Licensed Staff
Over the years, our firm has been fortunate to attract and retain staff that is friendly, compassionate, highly skilled and dedicated to their profession.
Whether it is our licensed staff or non-licensed staff, we believe that it is important for you to feel comfortable with all of the people that you will meet at our firm. As such, we are providing you with a brief background and photograph of the individuals that make up our team.
Janice Grubbs
Owner/Funeral Director
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Janice Grubbs
Owner/Funeral Director
Janice grew up in Walton, and graduated in 1956 from Walton Verona High School. Before working for Chambers and Grubbs, she worked for Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio. Janice and her high school sweetheart, James D. Grubbs, married in 1959 and celebrated over 50 years of marriage before his death in 2010. Jim and Janice moved to Independence and started the Independence location in 1963. She later earned her funeral directors license in 1979. Janice is a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Walton and Hickory Grove Baptist Church. She has two sons, Steve and Chris Grubbs. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, and loves to find ways to help people.
Phone: (859) 356-2673 | Fax: (859) 356-7395
Email: 555jscg@gmail.com
Chris Grubbs
President/Funeral Director
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Chris Grubbs
President/Funeral Director
Chris is a fourth generation, licensed Funeral Director. He is the lucky husband of Pennie (Akers) Grubbs and proud father of three amazing children Mackenzie, Tristan, and Grant, and Charlie, the family’s beloved goldendoodle. Chris is a graduate of Simon Kenton High School and the University of Kentucky. After college, he originally worked for South Central Bell and Owen Electric Cooperative before eventually heeding his calling to become a Funeral Director in 1996. His passions other than his family and profession include U.K. sports, coaching youth sports, exercising and beach vacations. Over the years, he has been involved with numerous civic and church activities including being a member, Sunday School Teacher, Trustee and inactive Deacon at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, an alum of Leadership Northern Kentucky, serving on the Boards of the Independence Senior Center, Baptist Life Communities, Advisory Council of St. Elizabeth Hospice, Advisory Council of Legacy Financial Advisors, the fundraising teams for Friends of Walton Verona Basketball and Football Teams, and coaching multiple youth sports teams. He is also the sole proprietor of Angelic Memorials a memorial company specializing in custom monuments and items of remembrance for those experiencing a loss.
Phone: (859) 525-9009 | Fax: (859) 525-2345
Steve Grubbs
Funeral Director
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Steve Grubbs
Funeral Director
Steve is married to Vicki Hester Grubbs and has 3 step-sons, Brent, Chad & Eric Hopkins, as well as 2 dogs, Jake & Bella. He lives in the Piner, KY area and is a member at Hickory Grove Baptist Church. A licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Steve has been employed at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Homes since graduating from Simon Kenton High School in 1978. He enjoys drag racing, gardening, landscaping, biking, boating, all water sports and breeding German Shepherd puppies. Steve attended Mid-America Mortuary College and has been licensed since 1983. Over the years, Steve has taken many courses related to the funeral profession and continues to do so.
Phone: (859) 525-9009 | Fax: (859) 525-2345
Toni Thompson
Assistant Manager/Funeral Director/Embalmer
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Toni Thompson
Assistant Manager/Funeral Director/Embalmer
Toni began working here as a student in September of 2017. Toni grew up in Burlington, Kentucky and attended Randall K. Cooper High School. She graduated Cum Laude from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science with a Bachelors degree in Mortuary Science in 2018, receiving the award for exceptional advancement in the art and science of embalming. During her time in mortuary school, she was able to become a certified life celebrant and crematory operator and arranger. In her spare time, Toni enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and summer time activities. Toni chose to be a Funeral Director because she is passionate about providing exceptional care to decedents and their surviving loved ones. She feels it is very honorable to be able help people through trying times.
