Our Journey
What started as a way to heal became a mission to help others do the same.
1995
The Turning Point
Susan and her husband Rick faced an unimaginable loss when their oldest son, Ryan, passed away from heart disease at just 14 years old, on Mother's Day. There was no warning. Life changed in an instant. This tragedy sparked a new purpose: to help other families find meaningful ways to honor their loved ones.
1998–2001
A Company is Born
Susan launched GothicLair.com, an eclectic online store with a "Funeral Parlor" room that unexpectedly became its most popular section. Recognizing the need, she founded In The Light Urns in 2001, dedicated to creating unique, personalized cremation urns that celebrate the lives and passions of those we've lost.
2005–Today
Pioneering with Purpose
From cremation jewelry to biodegradable urns, we've never stopped innovating. Today, we offer over 6,000 products, serve thousands of families each year, and donate urns to those in need, locally and internationally. We're still family-owned, still guided by compassion, and still here to help you find the perfect memorial.
Our Core Values
Compassion
We understand the emotional weight of our customers' decisions and deliver compassionate, tailored care.
Excellence
We deliver high-quality, enduring custom memorials crafted with precision and excellence.
Integrity
We act with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to ethical standards.
Innovation
We embrace new technologies to offer personalized, one-of-a-kind tributes.
Legacy
We create custom memorials that preserve memories and legacies for generations.
Customer Focus
Our customers' needs drive everything we do, and we provide compassionate guidance.
Why "In the Light"
The name represents how we hope our loved ones experience the afterlife: a place of safety, comfort, love, and happiness. Light is where we want them to be. And so, In The Light Urns found its name.