Finding New Traditions at Whispering Hills

Doris Gooch broke from a long family tradition when she chose her future final resting place in the forest at Whispering Hills Natural Cemetery and Memorial Nature Preserve in LaGrange, Georgia. “I chose this spot right here, because it looks like a cathedral in these trees. It’s breathtaking, and it reminds me of my backyard,” said Gooch with a big smile, as she showed her family her special resting place, her arms stretched out toward the towering pines and hardwoods.

Her sister Margaret Hammonds was a bit skeptical of Doris’ choice of cemeteries. “Growing up, our family’s always had traditional funerals in a traditional cemetery near Columbus,” Hammonds explained.

“But now that we’re here together, exploring the forest and meadows, I see just how beautiful Whispering Hills is and how much love and care has been put into this place,” Hammonds said. “It is sacred ground, and I have to admit I can see myself here one day too.”

Doris and Margaret are part of a growing national trend and movement toward natural cemeteries and a simpler, more peaceful and meaningful way to pay tribute to lives and loved ones passed.

“It really comes down to one important question – where would you rather make your last mark on Earth when your time comes,” explained Ralph Howard, co-founder of Whispering Hills. “Would you rather be surrounded by rows of tombstones and concrete vaults or towering trees and nature at its best?”

“I had my husband Wayne’s ashes in an urn in my bedroom for over a year, and I was really wondering what in the world could I do with him,” said Edith Merritt of Opelika, Alabama. “I came up here and toured Whispering Hills, and I found the perfect resting place, which has given me such peace of mind, knowing Wayne is in a beautiful place and that my final plans will be carried out just like I want when the time comes.”

Merritt pointed to the tribute stones she handpicked from the nature preserve that now mark where her husband’s ashes are buried next to where her ashes will be someday. “The reason we didn’t pick a traditional cemetery is both of us felt very adamant about becoming part of the Earth again,” Merritt explained. “Whispering Hills is not at all what you picture when you think of a cemetery. It’s a beautiful place where our family will want to visit.”

Whispering Hills is a natural cemetery at the heart of a 140-acre memorial nature preserve that features a forest, streams, horses and pastures, walking and mountain biking trails, and flower-filled meadows. People of all ages and families from across the South and around the world are securing a final resting place at Whispering Hills – either as part of their end-of-life planning or to honor friends and loved ones passed.

“At Whispering Hills you can choose a natural burial in a simple wicker or pine casket, or even a shroud,” said Jeffrey Higgins, licensed funeral director at Higgins Funeral Home in LaGrange. “Or you can choose to have your ashes scattered or buried in this special place. We are seeing a huge movement toward natural burials across the U.S., and one of the most beautiful and professionally run natural cemeteries is right here in LaGrange, Georgia.”

“I think it’s the peacefulness, the tranquility and beauty of Whispering Hills that is drawing so many people to this natural cemetery,” noted Jean Howard, co-founder of Whispering Hills. Jean and her brother Ralph Howard grew up exploring every creek and hillside on the land that has been protected forever within the nature preserve.

“As it turns out, we’ve protected this land for so much more than we ever thought possible, as families from across the South and beyond now have their own emotional attachment to this special place,” shared Ralph Howard. “It’s been an incredible joy to see Whispering Hills offer new choices and foster new traditions for so many people in search of a more natural, peaceful, and beautiful farewell.”

For more information about Whispering Hills Natural Green Cemetery and Memorial Nature Preserve, visit www.whisperinghillspreserve.com.