"When Someone You Love Dies, You Only Get One Chance to Get It Right"
Hello, my name is Stephen, the founder of White Rose Funeral Service. When you call us, you will always either speak to me or a member of the White Rose family.
Losing someone you love is overwhelming. In those first moments, nothing feels clear — and the last thing you need is confusion, pressure, or uncertainty.
That’s why families across Burley in Wharfedale, Barnsley, Ilkley and Yorkshire turn to us.
When someone you love dies, you need more than just a funeral director.
At White Rose Funeral Services, we are a family-run funeral director built on one simple belief:
You should feel supported, not sold to.
From your very first call, we slow everything down. We listen. We guide. We take care of the details — so you don’t have to carry that burden alone.
What makes us different:
You speak to real people who are qualified and have extensive funeral exeperience. You don't speak to a call centre.
Your loved one stays in our care — always
Clear, transparent pricing with no surprises
Gentle guidance, without pressure or upselling
Support that continues long after the funeral
A Personal Approach:
Every life is unique — and every funeral should be too.
Whether you want something simple, traditional, or completely personal, we help you create a funeral service that truly reflects your loved one — not a standard template.
Why families choose us:
Because in one of life’s hardest moments, they want:
Calm, not chaos
Clarity, not confusion
Care, not process
And that’s exactly what we provide. If you’ve just lost someone and don’t know what to do next, call us.
Meet the White Rose Team
Directors
Stephen
From Teen Helper to MD
Stephen has vast experience in the funeral profession. He first gained an insight into the profession at only 15 years of age while helping out at the local funeral directors. This early influence sparked an interest in him which later inspired him to establish White Rose. Following his teen experience in the industry, Stephen went on to work for several independent funeral directors and one larger one. It was after that he decided to start White Rose Funeral Service drawing upon his experience and background in the industry.
Well Known and Respected in the Community
Stephen currently lives in Wetherby Leeds and holds a B.Sc (Hons) Degree from the University of Bradford and a PGCE from the University of Sheffield. He is well known for his care and absolute dedication to his families.
Although based in Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley, families from all over Yorkshire (and other parts of the UK) contact us to make arrangements for funerals. This is largely due to the respect he has in the community and the commitment he puts into every aspect of a funeral, as well as the fair and transparent pricing structure. See our Testimonials and what people say.
Jane Hawksworth
Funeral director and celebrant
Jane is our Funeral Director and Office Manager covering our offices in Leeds/Barnsley and the Yorkshire Area. In addition to this, Jane is our resident Celebrant and helps many families find a beautiful and personal tribute to say farewell to their loved ones.
“Hello, my name is Jane. I am the person who will visit you to discuss all of your funeral requirements. I have worked for several funeral companies prior to White Rose and continue to do so as a freelance Celebrant. You can be assured that on the day of the funeral your loved ones wishes will be truly honoured.”
Team Members
Stephen
Funeral team member
Joe
Funeral team member
Bret
Funeral team member
