Funeral FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Funeral and Memorial Service Questions

What purpose does a funeral serve?

The funeral allows family and friends to remember and honor their loved
one in a special way. It serves as a central gathering place for family
and friends to give emotional support to one another and encourages
mourners to face the pain of their loss and express their thoughts and
feelings. The funeral also celebrates the deceased’s life, and not
their passing. The funeral service allows a time of remembrance and
celebration, and allows the healing process to begin.





Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or place
of worship?

No. As long as local laws permit it, a funeral service can be held anywhere-
from a local park to a boat at sea! A service can usually be held at
any location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate.
Your funeral director will be able to advise you on regulations and
help you plan the funeral.



Can a function less formal than a funeral or memorial service be arranged?

A funeral or memorial service can be as simple as you would like it
to be. There is a type of gathering commonly referred to as a ‘Gathering
of Friends’ which is a less formal event, and still allows for friends
and family to share their loss and celebrate the life of their beloved.
These ‘Gathering of Friends’ receptions may include light refreshments
and can be held at a variety of locations, including funeral homes,
private residences, or public spaces.

How can I personalize a funeral service?

Your Funeral Director can review a myriad of ways to personalize your
loved ones funeral. One way is to bring personal items into the funeral
home to be displayed in or near the casket. For example: an avid quilter
might have a favorite quilt placed in the casket. An athlete may have
some of their personal effects or trophies displayed on a memory table.
There are numerous ways to incorporate your loved ones passions and
hobbies into the service.



Do clergy always officiate at a funeral service?

Depending on religious beliefs, thee type of ceremony would vary. It
is not uncommon for family or friends to share personal thoughts, memories
and feelings about the deceased as part of the service.



How soon after or long after a death must an individual be buried?

Laws regarding internment or burial issues vary from state to state.
Your local Health Department or Funeral Home can advise you on basic
timelines.



What are the options concerning the time of a service?

Traditionally, services have been typically held in the mornings or
afternoons. It is becoming more common, however, for these services
to take place in late afternoon or evening, to accommodate work schedules.
This enables more people to attend the service who otherwise might be
unable to be excused from their place of employment during the day.



What if I do not wish to use all the services a funeral home has to
offer?

Federal laws dictate that all funeral homes itemize their charges for
professional services, facilities and equipment and that they provide
a General Price List (GPL) to all clients. You have the right to select
and pay for only those services you choose.



Should a child attend a funeral?

May I make the necessary arrangements in advance?

All of your funeral and burial arrangements
can be made years before you need them. This is commonly referred to
as ‘Pre-Need’. Your local Funeral Director can assist you in your
planning. Read
more about Pre Need Funeral Plans

Learn more
about Planning a Funeral

Cremation Questions

Cremation is simply a form of disposition. The crematable casket is
placed in a cremation chamber where, through a process of heat and evaporation,
the body is reduced to its original elements- bone fragments, not ashes.



Can you have cremation with an open casket visitation?

Yes, many families select an appropriate service to take place before
the cremation or after. You may still have a traditional funeral with
visitation, with the cremation disposition taking place after the service.



Where does the cremation take place?

As specialized equipment and training is required for cremations, they
typically occur at designated locations. Some funeral homes do have
onsite cremation facilities. If you are planning on a cremation, ask
where they actual cremation process will take place.



Isn't direct cremation easier?

Direct cremation usually means cremation with no visitation or services.
Some people choose direct cremation believing that the quickest, simple
option is best.



What do you do with cremated remains?

Most families select a form of memorialization with their cemetery of
choice. Others keep the remains and the urn with them in their home,
or the home of a loved one.



Can cremated remains be scattered?

A family may, if they wish, scatter the cremated remains of their loved
one on privately owned property with the consent of the property owner.
If you select scattering, always be sure to check you local, state and
federal laws concerning scattering of remains.



Do Catholics allow cremation?

The Vatican now permits funeral Masses with cremated remains present
in the United States. It will be the decision of each bishop to determine
if this is pastorally appropriate in his diocese. The Bishop can also
instruct you on Vatican regulations.



Does cremation require preplanning?

Cremation does require the same degree of preplanning as does traditional
burial. After the death of a loved one, families and friends are grieving.
Preplanning for your cremation removes the burden from friends and family.



