Frequent Questions

Why have a Funeral?

Funerals fill an important role for those mourning the loss of a loved one. By providing surviving family and friends with an atmosphere of care and support in which to share thoughts and feelings about death, funerals are the first step in the healing process. It is the traditional way to recognize the finality of death. Funerals are recognized rituals for the living to show their respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grieving process.

You can have a full funeral service even for those choosing cremation. Planning a personalized ceremony or service will help begin the healing process. Overcoming the pain is never easy, but a meaningful funeral or tribute will help.

What does a funeral director do?

The funeral director will help you with the following:

Pick up the deceased and transport the body to the funeral home (anytime day or night)
Notify proper authorities, family and/or relatives
Arrange and prepare death certificates
Provide certified copies of death certificates for insurance and benefit processing
Work with the insurance agent, Social Security or Veterans Administration to ensure that necessary paperwork is filed for receipt of benefits
Prepare and submit obituary to the newspapers of your choice
Bathe and embalm the deceased body, if necessary
Prepare the body for viewing including dressing and cosmetizing
Assist the family with funeral arrangements and purchase of casket, urn, burial vault and cemetery plot
Schedule the opening and closing of the grave with cemetery personnel, if a burial is to be performed
Coordinate with clergy if a funeral or memorial service is to be held
Arrange a police escort and transportation to the funeral and/or cemetery for the family
Order funeral sprays and other flower arrangements as the family wishes
Provide Aftercare, or grief assistance, to the bereaved

Can I personalize my service?

Absolutely! Our staff has extensive experience in getting to know families and incorporating their loved one's hobbies, activities, interests, and unique requests into meaningful and memorable services. Don't hesitate to make any request, no matter how unconventional it may seem. We are honored to work with you to create a service that truly reflects and celebrates your loved one's unique life journey.

Burial or Cremation?

Burial in a casket is the most common method of final disposition in the United States, though entombment also occurs. Cremation is increasingly popular due to its lower cost and the flexibility it offers for scheduling a memorial service at a more convenient time. A funeral service followed by cremation can be similar to one followed by burial. Cremated remains are typically placed in an urn and may be buried, placed in a mausoleum or columbarium, interred in an urn garden, or scattered according to state law.

Why have a public viewing?

Viewing is a common practice in many cultural and ethnic traditions. Grief specialists believe that viewing can help the bereaved come to terms with the reality of death, which in turn aids the grief process. It is recommended to explain the viewing process to children and ensure that their participation is voluntary.

What is the purpose of embalming?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.

Is embalming required by law?

The Federal Trade Commission says, "Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require you to pay for it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial."

Why are funerals so expensive?

Compared to other major life events like weddings, funerals are relatively affordable. While a wedding can cost three times as much, its expenses are rarely questioned due to the joyful occasion. Funeral homes operate 24/7, requiring significant labor and facilities, which contribute to the costs. The price includes not only merchandise like caskets but also the services of funeral directors who handle arrangements, paperwork, and coordination with various parties. Funeral homes, while providing essential services, must also remain profitable to sustain their operations.

Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I choose cremation?

It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home or in a crematory chapel.

Where can I scatter my loved one's cremated remains? Are there any restrictions?

Generally, the government does not regulate the scattering of ashes. Public parks, including national parks, often require a formal request and may have specific restrictions. For scattering on private land, always consult the landowner first. Typically, if you check for any rules beforehand and act considerately, it follows more of an "unofficial" policy.

What is memorialization for a cremation?

You might choose ground burial of the urn. If so, you may usually choose either a bronze memorial or monument. Cremation niches in columbariums are also available at many cemeteries. They offer the beauty of a mausoleum setting with the benefits of above ground placement of remains. Many cemeteries also offer scattering gardens. This area of a cemetery offers the peacefulness of a serene garden where family and friends can come and reflect.

How can I be sure that the remains I receive are those of my loved one?

Cremation of multiple individuals simultaneously is illegal in the U.S. and many other countries, so cremation chambers are designed for one person at a time. Cremation is a regulated process with strict procedures to ensure the highest standards. All necessary paperwork and fees must be completed with local authorities, followed by a checklist at the crematory. A metal disk with a unique ID number accompanies your loved one throughout the process, ensuring that you receive only your loved one’s ashes, handled with the utmost respect and care.

If I am cremated, can I be buried with my spouse even if he or she was in a casket?

Yes — Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.

What can I do to help the bereaved after services?

The grieving process doesn't end with the funeral and healing takes time. The bereaved will need your ongoing support, so check in regularly. Send notes, make calls, and continue inviting them to social events; they'll let you know when they're ready to join. Reach out on special occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries, especially during the first year following their loss. Your continued presence and care can make a significant difference in their journey toward healing.

What should I say when I run into the bereaved in public?

What you say depends on your previous contact with the bereaved. If you've already offered condolences or attended the service, simply greet them warmly and ask about their wellbeing. If this is your first meeting since the death, especially in a public setting, it's best not to directly mention the death. Instead, say something like, "I understand these must be difficult days for you," and suggest a future meeting, such as a visit or lunch, to offer further support.

Is there financial help if I need it?

There are a number of options available, including:

Determine if the deceased person qualifies for any entitlements. Check with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and with your State Fund. Many people are entitled to get financial assistance with their funeral costs from these agencies if they qualify.
Review all insurance policies the deceased person has, including life insurance. Some life insurance policies have coverage clauses for funeral related costs.
Find local charities providing financial help for funeral expenses. Search for non profit organizations and for churches in your area.
Talk to your funeral director about cremation options - these can be much less expensive depending on your choices.