About Us
The Spring Hill Difference
Since 1780, we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the Nashville community. We exist to serve the unique needs of every family. Learn our story. Lean on us. And let our expertise lead you through the best experience possible.
Our pledge






We’re here to give you care and comfort as we help guide you through the planning journey.



Our Story
We invite you to discover who has made Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery the ultimate provider of creating healing experiences in the community. This section contains the heritage, vision, and the people behind Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery's reputation of quality, sincerity, and trust.

1780
The history of Spring Hill dates back to the 1780s when the first settlers moved in from the Cumberland settlement into an area six miles east of Nashville called Haysboro.

1813
The grounds were designated as Craighead Spring Hill Cemetery, named after Rev. Thomas B. Craighead.

1888
A company of gentlemen chartered Spring Hill Cemetery for the sale of lots and marketed it as a modern final resting place. These directors drew up the rules of governing, maintaining and protecting the lots, monuments, and procedures of interment.

1925
As the city grew, the population spread outward encompassing the surrounding counties. A modern downtown area with skyscrapers, city park systems, electric street cars, automobiles and entertainment centers made Nashville a thriving city in the early 1900s. In 1925, the Grand Ole Opry was born and Nashville would soon become known as Music City. Today several members of the Opry are interred and memorialized within the gates of historic Spring Hill.

1934
J. Taylor Stratton, a prominent stockholder, businessman and civic leader, spearheaded the management and growth of Spring Hill for 30 years. In 1934, Mary Stratton, Stratton’s daughter became president of the cemetery. Known as Miss Mary, she established new roads, statuary, plantings, and other improvements to the property.

1991
After the death of Mary Stratton's husband, Dr. James Hayes, a beloved Nashville physician, managed the operations of Spring Hill Cemetery. In 1991 he stepped down to President Emeritus and turned operations over to his son Rev. Jim Hayes. Rev. Hayes, a well known member of the clergy, worked hard to fulfill his mother’s legacy and serve the community.

1998
After Rev. Hayes’ sudden death in 1994 and Dr. Hayes’ death in 1996, the Rev. Hayes’ widow Marylyn Poteete Hayes and her daughters operated Spring Hill for many years. In the late 1990s they began working with funeral directors to design and construct a state of the art funeral home to better service their community.
Ground breaking occurred in June of 1997 and in 1998 the doors of Spring Hill Funeral Home were opened.

2024
Today Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery is one of the largest funeral and cemetery providers in Nashville, it’s wide open spaces dotted with majestic trees and beautiful flower gardens offer tranquility and beauty not only to the families it serves but to the community as a whole.
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115K+
Legacies Honored
242
Years in Business
6.1M+
Moments Remembered
Our team
We're members of the local community who have many years of experience caring for families from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Families know they can count on us to provide them the comfort they need when they need it most.

Kelly Church
Cemetery & Funeral Home Office Manager

Alton Cantarutti
Receptionist

Irina Rudenko
Family Service Advisor

Roderick Schmidt
Administrative Specialist

Eric Green
Staff Associate

Bill Cruz
Cemetery Caretaker

Kevin Schosker
Grounds Crew

Jessie Tossland
Cemetery Caretaker
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Gwyn Winstead
Managing Partner of Operations
Gwyn joined Spring Hill in 2023, bringing her leadership, experience, and passion to a location that is older than the state of Tennessee itself. She grew up in the cemetery and funeral profession in Middle Tennessee, closely watching her mother who retired recently after helping grow a small family firm into a multi-location operation serving thousands of families each year. Gwyn officially began her own career in the cemetery and funeral profession in 2017, working her way up in a local funeral operation print shop where she progressed from Production Specialist to Graphic Designer, creating meaningful memorial stationary for families during their time of loss. Gwyn went on to provide support to the pre-planning team, working with the Director of Advance Planning, where she provided daily encouragement and leadership to over 40 Pre-Arrangement Counselors throughout Tennessee and Mississippi.
Gwyn joined the Spring Hill team as Office Manager in 2023, where she revitalized the administrative department, assembling a team of incredibly talented and passionate associates dedicated to superior service. Her success as Office Manager led to Gwyn's promotion to Managing Partner of Operations in 2025. The history and legacy of the location give her pride and feeds her desire to serve. Gwyn and her husband, Justin, are raising three beautiful daughters. They are steadfast members of Charlotte Road Baptist Church, where the two met.

