Our Staff

Derek was raised in Middletown, Ohio, and graduated in 1992 from Middletown High School and went on to attend Miami University. He moved to Preble County and worked at Hueston Woods State Park until going to work at the Preble County Sheriff’s Office in 1998. He left the Sheriff’s Office in 2009 to attend the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Derek graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2010 from CCMS, earning his Bachelor of Science degree.

After completing his apprenticeship, he became a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer and began working for Rogers Funeral Home in New Lebanon for 8 years. In 2016 he and Eshelle purchased the Nein Funeral Home in Camden.  After growing and gaining some experience, they decided to purchase Preble Memory Gardens Funeral Center and Cemetery at the end of December 2020, from Dan and Caralynn Appenzeller. Derek also obtained his Master’s Training Certification to help develop future funeral professionals.

Derek is a member, and Vice President, of the Camden Family Lions Club, a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, and Ohio Cemetery Association. Every now and again Derek enjoys a round of golf, casting a line, or whitewater rafting when he has time. He likes to travel, hike, and relax outdoors, but most of all loves to escape to the Smoky Mountains when he can. He married his lovely wife, Eshelle, in 2002.

Together they have raised their beautiful children, and have four sweet grandchildren who are their world. He is proud to call Camden his home.

Eshelle grew up in Camden, Ohio, where she still resides today. She is a 1993 graduate of Preble Shawnee High School. and Montgomery County JVS. After high school and working in the nursing field for four years, she attended the Butler County Peace Officers Training Academy in 1996 and Sinclair’s Corrections Academy in 1997. She worked at the Preble County Sheriff’s Office from 1997 to 2010.

Eshelle married her amazing husband Derek in 2002. If you know her, you know she loves kids. They have a beautiful arrangement of children and 4 grandchildren that they adore.

Working hard managing two Funeral Homes and the Cemetery, she oversees the day-to-day operations, burials, and staff. Around the community, you will find her sitting on multiple boards, serving on committees, and volunteering in any way possible. She is the Director of the Little Shoppe of Sharing located in Camden at the Dover, also a Member of the Camden Family Lions Club, where she serves as treasurer, Vice President of The Common Good of Preble County, and a Member of the Ohio Cemetery Association, as well as being a recent Cohort of Leadership Preble County. Managing a busy schedule, Eshelle doesn’t have much downtime, but when she does, she enjoys traveling with her family and going camping.

A Somerville native and 2016 graduate of Talawanda High School, Elissa has an associate degree from Miami University, along with a bachelor’s degree from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, and obtained her Certified Celebrant Certificate from The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. She graduated CCMS top of her class Summa Cum Laude in 2022. She served her apprenticeship with us, passed her boards with flying colors, and upon completion became a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in 2023. We were happy when she decided to stay with our Funeral Brady Bunch family we have here.

Elissa is an avid animal lover, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her precious nephews, and hanging out on the family farm in Somerville, Ohio.

When she is able to get away, she enjoys travelling, and loving on her fat cat - named Monkey, or pestering her boyfriend and going on adventures with him. An all-around family-oriented young lady who brings attention to detail and compassion to every family she meets. We couldn’t be more proud of her, and the hard work and initiative she takes to learn every aspect of the funeral home. She makes a wonderful addition to our team, and we love finding her doodles and quirky notes she leaves us around the office.

Bryan started working for R.C. Nein & Sons Funeral Home in October 1999.  He grew up in Camden attending both Preble Shawnee and Eaton City Schools.  Bryan married Shannah McIntosh in October of 1995, and they have 2 children.  He is a social member of both the American Legion Post 377 and VFW Post 1577, in Camden, and a charter member and past Worthy President of FOE 4289 in Gratis.  In his spare time, Bryan enjoys fishing and rooting on his beloved Cincinnati Bengals.  As talented musician, he also plays guitar, piano, bass, and drums, and has played in several bands such as Misty River, Cold Turkey, and Tune Travelers. Bryan is thankful to be of help and comfort to families in their time of sorrow.

Gary was born and raised in Middletown to Charles and Marie Bales, and graduated from Lemon-Monroe High School, Class of 1965.  He served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1966-1970, and in 1969 was stationed on a LST ship in Vietnam, operating on the Mekong Delta rivers delivering materials and supplies to Navy barrack ships and other Navy locations.  He married Mary Hollister in May of 1966, and she passed away in December of 2021.  Together they raised three boys and enjoyed camping and traveling across the country.  Gary had been employed at Sorg Paper, and other companies in the sales departments.  He and Mary enjoyed going to see musicians from the 1950’s and 1960’s and entertainers play the golden oldies they listened to growing up.  After retirement, Gary spends his time still following the music and helping his oldest son, Derek, at the funeral home.