Does the process of cremation transform human remains into ashes?

The encased body is placed in the cremation chamber where, through heat
and evaporation, the body is reduced to its basic elements. These elements
are referred to as cremated remains. Ashes are not the final result
since cremated remains have neither the appearance nor the chemical
properties of ashes. Cremated remains are, in fact, bone fragments.
Following preparation, these remains are either placed in a permanent
urn or in a temporary container.



Do families who choose cremation need to purchase a traditional casket?

Generally speaking, no. Most crematories have regulations regarding
the container in which human remains intended for cremation be presented.
There are containers specifically designed for the cremation process.



Is memorialization necessary when a loved one is cremated?

Mental Professionals agree that memorialization of a loved one aids
friends and family with the grieving process. Memorialization allows
family members to publicly acknowledge a loved one's life and death.



Is embalming required for cremation?

Embalming is required in some States if the remains are not cremated
or buried within 48 hours of death, or if the deceased had certain communicable
diseases.

Prearrangements

May I make the necessary arrangements
in advance?

By Pre-Planning your funeral, you can
make all the necessary arrangements (and even pay for them) in advance.
You will also gain peace of mind knowing your family and friends will
be relieved of the emotional and financial burden often associated with
making arrangements when a death occurs. By prearranging your funeral
and cemetery arrangements, you benefit by purchasing at today’s prices,
free from inflationary pressures in the future.

Funeral Directors

Are the services of a funeral director
necessary to bury the dead?

Technically speaking, no. But each state does have different regulations.
You should call the local department of health to find out exactly what
your state requires. Having a funeral director is a good idea, however,
as during your time of need, there are numerous forms to fill out, agencies
to notify and piles of paperwork! Not to mention the planning of the
actual memorial service and funeral! A funeral director can be as involved
as you want them to be- whether its doing everything for you, or simply
taking care of all the necessary paperwork and insurance forms.

What do funeral directors do?

One of the main functions of a funeral director has to do with preparing
the body for disposition. In larger funeral homes, the funeral director
may oversee the activities of several morticians and undertakers. While
the actual definition of the mortician, undertaker, and funeral director
are all different, the reality is that in family owned funeral homes
it is not unusual for one person to provide all three services. Funeral
Directors are also listeners, advisors, and supporters. They often support
your personal needs, answer questions about grief, recognize when there
appears to be difficulty coping, and recommend sources of additional
assistance.

How can I best shop and compare funeral
service providers?

Referrals from friends and family members are usually a good method
to start researching funeral homes by. Don’t forget to contact your
local Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against
a local funeral director, and whether they were satisfactorily resolved.
Also, you can call one of the national funeral trade associations, which
have standards of ethics, to see whether your local funeral homes are
members.

Do funeral directors have the opportunity
to take advantage of the bereaved?

Funeral Directors and Homes depend on their reputation to maintain their
business. If the community begins to feel they or their deceased are
being taken advantage of, they will go to another Funeral Home. The
ability to trust your Funeral Director with your loved one is a necessity.
This is why most funeral homes have been in business in their communities
for decades, and in many cases, for several generations.

Will the funeral home help with Social
Security and Veterans death benefits?

Most Funeral Homes will not only assist with securing these death benefits,
but will most likely complete all the paperwork for you.



Must an obituary be published in a newspaper?

The publication of an obituary notice is a matter of your personal choice.
You are able to control what information is published, if you wish to
have an obituary published, although the editorial staff will determine
the format (this is done for consistency).

What recourse does a consumer have for
poor service or overcharging?

If you have a complaint, you should first take it to the Funeral Home
Director. If they are unable or unwilling to resolve the situation to
your expectations, you can then file your complaint with your state's
board of funeral service, or with a consumer complaint department of
the state attorney general's office. In most instances, the complaint
will be resolved by the funeral director.

Click
here to learn more about funeral preplanning

Funeral Costs

Does the price I receive from the funeral
home include everything?

By law, the Funeral Director is responsible
for explaining all the charges that specifically pertain to the funeral
home's services and merchandise sold stated on its general price list.
Any additional charges must be disclosed and on a Price List. Your Funeral
Director will be able to explain, in detail all the charges you will
incur.





Why are funerals so expensive?/ How much does a funeral cost?

