Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes - Mason

06/18/2026

June 18 is International Picnic Day!

For many of us, some of our favorite memories happened at a picnic table... family reunions, church gatherings, community celebrations, summer afternoons at the park, and backyard cookouts with loved ones.

It's often the simple moments we remember most: the food, the laughter, and the people gathered around us.

06/16/2026

At Gorsline-Runciman Ball-Dunn Chapel, we are honored to help families celebrate lives, share memories, and preserve the legacies of those who have touched our community.

Today, we remember Betty Irene Darlington, Kenneth "Kenny" Charles Kauffman, Carl Floyd Sisco, James William Vincent, Charles Lawrence Van Horn, Michelle Louise King, Kristin Renee Shutes, and Emma Malcangi.

Each life leaves a lasting imprint through the love shared with family and friends, the values passed on to future generations, and the memories that continue to bring comfort and inspiration.

We invite you to learn more about these individuals, share a memory, or leave a message of comfort for their loved ones by visiting www.grbdmason.com.

Please keep these families in your thoughts during the days ahead.

06/15/2026

One of the most meaningful parts of funeral service is helping people have conversations they may not otherwise know how to start.

That's why we were excited to learn about the "Good Grief" podcast and share it with you all. Good Grief is a new podcast created by Funeral Director Alex-Michael Alleva and General Manager Bart Hibner of Blake-Doyle Funeral Home, a fellow Dignity Memorial provider.

Through honest conversations about grief, healing, funeral service, and life itself, they're helping people better understand topics that affect all of us, but are often difficult to discuss.

We love seeing members of our profession finding new ways to educate, support, and connect with the communities they serve. You can find them on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

06/10/2026

Have you ever noticed a photograph displayed at a gravesite?

For many families, photographs are a meaningful way to honor a loved one and share a glimpse of the life they lived. A favorite portrait, a wedding picture, or a snapshot from a special day can help tell a story that words alone cannot.

If you're considering incorporating a photograph into a memorial, be sure to check with your cemetery regarding their guidelines. Some memorial markers can even be designed to permanently include a photograph as part of a loved one's tribute.

Sometimes a single photograph can bring back a lifetime of memories.

06/09/2026

This advertisement for A.B. Ball Home for Funerals appeared in 1930, nearly a century ago!

One passage feels just as relevant today as it did then:

"Being able to render a service that anticipates every wish and desire is the important thing."

While funeral service has changed significantly over the decades, the heart of that message remains timeless. Families facing the loss of a loved one often have countless decisions and concerns on their minds. The ability to anticipate needs, answer questions before they're asked, and thoughtfully guide families through difficult moments has long been a cornerstone of compassionate care.

It's fascinating to see that nearly 100 years ago, funeral professionals in Mason were emphasizing many of the same values that continue to shape service today.

06/05/2026

National Donut Day is more than just a reason to enjoy something sweet. 🍩

The tradition dates back to World War I, when Salvation Army volunteers known as the “Donut Lassies” served fresh donuts and coffee to soldiers overseas. In 1938, National Donut Day was established to honor their compassion, service, and the comfort they brought during uncertain times.

Today, we’re celebrating kindness, connection, and the simple comforts that bring people together.

06/05/2026

While our roots in Mason run deep, we are grateful to be part of a larger team working together to support families across Mid-Michigan.

Thank you to all who help make compassionate care possible every day.

Behind every service, every phone call, every arrangement conference, and every family we have the privilege to serve is a team of caring professionals dedicated to making a difficult time a little easier.

Yesterday, team members from across our chapels gathered at our Lansing Chapel for our quarterly business meeting. While we're missing a few familiar faces, we're grateful for the opportunity to learn together, support one another, and continue our commitment to serving Mid-Michigan families with compassion and care.

Thank you for trusting us to be part of life's most important moments. From Lansing to East Lansing, DeWitt, Mason, Williamston, and Tiffany Chapel, we're honored to serve our communities together.

06/01/2026

At our Ball-Dunn Chapel, we honor the lives of those we are privileged to serve and the memories they leave behind.

James William Vincent
Charles Lawrence Van Horn
Michelle Louise King
Kristin Renee Shutes
Emma Malcangi
Frank John Dziesupek Jr.
Ruth Donna Hanson
Melissa Jo Cade

Every life leaves a unique mark on family, friends, and community. We invite you to read more about their lives and share your memories at www.grbdmason.com.

05/31/2026

In the first moments after losing someone you love, it can be hard to know what to do next.

For many families, simply making that first phone call can feel overwhelming and honestly, even a little scary.

One thing we want our community to know is that immediate help is available, even before every decision has been made. If a loved one passes away, our team can help arrange transportation and guide you through those first steps with care and compassion, even if you are still exploring your options or choose another provider later on.

In moments of loss, families deserve kindness, clarity, and support without pressure.

No one should have to navigate those first difficult hours alone.

05/29/2026

A fun piece of Mason history from August 1973.

Many longtime community members may remember when the Ball-Dunn name was connected not only to funeral service, but also to home furnishings in downtown Mason. In this newspaper clipping from 1973, both businesses appeared side-by-side in the local paper.

For many longtime Mason families, that connection between furniture store and funeral home is still a vivid memory. It reflects a time when local businesses were woven closely into the everyday life of the community, serving families through both life’s ordinary moments AND its most difficult ones.

We always enjoy looking back on these pieces of local history and preserving the stories that helped shape our community over the years.