil Schaefer, Manager / Funeral Director
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.
Bill Bollman, Funeral Director/Embalmer
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 Jeffries, Office Manager
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.
Mike Wolfe, Funeral Director
I have been a Funeral Director & Embalmer for the past 18 years in and around the Portland Metro area. I attended Mt. Hood Community College of Mortuary Science and earned my degree in 2001.
I have lived in Colorado, California, Montana, Washington and now here in the beautiful state of Oregon.
I served in the United States Coast Guard for 6 years after graduating from High School in Montana.
I am married and have 2 wonderful daughters who are both married, as well. My oldest daughter had our first grandson in February of 2016. We just can’t get enough of him. Being a Father is great, but being a Grandparent is beyond great!
I enjoy the outdoors like, mountain climbing, hiking, spending time at the beach with my wife, riding my Harley Davidson, golfing and fishing. I also have half season tickets, along with my Dad, to the Portland Trailblazers and we enjoy going to their games and watching them every year.
As far as my job, people ask me, “Why I like what I do?” I not only like what I do, I love it! I enjoy serving families as a Funeral Director and helping them at one of the most difficult times in their life. Being there to assist Families in caring for their Loved ones and celebrating the life that their Loved one lived means so much to me. I believe that everyone’s life deserves to be celebrated and the Families need guidance along the journey. Grieving takes many different forms and I’m there for Families to help them any way I can, to grieve as they see fit and heal along the way.
I would be honored to serve you.
Brandi Smith, Funeral Director
Brandi was born and raised in Ohio but now resides in Oregon. She graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science with a focus in funeral directing and embalming in 2011, attended Kent State University, and graduated from Thiel College with a BA in Business Administration in 2012.
She chose funeral service as a profession because she enjoys helping families create funeral services which truly honor the unique lives of their loved ones.
In her spare time Brandi enjoys reading, crocheting, and traveling.
Beth Pent, Aftercare and Prearrangement Specialist
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.