Who We Are
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.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
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Our History
Families in Riverside have called upon Sierra Memorial Chapel Mortuary for the finest services, the most comfortable facilities, and the most compassionate attention to their needs. Families trust Sierra Memorial in their time of need because of our reputation for professionalism and extensive community involvement, and the wide range of options we offer in funeral, memorial & cremation services.
Founded by Frank Barrows and Warren Whitfield in 1964. Mr. Barrows and Mr. Whitfield operated the mortuary until 1975 when Mr. Whitfield developed health problems and needed to retire. Mr. Barrows went to Grant’s Pass, Oregon, where he continued to serve as funeral director for several years.
At that time, the mortuary was purchased by the Bredelis Family, Ray and Mickey, and their son Ron and his wife Janis. They continued the tradition of a family-owned and operated funeral home. As the senior Bredelises were ready to retire, they passed the daily operation of the mortuary on to Ron. In August of 2007 the Johnson Family was ready to retire after 28 years of service to the community. Continuing with the tradition of a family owned funeral home, they passed the torch to the Chris and Rhonda Miller. The Miller’s will offer the same personal, caring service for our family that has been a Riverside tradition since 1964.
The mortuary design included an atrium that separates the chapel from the offices, and the rotunda that leads to the viewing room where families can gather during a visitation time. The mural in the rotunda is the original mural designed when the mortuary was built. When it’s time for the rotunda to be painted, the painters carefully work around the mural to preserve it. The hanging light globes used on the side aisle in the chapel were imported from Italy.
There is easy access for visitors of every physical capacity and ample, well-lighted parking. At our funeral home we’ve taken special care to create a comforting atmosphere that includes familiar, traditional furnishings and every amenity you may require. When you select a funeral home, comfort is an important consideration. Visitors should be able to converse quietly, to recollect and reminisce. Your family should have a private place to meet for sympathy and support.
The funeral is a time to say farewell to a loved one, but it is also a time to begin the process of healing. Families have found comfort in our dedication to assisting with all aspects of the funeral service. It is our mission to provide a personal, meaningful, and healing funeral or memorial experience for every family…to be innovative, progressive, and proactive in designing a tribute to a life lived…and to accomplish this within the framework of your faith, traditions, and customs.Then, there is the matter of trust. In a time when emotions are strongly felt, there is comfort in being treated with compassion and respect. This is our commitment to you.
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Our Valued Staff
Chris Miller, Owner/Operator
A second generation funeral director, Chris Miller began working in the family business as a teenager and by the age of fourteen had already assisted on his first removal. Chris graduated in December of 1992 with a degree in Mortuary Science and received the highest honor from the program, the Melvin Hilgenfeld Award.Chris continued the fine traditions that his parents, Roger and Pat Miller, had started in 1969 at Thomas Miller Mortuary in Corona, California. Following the death of his father in 2006, Chris and his wife Rhonda purchased Thomas Miller Mortuary from his mother. In 2007, he added a second location in Riverside, California known as Sierra Memorial Chapel. He currently added an on-site Crematorium at his main location in Corona. Over the past 16 years, Chris has become involved with numerous organizations throughout his community, including: The Corona Regional Medical Center Foundation (now referred to as The Foundation for Community and Family health), where he currently serves on the Executive Board; Corona Chamber of Commerce, where he currently serves as Financial Chair; The Unforgettables Foundation (an organization which helps families with the loss of their children); Circle City Rotary Club; and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Chris is also a member of the California Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association and the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA). In his spare time, he loves to cook, collect vintage wine and spend time with his family.
Thomas Miller Mortuary has been a member of OGR for more than 60 years, of which Chris has been active for the past five. Chris looks forward to working with other members of OGR to help take the organization to the next level.
Rhonda Miller, Owner/Operator
Caring for people comes naturally for Rhonda Miller, who joined her husband, Chris, in perpetuating the family business. Rhonda and Chris continue to offer families the highest level of personalized care and service while catering to all faiths. Rhonda is also conscientious and participates with her family in the American Cancer Society- Corona Relay for Life, The Foundation for Community and Family Health, and is on the committee for the Every 15 Minutes Program. Continuing with the tradition of a family owned funeral home. The Miller’s will offer the same personal, caring service for our family that has been a Riverside tradition since 1964.
Bill Oaks, General Manager
Carmen Torres, Administrative Assistant
Rob Obbink, Funeral Arranger
Rob Obbink moved to California back in 2000 from Holland Michigan after his father past away. He started a limousine company called Lynco Limousine named after his father Lynn and owned and operated for 6 years. He serviced Sierra Memorial Chapel and in that time and built a solid relationship with the Mortuary. After selling his business Rob decided he wanted to give working for Sierra Memorial a try in March of 2008. Sierra Memorial Chapel was built on the same standards and values that Rob had applied to his Limousine Company. Rob knew that he could put his talents to work for Sierra and continue the traditions that they had started years ago. Rob looks forward in Serving the community and helping families in the years to come.
Adam Lopez, Funeral Arranger
Goerge Diaz, Grounds Keeper / Funeral Attendant
George was born and raised in Orange County, Ca. He moved to Corona in 1995. He graduated from Centennial High School in 2007. He started working for the Millers back in February of 2007. George’s responsibilities at Sierra Memorial include all aspects of keeping the Mortuary, inside and outside in top condition year round as well as assisting with families and services. George has become a valuable asset to Sierra Memorial and takes pride in the work that he performs.
Susie Porter, Family Service Specialist
Susie has been serving families in our industry for over 15 years. As a family Service Counselor, she assists families after there has been a death, with all the necessary paperwork that has to be taken care of, such as Social Security, Insurance claims, beneficiary changes , retirements and pensions and many more important things. She also prides herself as being one of the best Advance Planning Specialists. She tries to make the planning as painless as possible. She is proud to represent Thomas Miller Mortuary.
Larry Bond, Preneed Counselor
Larry Bond has been working for 7 1/2 years in the Funeral Industry. Larry has been assisting families for Sierra Memorial Chapel since 2008. Preparing for the end of life by making your funeral arrangements before the need arises is a gift of love. Larry is here to help you make those choices helping your family or friends not having to make those difficult decisions at the most trying of times. And helping you reduce financial burdens on those you leave behind by making pre-arrangements. Larry looks forward in serving the community in the years to come.
Elliott James, Preneed Counselor
Elliott James has been a Corona resident since 1986. He has been trained in the funeral industry, and as a preneed counselor can assist families in their efforts to prepare for end of life decisions in a loving and thoughtful way. Elliott is here to help families avoid paying future cost increases, and give families peace of mind knowing their wishes have been carried out.