Compared to ‘happy’ events- funerals are not expensive. Consider
the fact many people willingly spend upwards of $20,000 for a wedding
(for a marriage that may or may not last), and you can see that. Funeral
Homes have a wide range of products and services, and try to accommodate
most budgets. If you believe the price is too high, you should check
into different types of funerals and different Funeral Homes until you
find the price that fits your budget.

Will life insurance pay for funerals?

Most funeral homes will allow for an insurance assignment. This assignment
transaction is processed by the funeral home, and releases only the
funeral expenses to the funeral service provider, with any remaining
balance going directly to the beneficiary. Be sure to check with your
Funeral Home to make sure that they will accept the insurance assignment.

Read
more about Funeral Costs

Caskets, Burial Vaults and Grave Liners

How can I get an idea about the costs
of caskets?

Federal laws dictate that all funeral homes itemize their charges for
professional services, facilities and equipment and that they provide
a General Price List (GPL) to all clients.



What are the different types of burial caskets?

Typically, caskets are made of either wood or metal. Metal caskets are
made of either bronze, copper, steel or stainless steel. Wood caskets
are available in a variety of types of wood. Interiors of caskets are
usually made with velvet or crepe; however, other materials may be available.



Why are some casket prices more than others?

Just as with many items, the cost of a casket is generally relevant
to the materials it was made with. A casket made of bronze would be
priced higher than one made of steel. A casket made of solid mahogany
would be more expensive than one of soft pine wood. It depends on the
materials the casket shell is made of, the interior materials and any
protective features included in that particular model.



What about these independent discount casket companies? Can’t I buy
my casket there and use it when needed?

Of course you may purchases your casket at any time, from any company.
By law, Funeral Homes are required to allow you to use your own casket,
and not just ones purchased through them. Make sure you know who will
store your casket- you or the company, and if the company is storing
it- where and how they are storing it so that it is protected.



Can I build by own casket?

You certainly can, if the ‘creepy’ factor doesn’t bother you and
not to mention the issue of storage! You might consult a funeral home
for correct measurements as the casket will ultimately need to be placed
into a burial vault, graveliner or mausoleum crypt.



What are burial vaults and graveliners?

These are the outside containers into which the casket is placed. Burial
vaults are typically made of materials including concrete, stainless
steel, galvanized steel, cooper, bronze, plastic or fiberglass. A graveliner
is a lightweight version of a vault which simply keeps the grave surface
from sinking in.



Must I purchase a burial vault?

In most areas, local laws do not require that you buy a container to
surround the casket in the grave. However, many cemeteries do require
that you have such a container so that the ground will not sink.

Cemeteries

What are the principal types of cemeteries
and how do they differ?

Cemeteries usually are divided into two broad categories: traditional
cemeteries and memorial parks or gardens.



A traditional cemetery has upright monuments, usually made of stone.
Many traditional cemeteries also have private mausoleums for aboveground
interment. Because many have functioned in their communities for over
100 years, traditional cemeteries often contain a great deal of history,
such as architecture and statuary.



Memorial parks and gardens were introduced about 75 years ago. They
are cemeteries without tombstones: they more closely resemble a park
or a garden than a traditional cemetery. Typically, bronze memorials
are placed level with the ground to blend with the beauty of the landscape.



What are my choices in ground burial?

The most common type of ground burial is a single or double grave, although
family plots are often available. Not all types of graves are available
at all cemeteries. Please check with the cemetery of your choice for
availability of specific graves.



How do I choose the right type of grave?

This is dependent upon your personal preferences. Just as with choosing
any personal item, you need to consider which appeals most to you –
a marker set flat on the ground or an upright monument. Do you prefer
to be cremated? You also need to consider whether the grave is for yourself
only, or for a family. Having a Pre-Need discussion with your local
Funeral Director can help you make the best decision for your situation.



What options are available besides ground burial?

Besides ground burial, many cemeteries offer interment in lawn crypts,
or entombment in mausoleums. In addition, some cemeteries provide a
columbarium or interment in an urn space for those that have been cremated.



Why is having a place to visit so important?

A memorial, of some sort, provides a focal point for memorializing the
deceased. Psychologists say that remembrance practices, from the funeral
or memorial service to permanent memorialization, serve an important
emotional function for survivors by helping to bring closure and allowing
the healing process to begin.



What is Opening and Closing a grave and why is it so expensive?