Phone: (859) 525-9009 | Fax: (859) 525-2345
Tess Payton
Funeral Director/Embalmer
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Tess Payton
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Tess is a native of Florence, KY and a graduate of Boone County High School. She holds degrees from the University of Louisville and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Upon graduation Tess received the award for exceptional advancement in the art and science of embalming. A former arts administrator and nonprofit manager; funeral service is a second career for her. She is an Insight Institute Certified Celebrant and an ICCFA Certified Cremation Arranger and Operator. Tess enjoys volunteering for Welcome House Of Northern Kentucky, gardening, traveling, reading, good food, and live music. She is also a DJ/sound artist. A resident of Louisville for many years, she now lives with her family in Covington. Tess believes that everyone deserves a celebration of their life that tells their own unique story. She is deeply honored to be able to serve Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana families.
Phone: (859) 525-9009 | Fax: (859) 525-2345
Jennifer Wirth
Funeral Director/Embalmer
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Jennifer Wirth
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Jennifer hails from Castalia, Ohio and is a 2015 graduate of Margaretta High School. She holds an Applied Science Associates degree from Bowling Green State University (2018) and both an Associates and Bachelors degree of Mortuary Science from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (2019) where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. At CCMS, Jenn was also the recipient of the Wakeham-Inman Award in recognition of outstanding achievement in the combined theory and practice of embalming. Jenn is licensed to practice as a funeral director and embalmer in both Ohio and Kentucky and is also a licensed crematory operator in Ohio. She enjoys traveling, video games, puzzles and spending time with family and friends. Jenn lives in Union, KY with her husband Kellen. She feels it is important to honor and celebrate those that we love and is proud to be able to shepherd families along the tough road of loss.
Phone: (859) 525-9009 | Fax: (859) 525-2345
Kenneth R. Trimbach
Funeral Director/Embalmer
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Kenneth R. Trimbach
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Kenneth R. Trimbach is a 1993 graduate of Bellbrook High School located in Bellbrook, Ohio. In 1996, Kenneth graduated with an Associate’s Degree from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville, IN. He has been a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in Indiana since 1997 and has proudly served families in Northern Kentucky since 1998. He served as a Deputy Coroner in Boone County for 12 years. Kenneth has a daughter Noel who is a 2020 graduate of St. Henry High School and is attending Smith College in Northampton, MA. Kenneth is a member of St. Paul Church in Florence, Kentucky, a member of the Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky, Indiana Funeral Directors Association, and Knights of Columbus Fr. Bealer Council 3908.
Phone: (859) 525-9009 | Fax: (859) 525-2345
Michelle Fowler
Advanced Funeral Planning Consultant, Funeral Director/Embalmer
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Michelle Fowler
Advanced Funeral Planning Consultant, Funeral Director/Embalmer
Michelle is originally from Wapakoneta, Ohio. She attended Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH before attending and graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1989. She is licensed as an embalmer and funeral director in the states of Ohio and Kentucky with over 35 years of experience. She also holds an insurance license in both Ohio and Kentucky. Before moving to Kentucky, for nearly 15 years she worked as an embalmer and funeral director for a family-owned funeral home in Ohio with 3 locations and became manager. After moving to Kentucky, she continued utilizing all her licenses in both states. She says she is blessed to be married to her best friend and love of her life, Fred Fowler. When she married Fred, she was so very proud and happy to become a mom to three grown children. She is even more proud to then become a grandma of 8 and a great-grandmother of 5 (and still counting). She is a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Florence. Her hobbies are baking, cooking, and spending quality time with family and her friends. Michelle has served as an Advanced Funeral Planning Consultant with Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Homes since 2020.
Phone: (859) 525-9009 | Fax: (859) 525-2345
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Janet Scherpenberg
CPA, Administrative Manager
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Janet Scherpenberg
CPA, Administrative Manager
Jan has been working in the funeral industry for over 20 years. She is married to Bob and has four children, Bobby (wife Andrea), Danny, Joey and Melissa (husband Drew). She is also the proud Nini to Savannah, Quentin, Lucas and Sophia. Jan enjoys frequent visits from her granddogs Geoffrey, Snoop and Kona. Jan graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. After being a stay at home mom for over 14 years, she obtained her CPA license and went to work for a funeral home consulting firm. After working with the Grubbs family as clients, she decided to join their team in 2008 and work hands on in a funeral home. She handles the day to day accounting and personnel responsibilities. Her interests outside of work are primarily her family. She enjoys working in her garden, boating on Lake Cumberland and “getting her steps in”.
