Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary

If you’re a woman who wants to be treated with respect, take a pass on Rose Hills. My friend buried her son there a few months ago. She just shared the story of having phoned Rose Hills to make an appt. to order the marker for her son’s grave and the woman who answered the phone asked if my friend’s husband would be coming with her to select the marker. My friend said no, her daughter would be accompanying her. The woman said my friend’s husband would need to approve the selection. When my friend pointed out that she, too, signed the contract, and was perfectly capable of making these arrangements, the woman said she could take direction from my friend if her husband said it was okay. And it gets better. My friend’s husband could make the decision without my friend’s approval, but she would not be extended the same courtesy. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? This is 2016, not 1816. I will never bury a relative of mine there if I have to deal with the likes of this insensitive, stupid woman.

Review is for the El Portal De La Paz Mausoleum
The El Portal De La Paz Mausoleum is located in Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. The park was founded in 1914 and covers more than 1,400 acres with approximately 600 employees, making it the largest cemetery in the United States.
In 1930, the El Portal De La Paz (Doorway to Peace) was dedicated and open to the public. Complete with marble corridors, exquisite stained glass windows and an enclosed outdoor garden with a pool fountain. The large indoor mausoleum reflects California’s early Spanish Mission era. The hallways are named for the California Missions. Just outside the mausoleum is the La Paz Urn Garden, where my dad and brother are at rest.
It gets a little eerie walking down the hallways and cold because of all the marble and stone inside and of course, it’s very peaceful. A sense of respect and a feeling of humility definitely flows within me. Also, there’s a good size population of mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels and bluebirds that live in the park. If you’re here early in the morning you might get lucky enough to see a family of deer roaming around eating flowers. On a clear day you can see Downtown LA and the San Gabriel mountains.

Sad to say that we paid an outrageous amount of money to bury my dad here and the services weren’t up to par. Completely unorganized. Everything that could have gone wrong, did.
First, we purchased the Catholic plan which included 2 days, an evening rosary and a morning funeral. We upgraded the casket to include 4 corner Angels (which 3 of them were supposed to be removed after being viewed and blessed then given back to us for keepsakes) and they weren’t ordered on time to arrive for the casket by the rosary service. I was told they would be on the casket by the funeral. The corners were left in a basket by the casket and never installed for viewing by the funeral morning. (mind you, they had a months notice to order them).
We also upgraded to the Sky Rose chapel. No one bothered to tell us that the projector screen there required us to bring a dvd formatted picture cd. All we had was a thumb thrive, which wouldn’t play on the projector screen, because someone there forgot to book a technician for the night and the computer system was on lock down. We had initially been told that’s all we needed, a thumb drive. I even made a power point presentation of the pictures. We ended up getting a last minute «tech» who didn’t know up from down in computers. I was told I needed a laptop to play the thumb drive!!! Yes! This is minutes before the service was to start! They bring out a regular screen tv instead and someone found a Lap top which let the thumb drive play. Of course no one in the chapel, but the people right in front, could see anything!
We also were asked to provide a list of 10 songs. None were played! Why? Only God knows. Maybe they should have told us to bring a cd of the music instead and the CD player, too. Complete incompetence.
So, for the rosary night, we had no use of the big screen projector nor did we get the music we chose. Only the «technician» knows what in the world he played. By the next morning, our friend kindly made the pictures in dvd format which were briefly played on the projector screen, which of course no one could see because it was day time. And the list goes on and on.
I was told I could not get any type of refund or credit, because the second day the «technician» played music out of «good will» for an extra hour. Really??? My dad’s services were botched do to their lack of organization and communication! We can never get that time back. This was my first experience there and it wasn’t all that great.
If you want to save major money and you really need a plot there, go to a funeral broker. You will save thousands. Don’t get your services directly through them unless you have to. Not worth it.