Justin Hernandez
Managing Partner of Family Services
Justin joined the compassionate team at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery in 2025, bringing a rich professional background and a profound commitment to serving others. He is now privileged to bring his passion and expertise to Spring Hill as Managing Partner of Family Services.
Originally from California's Bay Area and a proud UC Berkeley alumnus, Justin's professional journey began in sales, leading him to become a licensed realtor in both California and Texas, and eventually the National Director of Sales. It was his pivotal role as Family Service Supervisor at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, TX, that truly resonated.
Justin finds immense satisfaction in helping families navigate challenging times and create a lasting, positive impact for generations. This purpose fuels his work at Spring Hill every day, and it's a feeling that brings him profound satisfaction daily.

Zach Bunch
Funeral Home Manager
Zach joined the compassionate team at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery in 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience, dedication, and a profound sense of accountability. With a heartfelt commitment to serving families during their most challenging times, Zach believes in providing exceptional care that honors the memories of loved ones while supporting those left behind.
Born and raised in Northwest Tennessee, Zach's journey into the funeral profession was deeply personal. The passing of his father in 2009 ignited a passion within him to help others navigate their grief. This pivotal moment led him to officially embark on his career in the funeral industry in 2010, starting as a staff associate at White-Ranson Funeral Home in Union City, TN. Over the years, he has honed his skills and developed a reputation for exceeding expectations, a quality he proudly brings to his role as Funeral Home Manager at Spring Hill.
At Spring Hill, Zach is honored to support and guide the administrative team, drawing inspiration from the rich history and legacy of the operation. His commitment to service is not just a job; it is a calling that fuels his desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of families during their times of need.
Outside of his professional life, Zach is an avid supporter of the Tennessee Volunteers, passionately following their games and celebrating their victories. He also serves as a Public Address Announcer for various sports events in the Middle Tennessee area, where he enjoys engaging with the community and fostering school spirit.

Tonja Hebrank
Family Service Supervisor
Serving families at Spring Hill is not just my profession — it’s my passion. I am deeply committed to helping others find comfort and peace during life’s most difficult times. This work is a true calling, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside families with compassion and care whether assisting at the time of need or helping families preplan for future needs.
Outside of work, my greatest joy comes from spending time with my family and grandchildren, who are the heart of my world. I also love trail riding and simply spending time around the barn with my horse, where I find peace and balance.

Scott Mendenhall
Family Service Supervisor
Scott joined the Spring Hill team in February of 2025, bringing nearly a decade of experience serving families as a cemetery & funeral specialist after relocating from Fort Wayne, Indiana to Brentwood, Tennessee, to serve the Nashville area. After a successful career working with the Department of Defense, and recovering from cancer and an organ transplant in 2016 and seeing the impact this had upon his family, Scott found that his true passion is educating and protecting families. He takes pride in helping to alleviate the emotional and financial burden that comes with the passing of a loved one.
Scott supports veterans in many ways, including helping with events for Veterans of Foreign Wars and serving as a chaperone for Honor Flight. In his spare time, he loves traveling, and spending as much time as possible with his son Kristopher, with whom he enjoys many outdoor adventures, with shark fishing being one of their favorite activities.

Beth Crawford
Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
Beth Crawford is a dedicated and compassionate licensed funeral director and embalmer based in Nashville, TN. Born in Glasgow, Kentucky, Beth moved to Hendersonville, Tennessee during her high school years. She graduated from Lipscomb University and began her professional career as a graphic artist with the LM Berry Company.
Driven by a deep desire to serve others during their most difficult moments, Beth returned to school and earned an associate's degree in Funeral Service from John A. Gupton College. Over the years, she has held a variety of roles in the funeral profession, including arranging, directing, embalming, and managing, bringing both skill and empathy to every aspect of her work.
Outside of her professional life, Beth is a passionate ceramic artist. She regularly takes classes at a local studio, where she enjoys experimenting with wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery. Her work often features intricate designs and glazes, and she finds the creative process both grounding and fulfilling.
Beth is also deeply involved in animal rescue efforts as an active foster with Nashville Cat Rescue, where she helps care for and rehome cats in need. Her commitment to service extends to her faith community as well—Beth and her family are long-time members of Hendersonville Church of Christ.
Beth’s blend of artistic creativity, professional excellence, and heartfelt service makes her a respected and trusted figure in both her industry and her community.

