About Burns Mortuary

At Burns Mortuary of Pendleton, Brian & Beverly LaFollette take great pride in what we do. Our purpose is to:

• Help families make well-planned preparations in their time of need
• Provide a peaceful and soothing environment where people can gather to honor the life of a loved one
• Preserve longstanding traditions and customs
• Offer personalized and affordable services and products
• Reach out to the greater community

We believe that the success of any business requires dedication and professionalism. In our business, in particular, it also requires a great deal of kindness, compassion and attention to detail. You’ll find these qualities in each and every member of our staff here at Burns Mortuary of Pendleton.

Put your trust in us to make this experience as comfortable and carefree as possible.

 History

For over 80 years, Burns Mortuary of Pendleton has been known for the quality of service, the comfort of our facilities and the kindness of our funeral professionals. Families just like yours have put their trust in us to provide the most suitable arrangements for memorializing the lives of their loved ones.

T. B. Bomboy was born in Pennsylvania and he had owned a funeral home in Cutbank, Montana. In 1925 he purchased the Brown Funeral Home on Thompson Street in Pendleton. He then later built the Bomboy Funeral Home where the funeral home is located today. Mr. Bomboy sold the funeral home in 1949 to Charles and Alerita Burns, where it got its name “Burns Mortuary of Pendleton”. Charles Burns ran the funeral home for 57 years with his wife Alerita. In 2006 Charles Burns decided it was time to retire and sold the business to Brian and Beverly LaFollette. The LaFollette’s feel strongly about continuing those traditions by maintaining those high standards of excellence in service to those families and communities they serve in Umatilla County.

 Staff

Brian and Beverly LaFollette ~ Owners/Funeral Directors

Carrying on the Burns Mortuary of Pendleton tradition that began in 1949 with Charles and Alerita Burns treating each and every family with the professionalism, compassion and integrity, they would want their family to receive in a time of need.

Brian LaFollette started in the business in 1977 working with his father in the family funeral business. He graduated from high school in Burns, Oregon. He then attended and graduated from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1984. Brian has worked in the industry for over 30 years.

Beverly LaFollette has been working in the funeral industry as a licensed Funeral Director for 20 years with her husband Brian LaFollette.  Beverly grew up in Burns and graduated from Burns High School, attended and graduated from LaGrande College of Business, where she then went to work for an Insurance Company in Portland. 

Brian Abell Funeral Director & Embalmer. Brian grew up just 50 miles away from Pendleton in La Grande. He became interested in funeral service as a junior in high school through a health occupations class. After high school, he served his apprenticeship at Spencer, Libby & Powell funeral home in The Dalles, Oregon. After his apprenticeship, he graduated from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and returned to Oregon. He has worked at, and managed funeral homes throughout Oregon before coming to Pendleton in 2006. Brian enjoys the outdoors and is active in community groups including being president of the Pendleton Kiwanis Club.

Allison Ashbeck has been with Burns Mortuary of Pendleton since 2006. She works in the office as a receptionist and secretary, assisting families with administrative duties including processing death certificates, obituaries, contributions, insurance and veteran's forms. Allison was raised in Pendleton and attended Pendleton Schools. She finds great satisfaction in serving and helping families during a difficult time in their life.

Shawn Monaco is a native of Athena, Oregon. He started his apprenticeship with Burns Mortuary of Pendleton in 2007 and is currently attending his second year at Mt. Hood Community College of Mortuary Science.