Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our gates we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Learn the legacy.
The premier funeral home in Southwest Montana, Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home is Butte's oldest funeral home and has been locally owned & operated since 1892.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.
John Hossfeld
Owner/Funeral Director
John Hossfeld was born and raised in Butte, graduated Butte High School and earned a degree at Montana Tech before graduating at the top of his class from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. He has been serving families at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home ever since. He has been part of the Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home team since 1980 and has owned the funeral home since 2001. John has two daughters and three grandchildren.
Kirk Wells
Office Manager
Kirk Wells was born and raised in Great Falls and has made Butte and Anaconda his home since the late 1970’s. The father of three and grandfather of three, he has an eye for exactness and makes sure that things are done correctly, the first time. He has been happy to be of service to families at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home and has been an important part of our team since 2005. When he is not working, Kirk enjoys traveling and spending time at Georgetown Lake.
Melody Rice
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Melody Rice earned her Bachelor of Art’s degree in art education at the University of Montana-Western in Dillon in 2002. The graduate program from which she earned her Master of Arts degree in Art Therapy emphasized the importance of including a spiritual focus to activate the transformational healing process. After receiving her Art Therapy degree at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM in 2004, Melody continued her studies there and became certified in Grief and Loss Counseling in 2005. Melody’s credentials include Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for Montana and the designation of Art Therapist Registered-Board Certified through the American Art Therapy Association. Melody is a past President and founding member of the Montana Art Therapy Association. Melody has conducted the Living and Grieving support group for Wayrynen and Richard’s funeral home since 2008.
Dee Scalabrin
Funeral Assistant
Daniela “Dee” Muffich Scalabrin was born and raised in Butte, Montana.
Dee has worked at the Montana Standard for 50 years working with many years of sales experience. She enjoys working with people and giving good customer service and enjoys working for Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home when needed to greet families during their time of loss and comfort them during that time as well.
Dee has been married to Bob Scalabrin for 48 years, has a daughter, Brittany McNamee, who is married to Pat McNamee and is the proud grandmother of Liam her grandchild and they live in Bozeman, Mt.
Ann Bone
Funeral Assistant
Ann Bone was born and raised in Butte. She has been happily married to Norman Bone for 58 wonderful years and is the mother of four and grandmother of 8. Ann retired from Glacier Bank and enjoys volunteering at the World Museum of Mining as well as numerous crafts.
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