History & Staff
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.
Our History
Toppenish’s first Undertaking Establishment was built by M. Q. Bradbury on South Toppenish Avenue. He built a house , adding an addition to suit the business’ needs. Sometime after in 1907 he then moved the Funeral Home to South Alder Street to where he thought may be more befitting.
In the late 1920's William Drake built Drake Funeral Parlor to service the area’s family’s. He was an accomplished polo player who played on the local team, surely well liked by the community. He served the area’s family’s for twenty years until selling the funeral home to the Hopkins Family in the 1940’s.
The Hopkins built their home next to the Hopkins Mortuary and ran the business for the following twenty years. The funeral home also housed the local ambulance service from the late 1940's until the early 1990's. The upstairs of the funeral home held sleeping quarters for the ambulance crew and could offer 24 hour coverage. Prior to strict regulations, the ambulance crew would assist with all aspects of the funeral industry from removals to preparation of the deceased, to servicing the funerals and keeping the many vehicles in tip top condition.
Hal & Patricia Hammack purchased the Hopkins Estate in the late 1960’s. The Hammack family changed the name of the funeral home to Colonial Funeral Home and completed extensive remodeling of the business, adding pillars in front of the building and an arrangement office. In 1976, after years of service, The Hammack family sold Colonial Funeral Home to American Funeral Homes (AFH) of Des Moines, Iowa. It exchanged owners again in the early 1980's when American Funeral Homes sold the establishment to International Funeral Service (IFS) out of San Diego, California. Shortly after in the year 1982, International Funeral Service and Service Corporation International (SCI) of Houston, Texas merged and Colonial Funeral Home became owned by SCI.Owner today, Monte Heggie, purchased the funeral Home in September of 2005 from SCI, who ran the business for several years previous. Monte contacted SCI’s divestiture department inquiring if they had any locations for sale in Washington state. The gentleman stated that they had a location in the Tacoma area. Monte told them he was only interested in Eastern Washington where he desired to be. The gentleman responded to Monte that there may be a location in a small town south of Yakima. Knowing which location SCI owned, Monte was aware this was Colonial Funeral Home in Toppenish. A deal was consummated and Toppenish families are now serviced by the Heggie family and compassionate staff. Heggie’s Colonial Funeral Home has a reputation of celebrating your loved-one’s life with the best possible service.
Our Valued Staff
Monte Heggie, Owner
Monte Heggie was born in Omak, Washington. In September of 2005 he purchased Colonial Funeral Home from Service Corporation International of Houston, Texas. Monte graduated from Mt. Hood Community College with a degree in Funeral Service Education. Monte enjoys golfing, traveling when time permits and spending time with his family. He truly enjoys Toppenish and is active in the Toppenish Mural Society, Toppenish Eagles, Mt. Adams Golf and Country Club and Toppenish Chamber of Commerce.
Paige Heggie, Co-Owner, Grief Counselor, Aftercare Coordinator, Preneed Insurance Agent
Paige was born and raised in Woodward, OK. She graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor in Elementary Education and a Minor in Early Childhood. Paige obtained her Masters Degree in Professional Counseling at Southwest Texas State University. She is currently working on her Funeral Directors License and will obtain that license in 2013. Paige is a licensed Preneed Insurance Agent working exclusively for Heggie’s Colonial Funeral Home. Paige enjoyed traveling and living in various states before making Toppenish her home. Monte and Paige were High School Sweethearts who reconnected after 26 years and married in February 2012. Monte and Paige have three children that keep them busy. They enjoy working alongside each other in the family business and raising their children together. Paige is eager to become active in the community and looking forward to volunteer opportunities.
Gig Riddle, Embalmer
Gig is currently retired but lives on the premises. He helps out in all aspects of the funeral industry. Raised in Browning Montana where his family owned a funeral home for many years. Gig followed in his father's footsteps and owned his own funeral home in St. Ignatious Montana and later relocated to Toppenish where he has worked since 2008. He is knowledgeable with Native customs growing up on the Blackfeet reservation; and his time on the Flathead Indian reservation.
Brenden Miller, Pet and Funeral Services
Brenden was raised in Omak, WA and is a member of the Colville Tribe. He takes pride and care in our pet cremation services and also assists in funeral services with Funeral Director and Owner of Colonial Funeral Home, Monte Heggie.
Adrianna Espinoza, Receptionist, Office Manager
Adrianna was raised in the Toppenish/Wapato area and is a Yakama Nation Tribal member. She manages our funeral home office and answers our phones and emails during office hours, she will kindly assist you in any way possible. You may contact us at 509-865-3222.