ST. GEORGE – Memorials offer participants the opportunity to share their grief and memories after the loss of a loved one. To that end, a “1st Annual Remembrance Ceremony” will be held in St. George Monday evening.

The candlelight ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Monday at Hughes Mortuary, 1037 E. 700 South and all are welcome to come reflect and remember those friends and family who have passed away, said Nina Heck, owner of Oh My Heck Marketing, who conceived the event.

Guests will be able to participate in writing a message, such as a treasured memory or a note expressing love or grief and attach the message to a balloon.

“I feel it’s a way to bring our community together to honor loved ones that have passed on,” Heck said.

Heck was motivated to create a remembrance ceremony, she said in a news release, when several friends lost loved ones: Ryan, who is suffering from much grief after his wife of 32 years died from illness; Shawna, whose granddaughter died during childbirth; and Amy, whose little sister died at the young age of 21 due to a car accident.

“My friends are hurting and I wanted a way to try to help ease some of their pain,” Heck said.

Jimmie Hughes, St. George councilman and owner of Hughes Mortuary, said the mortuary is very glad to help Heck with the event.

“Having a ceremony sets aside a time to reflect, honor, heal and show mutual respect,” Hughes said. “This event is a great way to give back and strengthen our community.”

Guest speakers will include St. George Mayor Jon Pike, Justin Stum, licensed therapist and grief counselor, Jimi Kestin, pastor of Solomon’s Porch Foursquare Fellowship, and Janice Brooks, community and public relations professional speaker, writer and poet.

All of the balloons will be released together for a beautiful finish to the memorial service. Organizers will also provide memory stones for all that would like one.

Those individuals and families who would like to privately meet for a time of sharing and to talk about their loss with grief counselors will be afforded the opportunity to do so.

Information will be provided to assist in the process of coping with loss.

Event details

• What: “1st Annual Remembrance Ceremony”
• When: Monday, Jan. 25, 6 p.m.
• Where: Hughes Mortuary, 1037 E. 700 South, St. George
• Contact: Nina Heck | Telephone 435-705-4520 | Email [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews