About Us

Our Valued Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Donna Henderson

Donna Henderson

Funeral Director

Donna obtained her license initially in Atlanta, GA and worked as lead funeral director and office manager for Alfonso Dawson's Mortuary. She returned to Des Moines in 2001 and became licensed in Iowa. She has owned Henderson's Funeral Service since 2001 She has 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.


Donna is a Deaconess in her church and stays active with community functions. She loves reading, drawing and listening to music. Helping hurting families is a ministry for her. 

Walt Henderson

Walt Henderson

Operations Manager


Ryan Fredregill - Funeral Director


Ryan was born in Des Moines, the son of Fred and Jolene (Saxton) Fredregill. When Ryan was two, his parents moved to Zearing and opened Fredregill Funeral Home. Ryan attended and graduated from Colo-NESCO high school in 1999. He then attended Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science and graduated with a degree in mortuary science in 2000. Ryan relocated to Kansas City and worked for Park Lawn Funeral Home there for over two years. In 2003 he decided to move back to Iowa and assist his father with the family business. Ryan started Fredregill Family Funeral Home in Baxter in the spring of 2009, and took over the location in Zearing, Iowa in 2016.  With his passion for helping families in need during a difficult time, Ryan aquired Henderson's  Funeral Home in the Fall of 2023 and looks forward to serving the Des Moines metro families.


Ryan attends the United Congregational Church of Christ in Baxter, and is a member of the Baxter Fun Committee, National Funeral Director’s Association, American Society of Embalmers, Baxter Masonic Lodge, and Za-Ga-Zig Shrine. He enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, riding motorcycles, camping, boating, but most of all helping families during their time of need. Ryan has a true understanding of how important funeral ceremonies are to the community. It truly is Ryan’s calling and passion in life to be able to serve.

William Cannon - Funeral Director


William is an empowered, anointed, and professionally prepared African American male.  One of his most prized possessions is the warm smile that accompanies his interaction with people. 


When this only son and youngest of three children was born, he was destined for strong leadership potential and success.  Now, his life as an adult African American male, father, granddad, husband, mentor, bishop and coach is a continuing success story in the making: “he is (a) influencing young individuals to go to college or learn a trade (b) fulfilling his Christian calling to pastoral leadership and (c) working his craft as a mortician.”


William has a strong belief in obtaining educational preparedness for life’s work.  He obtained the Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Upper Iowa University in pursue a Masters in Community Counseling University of Iowa, pursued and receive the Associate of Science Degree in Mortuary Science from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, Georgia in 2001.  Licensed Iowa and Nebraska Funeral Director.

Ja'Vaci Long - Funeral Assistant


Ja'Vaci joined the team at Henderson's in 2021 where he has been a valuable asset.  He has been responsible for day to day facility operations as well as assisting with funeral preparations.


On his free time, Ja'Vaci is known to be "dressed to impress".  He performs the drums/percussion frequently with local Church groups including Mt. Hebron and The Ship to name a few.  He enjoys helping others in the community and is close with his family, dearly loved neice and nephew, and friends.

Pam Long - Funeral Assistant; Insurance Liason


Pam has over 40 years of claims processing experience with Blue Cross Blue Shield and has been serving God's people for most of her adult life. Her soft spoken and kind mannerisms are felt and appreciated by not only staff, but by all that interact with her.  Pam has been with Henderson's since 2018, she is always a team player and a self starter; it's easy to see why Pam is an asset to the company. 


Pam is a Bible Study Teacher, and in her spare time she enjoys long walks and reading her Bible.

Carrie Fredregill

Carrie Fredregill - Pre-Need Specialist


Carrie joined Ryan at the funeral home in 2013 and has been a great addition where she manages the back office to the business.  She wears many hats from being a services assistant to meeting with families and guiding them through all of the planning options.  


In her free time, Carrie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, relaxing at the lake and playing with her dogs.

Graciela Ochoa - Funeral Assistant


Graciela wand born and raised on the East Side of Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln High School in 2013.  She continued her education and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Grand View University in 2018.  Graciela worked within the human service field at vaious non-profit organizations and decided to take a leap of faith in the Funeral Service beginning the new year of 2023.  She anticipates becoming a licensed Funeral Director graduating from the program at DMACC.


When Graciela has the time, she likes to gather with family and friends and indulge in her hobbies.  She really enjoys making pinatas, painting ceramics and canvases.  She also enjoys making caramel apples.  

Tony Gill - Funeral Assistant


Since 2003, Tony has been an intrigal part of the Henderson's Funeral Home.  Throughout the years, he has comforted endless families during the difficult time of loss.  


Originally From Washington D.C., Tony is an avid Washington Commanders Football fan.
Tony is also passionate about cooking delicious food.  His Chicken recipe is worthy of being on any restuarant menu.  During his free time, he enjoys shopping as he is a great dresser. 

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