The Jewell-Rittman Difference

The names Jewell and Rittman have been synonymous with the highest ethics and quality in funeral service in the Columbus area for decades. Vernon Jewell’s career in funeral service began in 1960 when he moved to Columbus to work for Wayne Reed. Vernon purchased Wayne’s interest in the business in 1968, and it became known as Reed & Jewell Funeral Home, Inc.
The funeral home was located at 5th & Pearl Streets until the school system purchased that property to build Lincoln Elementary School.

Vernon later sold the business to Myers Funeral Service in the mid-1980s after it appeared his children were not interested in it. It wasn’t until several years later that the family saw a need for a family-owned and operated business in Columbus. Vernon’s stepson, Nick Rittman, a licensed funeral director, moved back to Columbus to join Vernon as they opened Vernon Jewell-Nick Rittman Funeral Home. Brothers, Heeth and Keith Jewell, were also partners in the family business that opened in 1999 in the former Tovey’s Shoe Store. Tovey’s had been an institution in Columbus for generations.

Extensive remodeling was completed, creating two chapels for visitations and funerals, the parking lot was expanded, and before long, a dream was born. The first funeral service was conducted in June 1999. As the business grew, another extensive renovation was completed in 2007, adding a large, state-of-the-art lounge and garage. In 2016, Keith unexpectedly passed away, leaving Vernon, Nick and Heeth.

Always wanting to stay ahead of the curve, Vernon was determined to add a cremation facility. In 2023, the funeral home purchased property on South Marr Road and separate human and pet cremation retorts were installed, creating the Jewell-Rittman Cremation Center.

Vernon Jewell died on August 24, 2024. Nick Rittman and Heeth Jewell continued operating the family business, along with their capable and dedicated staff. Vernon’s passing left a void that caused the brothers to look for a successor. Keeping the funeral home family-owned and operated was important to Nick and Heeth. After prayerful consideration, it was decided that Chris and Mary Beth Branson would be the best fit for carrying the Jewell-Rittman tradition forward.

In September 2025, the funeral home and crematory were sold to the Bransons, who also own Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory in Mooresville and O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory on the south side of Indianapolis. The funeral home was rebranded from Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home to Jewell – Rittman Funeral Service & Crematory. Heeth Jewell retired, while Nick Rittman and the rest of the familiar staff members all remained to serve the community.