Paying respect to my mother who I visit almost every weekend,
She’s buried close to a tree so she has shade and makes it pleasant to visit, she’s on the older side of the cemetery so it’s pretty quite.
She still has all her decorations from Christmas up, which it’s ok

Whittier, CA: opened in 1914 at just 18 acres.
Their website claims this is the largest memorial park in North America, at 1,400 acres. I just see it as an immaculate and beautiful park these past number of years. Services are offered and provided with care. My family member chose this location as his final resting place for those reasons. His visitors have a spectacular view of the San Gabriel Valley. The skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles are visible in the distance. He wanted to be sure everyone can visit him easily and not have to trudge through a lot of wet grass during a rainy spell so his plot is one that is situated along the curb. I think he gets a chuckle out of the mini feather banners and windmill flowers we bring to accompany the floral bouquets as he enjoyed whimsical toys. You are so thoughtful. We love you, always.
One of the points of added interest is the Parade of Roses Garden at the main entrance, open to the public during business hours at no charge.
A beautiful and serene park.

This past Sunday my father passed away, losing his fight against diabetes. Since he lived all the way out in Fontana, we had to have a local mortuary pick him up (as we needed to have our dad removed from his nursing home within a few hours of his passing)…the people at this local mortuary were very accommodating; while visiting the following day, we decided to have him cremated there, and have a memorial service/​reception there as well…
On our way home, we felt Fontana would be too far out for many of our dad’s family members and friends to travel to for the service, and decided to look for a place in the LA County area…
We always pass Rose Hills, and our mom suggested looking into them since they have a decent reputation… while there, the Rose Hills representative we were assigned couldn’t figure out what we were asking (possible language barrier?!), we reiterated our current predicament, and asked once again what it would cost us to have a memorial service/​reception there… she had to «ask her supervisor if that is possible» as she never had that kind of situation presented to her before!!! No one has ever asked if they could have a memorial service/​reception at their facility for a deceased person?! Out she walked to get an answer… after about 10 minutes of us looking at each other incredulously, she finally came back in, and said her supervisor told her that we couldn’t have a memorial service/​reception since we weren’t going to bury his remains there afterwards (my brother just isn’t ready to let our dad’s ashes go yet mind you)…
So here were are, the very first time having to bury our own, and Rose Hills won’t allow us to have a memorial service/​reception at their location because we weren’t going to bury our dad there right after… maybe this is how all the memorial parks are?! If so, I’d give them all a «1-star»…whatever happened to compassion in this day and age! We were going to pay, we weren’t asking for a handout…
Nuff’ said!

Back at Rose Hills due to a sudden tragic passing. Unfortunately plots were purchased a while ago so we are back
We had to make an appointment for 2 days later. 8 am– we drove an hour to get here (on time) but have now been waiting 45 minutes. Heard them call our arrangements counselor that the family is here. Again not a high level of professionalism.
Hopefully the customer service gets better

I haven’t been back to this place in a year. The reason I haven’t gone back was because I was treated poorly at the cemetery.
I have been going to this place for two years straight. My best friend was murdered. I decided to visit my friend at least once a month and I did for two years.
About a year ago, I remember, like every other month, parking next to his burial site just so I can walk straight to his plot. I parked and walked to his site. I sat down on the ground next to a tree.
While hanging out with my friend, this man, in a bulldozer, starts honking his horn at me to move my car. I decided to walk over to move my car. He said somethings in Spanish and I said no Nintendo. He got upset and call security. I moved my car and went back to sit down. Security came and started questioning me like I was a criminal. I have never felt so disrespected.
Keep in mind all I did was park by a place that was being dug up. This man doesn’t know the grieve I am feeling.
I feel like this place is very disrespectful, rude, and confrontational.
I have not been to this place since. I haven’t visited my best friend in over a year because of this incident.
Do yourself a favor and go some where else.

Within my church and all the other church folks I know of, I’ve probably been here for at least 20 – 30 funerals.
I’ve never worked with any of the coordinators directly, but I can tell they know what they’re doing. It is a business and they run a tight ship. You have a certain time frame for your ceremony and then you’re out. With Asians, time can be a difficult thing, but they make sure you stay on time.
It’s nice if you get the chapel on site because the drive is not far to the burial. It is hilly, and I have worn hills quite a few times and sunk right into the grass. Because you are in the hills and invading some of the animals that once lived there, watch out for snakes. I saw a rattlesnake at one of the funerals.
Asians like to stay and watch the whole burial. The workers are nice and make sure you’re safe. I’m sure that has to be awkward having people watch you put their loved one into the ground.
Parking is ample, they keep the grounds nice and clean, and it’s a nice place for a final resting spot.

