Our 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.

LICENSED STAFF

Janice Grubbs, Owner/Funeral Director
Office Phone: (859) 356-2673   |   Fax: (859) 356-7395     

Email: 555jscg@gmail.com

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.

Chris Grubbs, President/Funeral Director
Office Phone: (859) 525-9009   |   Fax: (859) 525-2345  

​Email: chris.grubbs@chambersandgrubbs.com

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.

Steve Grubbs, Funeral Director
Office Phone: (859) 525-9009   |   Fax: (859) 525-2345

Email: steve.grubbs@chambersandgrubbs.com

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.    

Toni Thompson, Managing Funeral Director/Embalmer             

Office Phone: (859) 525-9009   |   Fax: (859) 525-2345​

Email: toni.thompson@chambersandgrubbs.com

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.

Tess Payton, Funeral Director/Embalmer
Office Phone: (859) 525-9009   |   Fax: (859) 525-2345

Email: tess.payton@chambersandgrubbs.com

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. A lifelong learner, she is a dedicated student of the Fountain National Academy Of Professional Embalming Skills. It's Tess's wish to one day become a Reconstructive Specialist. Tess enjoys volunteering for Emergency Shelter Of Northern Kentucky, being outdoors, traveling, reading, good food, movies and live music. She is also a DJ and 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.

Jennifer Wirth, Funeral Director/Embalmer
Office Phone: (859) 525-9009   |   Fax: (859) 525-2345

Email: jennifer.wirth@chambersandgrubbs.com

Jennifer hails from Castalia, Ohio and is a 2015 graduate of Margaretta High School. She holds an Applied Science associate's degree from Bowling Green State University (2018) and both an Associates and bachelor's 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. She enjoys traveling, video games, puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. Jenn lives in Union, KY with her husband Kellen and their two Tibetan Mastiffs, Waffle and Tater. 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.

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Sophia Depenbrock, Funeral Director/Embalmer
Office Phone: (859) 525-9009   |   Fax: (859) 525-2345

Email: sophia.depenbrock@chambersandgrubbs.com

An old soul with a knack for finding joy in life's simple pleasures, her name proves true; Sophia meaning “wisdom” and Lynn meaning “light-bringer”. Known for her sense of humor and genuine kindness, Sophia brings a unique blend of compassion and charm to our team. She earned high honors among her graduating class at Cincinnati College of Mortuary science and was presented with the Homer D. Leffler award in recognition for excellence in ethical and compassionate service, community relations and personal and professional development.

Outside of her role as a funeral director and embalmer, you'll often find her at a local yard sale hunting for small trinkets, each a reflection of her appreciation for the personal and sentimental aspects of life. Sophia loves packing her family up for boy scout camp. She enjoys being the youngest pink hatter of her Red Hat Society and is passionate about her local libraries! Her casket spray would read; lover of Jesus, grateful wife, playful mother, second born sister, adoring dog mom. She has a talent for providing a comforting lightness to difficult moments. Her dedication to hospitality and her approachable nature allows her to ensure that each family receives the heartfelt support they need before, during, and after a funeral ritual.

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Michelle Fowler, Advanced Funeral Planning Consultant

Office Phone: (859) 525-9009   |   Fax: (859) 525-2345

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Janet Scherpenberg, CPA, Administrative Manager
Office Phone: (859) 594-3170   |   Fax: (859) 282-7348

Email: jan.scherpenberg@chambersandgrubbs.com

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”.

Lisa Volz, Office Administrator/Social Media, Marketing & Events
Office Phone: (859) 344-5000   |   Fax: (859) 356-7395                          

Email: lisa.volz@chambersandgrubbs.com

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, the Badlands, the Rocky Mountains, and locally throughout Ohio and Kentucky. She is continually amazed at the beauty of God's creation.

Ann Durham, Administrative Assistant
Office Phone: (859) 344-5000   |   Fax: (859) 356-7395                             

Email: ann.durham@chambersandgrubbs.com

Ann grew up in Lockland, Ohio and graduated with the Class of 1984. In December, Ann went to work at Rollman Psychiatric Institute; it closed 5 years later, those employees transferred to the Pauline Warfield Lewis Center (formerly Longview State Hospital). In 1999, Ann made a bold career change and began work with the CVG Airport Authority (formerly the Kenton County Airport Board) in Planning and Development. Ann found the ‘love’ of her work life; she has been a ‘planner’ her entire life. After 22 years, Ann decided to retire to make memories with family (her favorite ‘job’ is being Gigi to grandbabies – Madi and Lincoln).

