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Eaves were fantastic from start to finish. The dignity and respect shown was excellent. Thankyou. Sophie and the team were amazing.
Danny Sheerin
About Eaves Funeral Service
Eaves Funeral Service has been providing services within the local area for over 60 years.
Eaves Funeral Service was established in 1961, when business partners Derek Crosby and William Eaves began trading as joiners and undertakers ‘Crosby & Eaves’ from premises at Flatt Walks, Whitehaven. They moved the business to its current location on High Road, Kells, Whitehaven in 1970.
After Derek passed away in 1974, William continued to build the business, aided by his wife, Margaret, his father William Snr, then later by William’s brother Richard. William’s son Philip joined in 1992, followed by his son-in-law Mike in 2007, then his daughter Julia in 2008.
Here at Eaves Funeral Service we offer an affordable prepaid funeral plan, Choice, so that you can arrange and pay for a funeral in advance. This will protect your family from rising costs and remove uncertainty about your wishes.
If you would like to talk to us about planning a funeral, or our Choice plan, please come and see us in our funeral home, or if you’d rather we can arrange a home visit. We’re also available 24 hours a day on the phone so if you need anything please don’t hesitate to call.
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Meet the Team
Philip Eaves
Business Principal
Philip, son of business founder Billy Eaves, began work with the family firm in 1993 and has spent his entire working life in the funeral business. Today, Philip leads the back-of-house operations.
Mike Jolly
Business Principal
Mike, husband of Julia and brother-in-law of Philip, joined the business in 2007 after previously working in the finance sector. Mike is the Senior Funeral Director and leads the front-of-house operations.
Julia Jolly
Office Manager
Julia, daughter of business founder Billy Eaves, sister of Philip and wife of Mike, completed the family element of the business when she joined in 2008. Julia heads up the administration side of the business.
Aurora Luttig
Receptionist/Administrator
Aurora joined the Eaves team in July 2024 as part-time receptionist/administrator, working alongside Julia in this role. Aurora is involved in all aspects of the business including funeral plan sales and is a friendly and helpful member of the team.
Michael Branney
Funeral Director
Michael joined in 2015, having previously worked in our local hospitals. Michael underwent training to become a Funeral Director and has become established as a well-known and respected professional.
Laura Winthrop
Funeral Director
Laura joined the Eaves team in 2022, having already worked in the funeral industry. Laura trained to become a Funeral Director and quickly established a positive reputation, winning an area ‘Funeral Professional of the Year’ award in 2023.
Graham Hodgson
Funeral Service Operative
Graham joined the Eaves team in 2005 as a full-time Funeral Service Operative. Graham’s experience makes him a valuable member of the team in his work alongside Philip in the back-of-house side of the business.
Allan Green
Funeral Service Operative (Casual)
Long-term member of the team, Allan has over many years assisted as a member of the ceremonial team on funerals as a driver and bearer on a casual basis. Allan also assists with repatriations to and from further afield.
Frank Murdock
Funeral Services Operative (Casual)
Frank joined Eaves Funeral Service in 2014 as part of our ceremonial team, driving and bearing on funerals. A popular member of the team with colleagues and clients alike, Frank has now achieved ten years’ service with us.
David Glover
Funeral Services Operative (Casual)
Another member of our ceremonial team, David joined the company in October 2021 on a casual basis to assist as a driver and bearer. Always keen to assist, David is known for his caring approach to our clients.
Barry Ashby
Funeral Service Operative (Casual)
Barry joined us as a casual-hours member of the ceremonial team in August 2024, assisting on funerals as a driver/bearer and is a valued member of out-of-hours team.
Sophie Openshaw
Trainee Funeral Director
Sophie joined Eaves Funeral Service in September 2025 to fulfil her ambition to be a Funeral Director. Sophie’s positive, friendly approach, along with her enthusiasm, has already endeared her to staff and clients alike.
Carmel Bowman
Funeral Service Operative (Casual)
Carmel joined Eaves Funeral Service in October 2025 and immediately joined the out-of-hours team. Carmel is also part of the ceremonial team, performing duties on funerals and assisting day-to-day operations.
Graeme McDonald
Funeral Service Operative (Casual)
Graeme joined Eaves Funeral Service in October 2025 in a casual role, is a member of the out-of-hours rota, and brings a wealth of knowledge from a number of years working in bereavement services.
Our Values
Pride
We take pride in everything we do. Our aim is that everyone who works for Funeral Partners shares our values.
Helping People
Our business exists to help the bereaved to make fitting arrangements for their loved one’s last journey and to provide lasting memories for family and friends. We do this with a positive, caring and understanding approach.
Respect for everyone
We value diversity and treat everyone with the same respect, courtesy and dignity.
Professional Standards
We are a professional organisation and we strive to achieve the highest possible standards in everything we do and to improve upon these standards continuously.
Accept responsibility
We accept responsibility for our actions both as a company and as individuals.
Partnership
We believe that we can only achieve our goals by working together in partnership with client families, suppliers and our employees.