"Opening and Closing" fees can include 50 or more separate
services provided by the cemetery. Typically, the opening and closing
fee includes administration and permanent record keeping (determining
ownership, obtaining permission and completion of other documentation
which may be required, entering the interment particulars in the interment
register, maintaining all legal files); opening and closing the grave
(locating the grave and laying out the boundaries, excavating and filling
the interment space); installation and removal of the lowering device;
placement and removal of artificial grass dressing and coco-matting
at the grave site, leveling, tamping, re-grading and sodding the grave
site, leveling and re-sodding the grave if the earth settles.



Can we dig our own grave to avoid the charge for opening and closing?

No. At least, not if the burial is taking place in an established cemetery
or memorial park. The actual opening of the grave and closing of the
grave is just one component of the opening and closing fee. Because
of safety issues which arise around the use of machinery on cemetery
property and the protection of property of adjacent interment rights
holders, the actual opening and closing of the grave is conducted by
cemetery grounds personnel.

What happens when a cemetery runs out
of land?

When a cemetery runs out of land, it continues to operate and serve
the community. Since more and more individuals and families are purchasing
their graves in advance, graves which have been sold will be opened
when a death occurs, markers will be placed and other services will
be provided. Most states have laws that require funds to be set aside
from each sale for the long-term care and maintenance of the cemetery.



What is double depth?

Many cemeteries either allow for the burial of two caskets in a grave
or have specific sections where this type of grave is available. Double
depth just means that one casket is placed in the grave at an approximate
depth of seven feet. When a second interment is required, the second
casket is placed on top of the first casket at standard depth.



How much do grave spaces cost, and why aren't they priced the same all
over?

Grave prices can vary significantly. Grave prices are normally set based
on their location. Normally, graves in urban centers are more expensive
than in rural centers because of the replacement value of land. In addition,
within the cemetery, grave prices can vary by the section in which the
grave is located. For example, graves in a "feature" section
-- where there is a central feature, such as a sculpture for the benefit
of lot owners in that section -- may be more expensive than in non-feature
sections. The number of interments permitted in a grave may also affect
the price, as may the size of the grave.



What is entombment?

Entombment is the interment of human remains in a tomb or mausoleum.
It involves placing a casket or cremation urn in a crypt or niche (individual
compartment within a mausoleum or columbarium) which is then sealed.



What is a mausoleum?

A mausoleum is a large building designed to provide above ground entombment
for a large number of people. Sharing the costs of the mausoleum with
other individuals makes it more affordable than a private mausoleum.
Crypts are designed to hold caskets; after the casket is placed, the
crypt is sealed, and a granite or marble front is attached. Niches accommodate
urns containing cremated remains. After the urn is placed, a niche front
of granite, marble, bronze, wood or glass is attached.



What are the advantages of a mausoleum burial?

Many people have an aversion to being placed in the ground. Since mausoleum
crypts are clean and dry, the offer a viable alternative for those who
do not wish to be placed in the ground. Mausoleums also allow a maximum
number of entombments in a minimum amount of space, which is critical
in areas where land space is at a premium.



Isn't a mausoleum only for rich people?

No, although in centuries past they were considered for the wealthy
only. Today, the cost of mausoleum entombment is comparable to the costs
of interment in a lot with an upright monument.



Are there different types of crypts?

Single or private crypts are designed for one entombment only. For communal
Mausoleums, there are three different kinds of double crypts

Tandem crypts which permit two entombments
lengthwise in a crypt

Companion crypts permit two entombments
side-by-side

Westminister crypts permit two entombments;
the first below floor level, and the second above it.

Most mausoleums are built five, six and
seven crypts high. The price of the crypt will depend on its location
and the type of crypt. For example: upper level crypts are usually less
expensive than those located at eye level.



What is a columbarium?

A columbarium, often located within a mausoleum, chapel or in a garden
type setting, is constructed on numerous small compartments (niches)
designed to hold urns containing cremated remains. Once the urn has
been placed, the niche is sealed with a marker.



What happens to a mausoleum if there is an earthquake?

Modern mausoleums are steel-reinforced concrete structures, covered
with granite or marble. They typically are built to meet all local building
specifications, including those regarding earthquakes. In areas prone
to earthquakes, special earthquake resistant steel reinforcement joints
are used to deflect the motion of the earthquake.



