Daly Leach Memorial Chapel

Daly-Leach Memorial Chapel, also known as Daly-Leach Chapel & Crematory, is a family-owned and operated funeral home serving Hamilton, Montana, and the surrounding Bitterroot Valley. Since its founding in October 1984, the funeral home has been dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality end-of-life services that honor the lives of loved ones and support families through grief. The current facility opened its doors in September 1985 and proudly houses the first crematory in Ravalli County, which has since been upgraded to a more fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible system. The chapel is conveniently located at 1010 West Main Street, with an onsite chapel and wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all visitors.

The business was established by Ed and Carol Leach, who moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 1971 and worked at a local funeral home before being encouraged by community members to start their own independent service. Ed Leach entered funeral service in 1958 in Boise, Idaho, and went on to graduate from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1967, earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a degree in Mortuary Science. Ed and Carol were deeply involved in local organizations, with MDM Hospice holding a special place in their hearts, and they opened their home to nine foreign exchange students over the years. They passed away in 2008 and 2012, respectively, but their legacy of caring for others continues.

In 2010, the funeral home was purchased by Ed and Carol's daughter, Carron Grymes, and her husband Tom Grymes, along with partners Judy Rothie and Bill Rothie. The two couples continue to operate the business to this day, maintaining the family-oriented values and high standards set by the founders. The funeral home has recently hired two apprentice morticians who are completing Mortuary School while learning from the experienced staff.

Daly-Leach Memorial Chapel offers a comprehensive range of services, including traditional funeral services, cremation services, burial services, and monument making. They provide onsite cremation through their own crematory and offer preplanning and prepayment options to help families make arrangements in advance. The chapel also provides resources such as obituary notifications, flower ordering, grief support, and a year-long program of weekly grief messages to offer ongoing comfort.

At its heart, Daly-Leach Memorial Chapel is built on the philosophy that everyone needs somewhere to turn when they lose a loved one. The staff is committed to creating healing experiences through sincere, trustworthy, and excellent service. Whether through a traditional funeral, a cremation ceremony, or a personalized memorial, the chapel strives to celebrate the life of each individual and provide a memorable experience for families. With deep roots in the Bitterroot Valley and a reputation built over decades, Daly-Leach Chapel & Crematory remains a pillar of compassion and integrity in the community.