Ann is married to Denny; they recently celebrated their 35th anniversary. They have two children: Andrew and Arica (husband: Derek). Aspen, a chihuahua, is their sweet fur baby.

Ann is a longtime member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. She enjoys spending time with family, drinking coffee, board and card games, bowling, going to the movies, traveling, history, genealogy, singing in the choir, photography, and, of course, shopping.

Ann believes everyone deserves to be treated with love, dignity and respect, no matter where they are in life. She is honored and thankful to be a small part of this distinguished team.

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Tammy Hayden, Administrative Assistant
Office Phone: (859) 344-5000   |   Fax: (859) 356-7395                             

Email: tammy.hayden@chambersandgrubbs.com

Tammy was born and raised in Northern Kentucky.  She celebrated her 35th wedding anniversary to John ("Jay") in October 2024. They have 2 children, Samantha and John, four grandsons, and a fur baby, Tina.  Tammy enjoys worshiping at Community Family Church, where she is a member. Tammy loves spending time with her family and friends, enjoys playing board and card games, and especially being outdoors where she is always in awe of God’s beauty. She tries to see people through God’s eyes, showing them love and compassion. Tammy is thankful and honored to be a part of the Chambers & Grubbs team and to show people God’s love at a very sensitive time in their lives.

FAMILY CARE & OTHER STAFF

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.

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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

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.”

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.

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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.

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Milford Dow, Maintenance Supervisor

Milford was born in Margate, England, while his father was stationed there with the US Air Force. The family later moved to Lybia, North Africa where two more siblings were added to the family. They made their way back to the United States with a move to Long Island, New York where Milford’s twin sisters were born. The family found their way to Cincinnati, Ohio after his father’s military discharge where they lived in Price Hill. Milford attended Carson Elementary, Dater Junior High, and Western Hills High School. Milford completed high school at Holmes when the family moved to Covington. After high school, Milford volunteered for the draft and served in the US Army for eighteen months, stationed in Germany. After his discharge from the Army, he settled in Northern Kentucky eventually moving to Verona, Ky where he has lived for the over 28 years. Milford has six children, daughters Lorie, Laura, Lena, Lacie, Lindsay, and a son, Corey. He attends New Bethel Baptist Church in Verona. Milford very proud to be a part of the Chambers & Grubbs team.

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Mark Butler, Family Care Liaison

Mark grew up in Walton and is the tenth child from a family of fourteen children. 
 He was a graduate of Walton-Verona in 1983.  He is a parishioner of St Joseph Mission Catholic Church.  In 1987, Mark married Beth Plunkett, a classmate from his kindergarten class and together, they raised their two children, Allison and Justin.   Currently, Mark has six grandsons! 

He began a career at United Parcel Service in 1985 and retired as a package car driver in 2024. A couple of days after his retirement with UPS, Mark began working with Chambers & Grubbs to help serve families in their time of need. Mark and Beth travel as much as they can and love when family or friends join them in their travels! Mark also enjoys metal detecting and vintage toys. He enjoys local history and is always looking for another item to add to his collection of Walton memorabilia!

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Troy McKinley, Family Care Liaison

Troy was born and raised in Independence and graduated from Simon Kenton in 1981.  After college at UK, he served as a police officer for the Lexington Police Department for almost 14 years.  After an injury forced him to retire, he moved back to the Northern Kentucky area and received a B.A. degree in Education from NKU and Masters of Arts in Special Education from Georgetown University.  He spent most of his teaching career at Ft. Wright Elementary and retired from teaching in 2022.  Troy and his wife Donna have been married since 1985 and have three daughters: Brittany, Tory, and Abby.  They also have 2 grandchildren.  He is a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church.  Troy loves participating in and watching anything sports related.  He is also an avid reader.  

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Alex King, Transport Team Member

Alex grew up in Independence, KY and graduated from Simon Kenton High School. Alex has a background in public safety serving as a Firefighter/EMT as well as a 911 dispatcher. Alex, along with his wife and three children, currently have a farm just outside of Walton where they enjoy raising animals and spending time outdoors. 

 "It’s an honor to be able to serve families in their time of need. My family has always trusted Chambers & Grubbs with our loved ones and I take great pride being able to now personally assist in providing the same compassion and professionalism my family has always been given throughout the years."