It’s beautiful here. On a non smoggy day you can even catch a glimpse of the ocean. It’s always very peaceful and clean. The weather is always cooler and more windy. I like the cool breeze. Sometimes in the early morning you’ll find deer. One afternoon a coyote was wondering around the grounds. Poor thing got lost I think.
Joe = awesome. He recently helped my family with services for a loved one that passed. We had a small hiccup with the death certificates, but it was easily fixed.
A few of my family members have been laid to rest here. I couldn’t think of a better place for them to be. They keep expanding too.
Services provided for lifetime — if your loved one’s grave marker is sinking, they will lift it up for no additional cost. All you have to do is ask. I know a few Unilocalers complain about the over growth of grass, but my family always makes a point to trim around the grave marker. Doubt Rose Hills would do that for every single plot on the property regardless of how much you pay.
Yes, it’s expensive, but when were funeral expenses ever cheap?!

My 100^th review should be somewhere close to the heart. So Rose Hills it is. Rose Hills is located in Whittier with options that have a gorgeous view overlooking the city, a pond, a buddhist temple and beautiful green landscapes. The grass is always green and almost every visit I was able to see beautiful deers playing near my baby’s site. Which is heatwarming in a bittersweet way.
Unfortunately my son came into the world and recieved his wings immediately. I guess Heaven just couldn’t wait to have my Angel back. The events that occurred before he recieved his wings was a heart wrenching nightmare. But being able to hold my Angel, feeling his warmth and looking at his heavenly little face I knew he deserved to rest somewhere that was serene, cozy, with a beautiful view. After looking at multiple places I chose Rose Hills.
They were very pleasant to work with. I had a meeting to make arrangements to pick up my Angel and transport him here. We were able to set up everything for his burial and funeral with one meeting. We chose a pearl white casket and a bronze plaque. We then we’re shown some sites for where other little Angels were buried. I fell in love with a site between 2 tall trees on a hill overlooking the city. There was only one little Angel layed to rest there. At that moment I knew this will be the perfect spot for my son and we would be able to give this little Angel a friend. We had a small cozy funeral for him with a few family and close friends at Rainbow Chapel.
Fast forward years later this site is sadly filled with other Angels who’ve gotten their wings early in life. We continue to bring flowers for his first friend and sometimes bring extra bouquets of flowers to give one to each of the other babies so they know they are not forgotten and loved.
My cousin also my BFF also lays to rest at another beautiful part of Rose Hills by the pond. The only downside is the little duckies that walks around and poops. We need more poop patrol out because sometimes we cannot sit by her site because of it and have to watch our steps while carrying all her goodies, so minus one star for that. We had her funeral at the beautiful Sky-​Rose Chapel, it was as beautiful as a funeral could ever be with hundreds of people celebrating her life.
The grass here have always been nice and green, cut and maintained beautifully. The security here have been very helpful whenever I call them. The first time was when some of the toys I put out for my baby was missing. They told me to they would patrol the area a little more and that they did. We hadn’t had any toys missing since. Once in a blue moon after the grass is cut they put the toys back for my baby. (^_​^). Another time I called because I had my steering wheel locked, never had that or knew it was possible until that day. They help me unwind it to help get me going. So far the services have been great. I definitely plan on buying some plots her to be with my baby and cousin. I would absolutely recommend this place for you or your loved one.

This is a very beautiful and professional cemetery memorial park. The only reason I found out about it is because my husbands father was buried here about 10 years ago. Recently his mom passed and after some work the buried her fairly close to her belated husband. The lawns are beautiful as well as the views I’m almost certain I will try and get a plot here the only downside is that it is very expensive but now days all cemetery’s are…

This place is always pretty well kept. The lawn is always mowed and even in the building downstairs everything is nice and clean.
The flower shop here is seriously way overpriced, but it does have a nice view of the city.
HILLS is totally true, so don’t be wearing no heels when you come to pay respect to your loved ones ;)

Beautiful site, nice views, well-​kept.
My family member buried her mother here. She utilized Hillside Chapel for the services, had graveside services and used Garden View Reception Center for the after-​service reception.
The chapel was bright and clean. A good size for our family. I liked how the event co-​ordinator was clear in directing people to where they should be, what would be happening, and informing us of and at the conclusion of both the chapel and graveside services. No awkward wondering and milling around.
The reception room was nice. A good-​sized buffet of 3 kinds of standard sandwiches, potato salad, fruit and veggies, and a cookie. Beverages of lemonade and iced tea on the side. There was indoor and outdoor seating.
Overall, i was impressed with the site and services, and came away feeling peaceful.

