Barden Funeral Home

Barden Funeral Home, located at 225 West Center Street in Ithaca, Michigan, has been a cornerstone of the Gratiot County community for over 120 years. The funeral home’s legacy began in February 1902 when J.L. Barden moved from Pleasant Valley, Michigan, and purchased the downtown furniture and undertaking business. Since then, five generations of the Barden family have proudly served as licensed funeral directors, with seven generations contributing to the success of both the furniture store and the funeral home. Although the furniture store closed in September 1990, the family’s commitment to providing compassionate end-of-life care never wavered. For 123 years, Barden Funeral Home has been honored to serve Ithaca and the surrounding area, building deep-rooted relationships with families during times of both celebration and sorrow.

The funeral home offers a range of traditional and modern services to meet the needs of the community. These include full funeral services, cremation services, and use of an onsite chapel for visitations and ceremonies. The facility is wheelchair accessible, with accessible entrances and parking lots, ensuring all guests can attend services comfortably. On-site parking is available for the convenience of families and visitors. The funeral home has consistently received positive feedback from the community, reflected in its 4.5-star rating on Google Maps, though it has only two reviews due to its impending closure.

Barden Funeral Home has announced its permanent closure effective June 27, 2025, at 2 p.m. After this date, the funeral home will no longer accept new funeral arrangements. The decision was made with profoundly mixed emotions, as the family expresses deep gratitude for the trust and support of the community over the years. The announcement, signed by Lois Barden, Joseph L. and Mary Barden, Jason L. and Cheryl Barden, and other family members, emphasizes the legacy of service that has made the funeral home a cherished institution in Gratiot County. Until its closing, the funeral home continues to publish obituaries and assist families, with a focus on honoring the deceased with dignity and respect. The Barden family encourages the community to remember their long-standing dedication and to continue celebrating the lives of loved ones through the transition.