Autumn DeVault at the Peterson-Blick Funeral Home.

This article is part of the “Meet Your Neighbor” series, highlighting the stories of individuals who make Warren County a special place to live. If you have a suggestion for a person to profile, email jrex@timesobserver.com

For Autumn DeVault, returning to her hometown of Warren was more than a career move, it was an opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her.

DeVault’s journey has been guided by a deep sense of service, family and hometown pride.

DeVault was born and raised in Warren, graduating from Warren Area High School in 2020.

Growing up, her family spent much of their time outdoors, hunting and hiking. As a child. She often felt the city was small, but leaving for college helped her realize that what once seemed limiting was actually a privilege.

DeVault attended Thiel College, and the size of the school played a large factor in her decision.

“I’m glad I went to a small college because it kind of reminded me of high school,” said DeVault, noting that she still speaks with many of her high school friends today.

Through a consortium program with Thiel and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS), DeVault earned both a bachelor’s degree in business and an associate’s degree in specialized technology (Funeral Service Arts and Sciences).

Her interest in the field began early.

“I had heard about someone going to mortuary school and I thought that was interesting,” she said. “It’s not really a field that you think about.”

DeVault began her interest with mortuary school at the beginning of her high school career.

Because the path is so specialized, PIMS is one of only two mortuary schools in the state.

During her senior year of high school, she spent a day job shadowing at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, helping with a service and completing office tasks. This experience confirmed her calling.

“It’s not just about the person who is deceased, it’s also about the family. You’re caring for a bunch of people, and that’s what I want to do,” she said.

DeVault later interned at Rose and Black Funeral Home in Stoneboro, where she met her husband, Isaac.

She expected to stay there for a while, but in 2024, Peterson-Blick was looking for more funeral directors. At the time, she was still a mortuary student, unsure where life would take her.

When she and Isaac got engaged, they began thinking more about their future, specifically, whether to remain in her hometown of Stoneboro or return to hers.

Seeing how deeply connected he was to his community made her reflect on her own roots.

“I was like, well, I would really like to go home and take care of the people that have helped raise me. Not just my family but the entire community.”

The couple married in August , and DeVault became a licensed funeral director in October.

Some people might find it difficult to work with their spouse, but for DeVault, it is just part of her daily routine.

“We’ve worked together for the entirety of my career, even before we were dating. So I really learned to do my job with him. ”

Over time, they have formed a partnership so seamless that she says they can often read each other’s minds.

“There’s a lot of things I don’t even need to say out loud because he already knows what to do.

DeVault said she thinks her husband is really enjoying his new home. Adjusting to a new area took time, but DeVault said he is settling in well.

Isaac’s hometown is only about an hour and forty minutes away, so they often make day trips to see his family.

Looking ahead, DeVault hopes to remain in Warren. Her long-term goal is to one day take over the funeral home if the current owner Todd Anderson decides to take a step back.

She said Anderson has expressed that he would love to see a local person take over the funeral home and continue the Peterson-Blick legacy.

Still early in her career, DeVault said she is continuing to learn new things about the town, the work, and the people she serves.

In her free time, she loves reading, cooking, spending time with loved ones and enjoying the outdoors.

She has a younger brother in high school and a sister currently attending college.

She said she is also excited to begin snowboarding again now that winter has begun.

Her favorite thing about Warren, though, remains the river.

“Every time I drive through a town with a river it reminds me of home.”