Great experience. Jennifer Luna and Joe Galvan were both extremely helpful and caring, explaining all options and answering any questions. The grounds and surroundings are quiet and peaceful.

This is by far the worse place I have ever dealt with. My mother is buried here and Lord knows had this not have been the place she wanted to be this would not have been her final resting place. From my first experience with arrangements to my later visits I always seem to run into bad service. This place is beautiful but lacks good, sincere customer service in my opinion.

I have several people I love and respect who are resting in this final location. The view is amazing, overlooking a large portion of L.A., and large sprawling green scenery all around. Depending on what location the plot is, you can get a higher view, and more animal life (birds primarily), along with trees and the occasional squirrels who run quickly — only to pause and stare at the names (which is what I told myself as I saw one particular squirrel pretty much strolling from grave marker to grave marker.
All in all, the one reason I dinged them was due to the lack of maintenance from time to time on the graves. They allow grass to completely overrun the grave marker sometimes, making it difficult to find your loved one, and then commence manual grass/​weed/​whatever it takes labor to clean up the site. Other than that, it’s a beautiful location, and they assist in the logistical aspect of moving from A to B, helping bypass traffic and keeping your procession together.

This is a beautiful cemetery. Peaceful, quiet, with a gorgeous view of the city. RIP grandpa!

Rose Hills is a full service cemetery and mortuary located in Whittier. The grounds are beautiful, serene and immaculate. Rose Hills has also figured out how to serve the Chinese community. They have staff on every level that can speak Chinese and English fluently and have made accommodations for all the Chinese customs from burning of the Hell Bank Notes to the black arm bands that the pall bearers wear. Having to plan a funeral in the middle grieving can be a stressful task. The staff at Rose Hill are friendly, understanding and most of all competent. From the very first moment of transporting your love one to the mortuary to the final good byes at the grave site, the staff at Rose Hills help shoulder much of the stress by knowing what to do, when to do it and by help everyone through the whole process.
Next time? Don’t want to think about it but I know I will lean on Rose Hills again.

I love Rose Hills because of my mother being buried here. In saying that, it is a place I can go and remember her, but I know she is not actually there, but is inside my heart in spirit. I have such respect for how people have their ways of remembering their loved ones that have been buried or cremated here or anywhere for that matter.
The views are spectacular! On a clear day (especially after rain or winds) it’s absolutely gorgeous! You can see far away and the city of Angels looks pretty close. Also beautiful sections, gardens, areas mostly where the innocent babies & children are all located (sad face), some little lakes, etc and churches throughout, it just goes on and on! When my time comes, this would be where I want to be buried… I agree w/​the other reviewers, it feels so strange & kinda eerie stating such things, but it’s part of life and as we all come into this beautiful life, we all check out when the time is our time to go. So in this would be my place of choice because it’s my hometown, it’s beautiful & the memory of my mom being buried here.
As for how much prices have gone up, I don’t know much about anymore, but can imagine how expensive it must be. So I understand the reviews stating the outrageous prices (I’m now starting to really understand Life Insurance commercials… yup old old old) :(
Other issues that people should always be aware of:
Lock your car and put away your possessions of value! I’ve never had anything stolen, but once upon a time I came over 25 yrs ago when it was safe to leave your windows down and even then I would hide my purse out of view. It’s a sad world we live in and yes thieves don’t have any remorse, they’ll steal from a graveyard, off a dead person, from the old & weak, disabled person & sadly even from children and babies. Be wise and always lock your items & car.
When you bring items for your loved one to wear, be aware if you place jewelry or valuable items on their bodies, they will most likely get stolen, from anyone and everyone should not be discriminated. Don’t give people the opportunity to steal your loved ones heirloom. I bought my mother pretty, but cheap custom jewelry, because I assumed it was going to be removed from her body when buried.
It’s usually maintained well (sometimes they slip & it’s not so tidy — people please don’t litter, there’s trashcans everywhere, use them!!!) and by the looks of it, there’s always construction going on and it’s expanding rapidly — I’ll be really sad when the wilderness is compromised (if not already) and including the nearby trails and landfill will all soon disappear and be nothing but pure cemetery. I hope I’m not around when that time comes.