Phone: (859) 594-3170 | Fax: (859) 282-7348
Lisa Volz
Office Administrator/Social Media, Marketing & Events
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Lisa Volz
Office Administrator/Social Media, Marketing & Events
Lisa attended the University of Louisville where she graduated on the Dean's List with a degree in Communications. She has spent much of her career as an independent contractor providing administrative services to non-profit associations. She is a former member of the American Society of Association Executives and the American Physical Therapy Association's Council of Component Executives where she has held leadership roles, including a term as President. Lisa followed her heart from her hometown of Louisville to Northern Kentucky where she married Erlanger native, Allen Volz. They have four children and two dogs. Lisa has hiked in Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Yosemite, Sequoia, and locally throughout Ohio and Kentucky. She is continually amazed at the beauty of God's creation.
Phone: (859) 344-5000 | Fax: (859) 356-7395
Teresa Tolliver
Administrative Assistant
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Teresa Tolliver
Administrative Assistant
Teresa grew up in Verona, KY and graduated from Walton Verona High School in 1981. During and after high school Teresa loved to play softball and met her future husband of 37 years Dean Tolliver while doing so. Teresa and Dean reside in Dry Ridge, Ky and have two fur babies Macy and Bella. Teresa retired from American Airlines after 20 years and began her second career as a Hair stylist in the local area. Teresa is a member of New Bethel Baptist church where she has served on several mission trips and participates regularly in the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox ministry. She enjoys fireside chats and reading under her pergola built by her father Paul Black of Verona, Ky which he proudly nicknamed her “fancy french porch”.
Phone: (859) 344-5000 | Fax: (859) 356-7395
Karla Porter
Administrative Assistant
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Karla Porter
Administrative Assistant
Karla is a graduate of Walton-Verona High School and Eastern Kentucky University. She is retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs where she worked for over 32 years as a Health Information Manager. After college, Karla called Nashville, TN and Crestwood, KY home before returning to the family farm in Verona in 2015. Karla is a member of New Bethel Baptist Church in Verona where she serves as Assistant Treasurer, enjoys singing in the choir and substitutes as pianist. She is an extremely proud aunt, great-aunt and godmother and enjoys traveling and working on the farm.
Phone: (859) 344-5000 | Fax: (859) 356-7395
FAMILY CARE & OTHER STAFF
Donna Race
Facility Care Agent/Family Care Liaison/Hostess
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Donna Race
Facility Care Agent/Family Care Liaison/Hostess
Donna is a Family Care Liaison/Reception Hostess. She is the proud mother of two sons Leslie (Mandy) and Dennis (Katie) and proud and devoted grandmother of Connor, Landon, Henson, Jay, Savannah, Sierra, and Jorja. Donna is a High School graduate of Walton-Verona. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, UK basketball and photography. She has worked at Chambers & Grubbs since 1996. It is an honor to work for them and serve the community.
Dean Tolliver
Family Care Liaison
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Dean Tolliver
Family Care Liaison
Dean grew up in Union, KY and graduated from Boone County High School in 1975. After graduating high school Dean played softball for many years all over Northern Kentucky. While playing softball he met his future wife Teresa Black from Verona, KY. They married in 1983 and currently live in Dry Ridge, KY with their 4-legged children. Two very spoiled Maltese puppies Macy and Bella. Prior to coming to work for Chambers & Grubbs, Dean worked 34 years at the Valvoline Company. Dean served in various rolls throughout his career. Working in Production, Shipping and Receiving, and promoting Valvoline by working in Hospitality at many Nascar and NHRA events across the United States. After retiring in 2017, Dean has enjoyed spending more time with his hobbies of golf and working on classic cars and trucks. Dean has a few classic cars and trucks that he enjoys driving to cruise-ins with Teresa and friends. Dean also enjoys supporting the Walton-Verona High School sports teams. Dean is a member of New Bethel Baptist Church in Verona, KY. He currently serves as a Deacon. Dean has been blessed to serve on several Mission trips traveling throughout Kentucky helping where the mission team was lead to work. Dean had the privilege to chaperone New Bethel Baptist Youth group at Youth camp for many years. He truly enjoyed mentoring to the Youth. After being retired for 11 months he was given the opportunity to come work at Chambers & Grubbs to serve the families that have entrusted their loved ones to us. Dean has found and often said that it is a blessing and privilege to work with the staff at Chambers & Grubbs in this capacity.
