When you drive past that Tudor-style house on North Main Street, it doesn’t look like a business. It looks like a home. Honestly, that was the whole point when Accent Funeral Home in Meridian first opened its doors in the eighties. Most people in the Treasure Valley assume every funeral home is owned by some massive, faceless corporation. While that’s becoming the norm, the story of this specific spot is a bit more nuanced than a simple "local vs. corporate" debate.
Death is a weird thing to talk about. We avoid it until we can't. Then, suddenly, you're sitting in a quiet room on Main Street trying to decide between mahogany and oak.
A Postman’s House and a Modern Legacy
The building itself has a vibe. Built in 1938 for a local postman, it carries a sense of Meridian history that you just don't get with new construction. E. Faye Buchanan started the business there in 1986. She wanted it to feel like a living room, not a sterile clinic. In 1999, Randy Arnzen took over, and in 2002, he married Danette. Both are licensed morticians. Together, they ran it as a true mom-and-pop shop for nearly two decades.
Things shifted a bit in late 2019.
Foundation Partners Group acquired the home, which is a major player in the "death care" industry. But here’s the thing: Randy and Danette stayed. They didn't just hand over the keys and vanish to a beach. This is where the "what people get wrong" part comes in. People think corporate acquisition means the soul of the place leaves. In this case, the Arnzens kept the technical and professional reins, blending that old-school personal touch with the backend resources of a larger network.
Breaking Down the Costs (No Fluff)
Money is the elephant in the room. Funerals are expensive.
If you look at the general price list for Accent Funeral Home in Meridian, the numbers are surprisingly transparent compared to some of the bigger funeral "palaces" in Boise. You aren’t just paying for a casket; you’re paying for the "Basic Services of the Director and Staff." This covers the legalities—death certificates, permits, and the 24/7 availability that most of us take for granted.
Here is a rough breakdown of what you're actually looking at:
- Direct Cremation: This is the most "affordable" route, usually starting around $1,290. No service, no viewing. Just the essentials.
- Traditional Burial: If you want the full experience—the viewing, the service, the hearse, and the graveside ceremony—you’re looking at a base closer to $6,840. That doesn't include the plot or the casket, which can add thousands.
- The "Middle Ground": A cremation with a memorial service often lands around $4,445.
It's a lot of cash. Kinda makes you realize why pre-planning has become such a huge trend in Idaho recently.
The Weird and the Wonderful: Parting Stones and Flyovers
People aren't just doing "open casket, organ music, and a cemetery" anymore. Meridian is changing. The needs are changing.
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One of the more unique things Accent Funeral Home in Meridian offers is something called "Parting Stones." Instead of keeping a jar of grey ash on the mantle (which, let's be honest, can be a little unsettling for some), they can turn cremated remains into smooth, solid stones. They look like river rocks. You can hold them. You can leave them in a garden. It's a tactile way to grieve that feels a lot more natural than a ceramic urn.
Then there are the military honors. Because of its location and the demographics of the Treasure Valley, they do a lot of work with veterans. There’s a recent account of Danette handling the logistics for a full military flyover for a Celebration of Life service. That’s not something you just "order" on a website; it takes a specific kind of knowledge regarding military protocol and FAA coordination.
Is it actually "Family Owned"?
This is the tricky part of the business category. Legally, they are part of Foundation Partners Group. Emotionally and operationally, the community still sees the Arnzens. It's a hybrid model. Some families prefer the security of a large company (they won't go bankrupt and lose your pre-paid plan), while others crave the feeling of talking to the person who actually lives in their zip code.
Rituals and Religious Flexibility
Meridian isn't a monolith. While there’s a strong Catholic presence—Accent supports local parishes like Holy Apostles and St. Mark’s—they’ve also adapted to more diverse needs.
They offer:
- Ritual Washing: Essential for certain religious traditions.
- Incense Burning: Common in many Eastern and orthodox ceremonies.
- Kosher Catering: Specifically for Jewish mourners.
It’s about being a "chameleon" for the community. If you need a traditional LDS service, they know the drill. If you want a secular "Celebration of Life" with a taco bar and a slideshow, they do that too.
What to do if you’re actually looking for help
If you are currently in the position of needing to call a funeral home, don't just look at the price list. Walk into the building. See if the "postman's house" vibe makes you feel at ease or if it feels too cramped.
Steps to take right now:
- Ask for the GPL: That stands for General Price List. Federal law says they have to give it to you. If a funeral home hedges or acts weird about prices, leave.
- Check the "Crematory" Details: Many funeral homes outsource cremation to a third-party facility across town. Ask if your loved one stays on-site or is transported elsewhere.
- Verify Veteran Status: If your loved one served, get their DD-214 form ready. Accent can help coordinate the burial in a VA national cemetery, which can save the estate a massive amount of money on the plot and headstone.
- Compare the "Feel": Call three places. One corporate, one small independent, and one hybrid like Accent. You’ll know within two minutes which voice on the other end of the line makes you feel less stressed.
The reality is that Accent Funeral Home in Meridian occupies a specific niche. It’s the landmark house on Main Street that grew up with the city. It’s moved from a single woman’s vision to a couple’s partnership, to a piece of a larger national network—all while staying in that same 1938 Tudor home.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional burial or turning a loved one into a collection of river stones, the goal is the same: getting through the hardest week of your life without feeling like you’re just another file on a desk.
Essential Contact Information
If you need to reach them, they are located at 1303 N. Main St., Meridian, ID 83642. The main line is (208) 888-5833. They handle everything from immediate "at-need" situations to long-term pre-planning consultations.
For those looking into cremation specifically, they also operate under the "Accent Cremation Consultants" banner for more direct, simplified services.
Be sure to ask about the "transfer of remains" fees if the passing occurs outside of a 30-mile radius, as transportation costs are one of those "hidden" fees that can jump up if you aren't prepared. Most local removals are included in their standard packages, but it's always worth a 30-second phone call to confirm.