SheLor School of Dance students performed to a touching rendition of “Knockin' on Heaven's Door” at the third annual Community Memorial Service Sunday at Butler Memorial Hospital. The service is meant to help those who are grieving get through the holiday season.

Tears were allowed Sunday at Butler Memorial Hospital as 250 people honored their late loved ones at the annual Community Memorial Service at Butler Memorial Hospital.

The hospital hosts the event each holiday season, which can be particularly difficult for those grieving the death of a friend or family member.

A muted handbell sounded when each of the 85 names of the attendees' deceased loved ones were read aloud during the service's White Rose Ceremony. The hospital's candy stripers distributed a rose to the family member or friend of each person named during the touching ceremony.

Families also received a blessed Christmas ornament during the service.

Jenna Rhodaberger, the health system's palliative care social worker and organizer of the annual service, said a main purpose of the event is to remind those who are grieving a loss at the holidays that they are not alone.

She said some people dread preparing a dinner their late loved one prepared just the year before or even attending family events that will be different because of a loss.

“That's OK,” Rhodaberger said. “Do what you need to do to survive this holiday season.”

Read more in Monday's Butler Eagle