About Us
About Howarth's Funeral Service
Are you arranging a funeral for a loved one? Our funeral directors at Howarth's Funeral Service, in Bolton and Farnworth, offer a full bespoke service to ensure all aspects of funeral planning runs as smoothly as possible.
We are located in Bolton, Lancashire but are capable of conducting funerals throughout the UK and Ireland and can arrange for a deceased to be transported to, and from anywhere in the world.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Our full-time staff can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We look after all the funeral arrangements for you, relieving stress on the family. We liaise with all necessary parties to ensure that arrangements are as requested. We are completely independent and flexible to your requirements as we are not controlled by a national office.
What We Do
We liaise with all necessary parties to ensure that arrangements are as requested.
We are completely independent and flexible to your requirements as we are not controlled by a national office.
Members of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors
Howarth’s Funeral Service are members of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).
In so doing, we pledge to adhere to their strict code of practice, which ensures the high standards expected by our families are met. It also ensures that our ownership and pricing policy are transparent To discuss any special requirements you may have, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Our full-time staff can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We look after all the funeral arrangements for you, relieving stress on the family.
Our Team
John Howarth
John has worked in the funeral industry for over 40 years and has a wealth of experience in arranging and conducting funerals. He is a qualified Funeral Director and Embalmer and a former tutor and examiner of The International Examination Board of Embalmers. John retired in January 2021, thirty years to the day since opening the business.
Laura Howarth
Managing Director
Laura joined her father in the firm full-time in 2006, after completing her degree, before which she worked part-time during the holidays. She is a qualified Funeral Director and Embalmer and is now responsible for the smooth running of the business.
Mark Rule
Funeral Director
Mark is a qualified Funeral Director and has been with Howarth’s for over 30 years.
Simon Yates
Branch Manager (Farnworth)
Simon joined the company in 2013 and passed his Diploma in Funeral Directing in March 2015. He is responsible for the smooth running of the Farnworth Office.
Toby Hall
Funeral Operative
Toby joined the firm in June 2025. He works alongside the funeral directors to ensure the smooth running of all funerals.
Philip Waring
Funeral Operative
Phil joined the firm as a funeral operative after a career with Greater Manchester Police. He works alongside the Funeral Directors to ensure the smooth running of the funerals.
Nicola Darwell
Office Administrator
Nicola joined the firm in January 2026. She is responsible for the administration side of the business and will help support the funeral directors with administration tasks.
Billy Guffogg
Funeral Operative
Billy joined the firm in March 2022 after a career in GMP and working for the business as a casual driver/bearer. He works alongside the funeral directors at Astley Bridge.