Lee Anne Ryan-Barth
After Care Specialist
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Lee Anne Ryan-Barth
After Care Specialist
Lee Anne is a graduate of Walton-Verona High School. She married her high school sweet heart, Todd Ryan, and they were blessed with three wonderful children: Nicholas, Lacey, Misty and along the way gained two awesome son-in-laws, Bobby and Jason. She is also Mimi to Piper, Owen, Jase and Sawyer, along with a special angel, Ryan, watching from above. She attended Northern Kentucky University and obtained an Associate of Mental Health and a Bachelor of Education. She taught elementary school in Boone County before earning her Master in Education (NKU) and a Master in Counseling (Xavier) to begin her career as an Elementary School Counselor in Kenton County. As a retired elementary school counselor, Lee Anne comes to us with a wealth of experience in helping families navigate difficult circumstances. After the passing of Todd, she began to work with families going through divorce and the death of loved ones. She knows the heartache and emotional toll that those experiences can cause and decided to pursue a career in the funeral business with Chambers & Grubbs to help others. Lee Anne remarried in 2022 to Joe Barth and they happily reside in Verona. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, shopping, golf, decorating and spending time with her family, especially her precious grand babies. Lee Anne has a quote she tries to live by: “We cannot get through life without pain… it is how we use the pain that will affect our future.”
Doug Coyle
Family Care Liaison
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Doug Coyle
Family Care Liaison
Doug has been happily married to Marie for 25 years. He is the father of two boys, Austin and Jonathan. He is also the grandfather of two boys (Austin and Sara's children) Dawson and Wesley. He has served in Fire Service for 29 years. He currently is a firefighter/paramedic at the Independence Fire District.
Bode McKinley
Family Care Liaison
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Bode McKinley
Family Care Liaison
Bode was born in Independence, KY, and currently lives near Williamstown Lake in Dry Ridge. He graduated from Simon Kenton high school and has spent over 20 years with Owen Electric (much of that time as an electrical lineman). Bode attends and serves at his church, the Family Worship Center in Williamstown. He is happily married to Chana. They have four children: Brooke, Brent, Danielle, and Destenie; and eleven grandchildren ranging from five months to sixteen years old. Bode and Chana love singing and are part of the Appalachian Troubadours, performing at venues across Kentucky. They also use their talent to sing at their church and at churches across the state. Bode enjoys meeting people and woodworking.
Missy Clinkenbeard
Community Engagement Coordinator
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Missy Clinkenbeard
Community Engagement Coordinator
Missy is a 1987 graduate of Walton-Verona High School and a 1992 graduate of Georgetown College where she holds a bachelor's degree in Biology and master's degree in Secondary Education. She taught science for 24 years at Gallatin County High School before transitioning to post-secondary education as a program mentor with Western Governors University. Missy is a member of New Bethel Baptist Church where she is chair of the community outreach committee. She enjoys baking, gardening, mowing and loves the Cincinnati Bengals and UK Wildcats. She and her husband, Mark are the proud parents of three grown children, Molly, Matt and Zach.
Our Locations
Walton
45 North Main St Walton, KY, 41094
Phone: (859) 344-5000
Email: info@chambersandgrubbs.com
Independence
11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051
Phone: (859) 344-5000
Email: info@chambersandgrubbs.com
Florence
8461 Dixie Highway, Florence, KY 41042
Phone: (859) 344-5000
Email: info@chambersandgrubbs.com