Keri Wolf
Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
Keri Wolf started mortuary school in 2019 right after obtaining her bachelor's in psychology. She finished at John A. Gupton Mortuary School in 2020 where she started and completed her apprenticeship in 2021 and soon after became a licensed funeral director and embalmer. She moved to Florida in 2022 where she became dually licensed as a funeral director and embalmer and gained a lot of directing experience. She moved back to Nashville, TN in 2024 and started working at Spring Hill Funeral Home.

Gracie Mashburn
Funeral Director and Embalmer Apprentice
Gracie joined the Spring Hill team in June of 2023. She received her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2022 and an Associates of Arts in Funeral Service from John A. Gupton in 2024. Gracie is a Lawrence County native; she and her corgi, Margo, now call Nashville home.

David Paul Thain
Family Service Advisor
David Thain joined the Spring Hill team January 2015 & has 2 yrs of experience in the profession.
David's mission is helping families create a memorable life celebration for their loved one. Helping people through difficult times in their lives. Really rewarding career offering compassion, support and guidance to others through challenging times. During my personal time I enjoy fitness, health & wellness, biking, hiking, yoga and cooking. I am also a musician, vocalist and pianist. Piano influences: Floyd Cramer, Jerry Lee Lewis Vocal influences: Elvis, Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley

Christopher Goldsmith
Family Service Advisor
"Christopher joined North Star Memorial Group in 2024, and joined the team at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery in 2025. He has been a sales professional for industry leading companies such as Verizon Wireless, American Express and Pilot Travel Centers for the last 15 years.
He found his calling as a Family Service Advisor at the sister location of Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. Providing families with the utmost care and guidance in their time of need is a true passion of his.
In his spare time, you may find Christopher in a sand trap at the golf course or on a video call with his family back home."

Andrew Scott
Family Service Advisor
Andrew is originally from the New York City area. He graduated with a degree in finance from The American University in Washington DC. He spent 10+ years working for BlackRock in New York City and later Budapest. As a vice president for BlackRock he relocated to Budapest in 2018 to establish their global client invoicing team. After 6 years in Europe he’s now back in the US excited to be here in Nashville. Andrew is an avid golfer who loves doing the NYT crossword, reading fantasy and science-fi novels, gardening, and traveling having been to over 30 countries so far.

Donna Hoover
Staff Associate
Donna Hoover joined the Spring Hill staff. She is a member of Northside Church of Christ. Donna previously held various factory jobs including General Electric and Pinkerton Tobacco Co. Donna retired from infant daycare after 22 years and still misses her babies! When we asked what attracted Donna to this field, She said: “I enjoy people and decided I may be able to help families at Spring Hill Funeral Home. My husband has been employed at Spring Hill for 6 plus years, so he encouraged me to join the team.” Donna is married to Bill and enjoys word games and community activities When asked to give the proudest moment in this profession Donna said: “Spring Hill is full of genuinely caring, wonderful people whom I enjoy working with very much.”
We illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies and memorial tributes that honor your loved one.
















What Families Are Saying
Zach & Andrew were amazing!! From the beginning all the way to the end with all the knowledge & patience they make sure that the worse time in my family’s lives turns out to a beautiful memory. I can’t say thank you enough. We appreciate every single staff member at Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery.
Author: Cristina Guzman rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Scott was the most helpful person at this time of getting all the loose ends of life taken care of. Scott Mendenhall is the person to see for honesty and kindly time at difficult times of life.
Author: Caden Red rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Yesterday 10/16/2025 I met with Irina, to update My Mother’s Funeral file, that was recreated on 1/07/2011. I appreciated her meeting with me! Everything was updated and she assured me, that I was always welcomed to call her if I ever needed her, and Springhill anytime in the future.
Author: Rosemary Sharpe rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have recently attended a service at Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery. Gracie and David did an excellent job. Thank you so much for all you do.
Author: Christine Fontaine rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Rod showed exceptional care and knowledge in my interaction with him in this process. He was helpful and showed empathy in my situation.
Author: Andrew Wallace rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
David Thain & Beth Crawford were wonderful. Very supportive at the worse time of our family's lives. They did a great job guiding us through the entire process. Zack & Roger were also very helpful during the funeral service. Many thanks to them. They represent Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery very well.
Author: Danny Guy rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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