At Hadaway & Denton, we understand that funerals are about so much more than logistics—they are deeply human moments, filled with love, memory, and emotion. At a time when many services are becoming automated, remote, or impersonal, we remain proudly different. We are independent funeral directors, rooted in Ashford, offering truly personal, face-to-face support when it matters most.
When you come to us, you're not dealing with a faceless company. You're meeting real people—Jo and Carl—who will guide you, support you, and care for your loved one with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Proud to Be Part of the Ashford Community
Hadaway & Denton isn't part of a large chain or a corporate group. We’re local. Independent. Personal.
We believe the funeral industry should never lose its heart, and that means offering a service where you know exactly who is caring for you and your loved one. Many families we have helped return to us over the years, trusting us with generations of their family’s farewells. That trust means everything to us.
We are proud to be a beacon of real, human connection—especially at a time when many services are being taken over by call centres and remote offices. At Hadaway & Denton, you’ll always find a caring face and a listening ear.
Meet Jo and Carl: The Owners
Jo Denton – Your First Point of Contact
Jo is often the first person you will speak to when you contact us. Her role is all about listening, supporting, and helping you plan a funeral that truly reflects the life and wishes of your loved one. Jo is a calm and reassuring presence, making sure you understand every option available without ever feeling rushed. Jo will gently guide you through the entire planning process—from helping with paperwork to discussing flowers, music, readings, and all those personal touches that make a funeral special. Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming. Jo’s job is to take that burden off your shoulders, helping you every step of the way.
Carl Hadaway – Your Support on the Day
When the day of the funeral arrives, Carl is there to ensure everything runs smoothly and respectfully. His calm, steady presence helps families feel supported when emotions are high. Carl takes care of every detail behind the scenes, from coordinating transport to guiding the mourners gently through the day’s events. His focus is always on giving families the space to grieve and honour their loved one, knowing that everything practical is taken care of with the utmost professionalism. You’ll never feel rushed or treated like “just another booking” when Carl is by your side. Every family, every service, matters to him deeply.
Personal Care at Every Step
Something that sets Hadaway & Denton apart is the way we care for your loved one. Unlike some larger providers who move the deceased between different locations or store them miles away, we care for every person on-site, right here in Ashford. Your loved one stays with us from the moment they come into our care until the day of the funeral.
You will always know exactly where your loved one is—and who is looking after them.
Our Chapel of Rest on site is available for you to visit whenever you wish, giving you the chance to say goodbye in your own time and in a peaceful, respectful environment. This personal care is a cornerstone of everything we do.
A Calling, Not Just a Career
For Jo and Carl, funeral directing isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.
It’s not a profession for everyone. It takes empathy, patience, emotional strength, and a genuine desire to help people at one of the hardest moments of their lives. For us, there is no greater privilege than helping families honour their loved ones with dignity, respect, and compassion.
We believe funerals are about more than just saying goodbye—they are about celebrating life, sharing memories, and offering comfort to those left behind. Being part of that journey is something we are deeply passionate about, and it’s why we wouldn’t choose to do anything else.
Why Choose an Independent Funeral Director?
Choosing an independent funeral director like Hadaway & Denton means choosing a service that is genuinely personal.
- You won’t be passed from one person to another.
- You won’t have to explain yourself over and over again.
- You won’t deal with anonymous call centres.
Instead, you’ll know exactly who you’re speaking to—and who is caring for your loved one—every step of the way. We are free from corporate targets and shareholder expectations, which means our only priority is you and your family. Everything we do is about offering honest advice, flexible options, transparent pricing, and heartfelt support.
How We Support Families
When you first contact us, we will arrange a meeting—either in our comfortable Ashford office, in your own home, or over the phone if you prefer. We’ll take the time to talk through everything you need, explaining all your options clearly and carefully.
Whether you want a traditional funeral, a direct cremation, an eco-friendly service, or something entirely unique, we’ll help you create a farewell that feels right. We’ll support you with:
- Funeral planning and organisation
- Guidance on registration and paperwork
- Choosing coffins, flowers, music, and readings
- Advice on memorials and ashes placement
- Support with prepaid funeral planning if you wish to plan ahead
And above all, we’ll be there with a steady, caring hand throughout.
Final Thoughts
At Hadaway & Denton, we are proud to be Ashford’s independent funeral directors—providing personal, compassionate care when families need it most. We know that when you lose someone, you’re not just looking for a service—you’re looking for human connection, for trust, and for the reassurance that your loved one will be treated with kindness and dignity. That’s exactly what we promise to provide. Always.
If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you, or simply want to talk about your options with no pressure or obligation, we’re here. Just as we always have been, and always will be.
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