How does a mausoleum protect the body?

Since the casket is placed in a clean, dry, above ground crypt, the
remains are protected from water and the elements of the earth which
may affect the casket if it were placed in the ground.



Can you actually see the bodies in a mausoleum?

No. When you visit a mausoleum, you see the front of the crypt, which
typically is made of granite or marble. The name of the person who has
died, along with their years of birth and death, appears on the crypt
front. The casket rests behind a solid, sealed panel which is placed
behind the granite or marble crypt front.



How many people will a crypt hold?

Crypts come in several sizes. Although "singles" and "doubles"
are the most common, some crypts can accommodate up to four caskets.



What is a tandem?

A tandem is a mausoleum space designed to accommodate two caskets lengthwise.



How can a mausoleum help eliminate expenses?

When you select a mausoleum, you eliminate the need for expensive vaults
and monuments or memorials which almost always are purchased with ordinary
earth burial. You also avoid any damage to the grave marker or headstone,
which naturally occurs over time.



What are lawn crypts?

Lawn crypts are essentially underground tombs, constructed of reinforced
concrete, steel and waterproof materials.



What is the difference between lawn crypts and double depth burial spaces?

Lawn crypts are preset. Double depth burial lots are set at the time
of need.

What happens if I buy cemetery property
here in advance and later want move to another area of the cemetery?

Many cemeteries allow for a dollar-for-dollar transfer of property between
locations within the cemetery. This is very useful if families are trying
to be placed in the same area years down the road. When prearranging,
be sure to ask about future exchange privileges offered.



When I buy a grave space do I receive a deed just like when I purchase
other types of real estate?

When you purchase a grave space you are in fact purchasing THE RIGHT
TO DESIGNATE WHO MAY BE INTERRED IN THE SPACE, rather than purchasing
the grave space itself. What does this mean? It means you have the right
to say WHO is buried in that specific spot, NOT that you own the spot.
You also have a right to place a memorial where permitted.



What is Endowment Care?

A portion of the purchase price of the grave is contributed to an endowment
care fund. Income from the endowment care fund is used to provide regular
care and maintenance at the cemetery. Regular care and maintenance activities
can include cutting grass, re-grading of graves, planting and caring
for trees, maintenance of water supply systems, roads, drainage, etc.
The minimum amount to be contributed to the endowment care fund is normally
governed by law.



What guarantee do I have that Endowment Care will take care of the cemetery?

While not guaranteed, endowment care funds are very conservatively managed.
Income from the fund can only be spent on care and maintenance of the
cemetery -- the capital is not touched. Endowment care funds are governed
by laws in most states for consumer protection.



Can I re-sell my grave?

It really depends on the rules and regulations of the cemetery and the
laws of the state or province in which the cemetery is located. While
some cemeteries will re-purchase graves, others have policies regarding
sales to a third party.



Is cemetery property tax deductible?

No, the purchase of a grave is not tax-deductible, although the charitable
donation of unwanted grave spaces may be deductible as an "in kind"
charitable contribution. Check with a knowledgeable tax advisor for
details. One benefit of purchasing your grave, however, is the fact
that you are paying a lower price than if it was purchased years down
the road.



Will a cemetery ever be used for something else? Can the bodies be moved
and building built?

Strict rules govern the use of cemetery lands. Graves are normally considered
to be sold in perpetuity which restricts possible re-development.



In a hundred years will this cemetery still be here?

We think of cemetery lands as being in perpetuity (eternal). There are
cemeteries throughout the world that have been in existence for hundreds
of years.



What is a disinterment? What is the process and why does it happen?

Disinterment is the removal of the casket containing human remains from
a grave. Laws governing disinterment vary by state or province. Disinterment
may be ordered by certain public officials without the consent of the
grave owner or the next of kin, for example, as part of police investigation.
Disinterment requires the grave to be opened. The casket containing
the human remains is removed. Depending on the length of time the casket
has been buried, a new casket may be required.

Veteran’s Benefits

What does the government give a veteran
in regards to a marker?

The United States Government provides headstones and markers for the
graves of veterans and eligible dependents anywhere in the world which
are not already marked. Flat bronze, flat granite, flat marble, and
upright marble types are available to mark the grave of a veteran or
dependent in the style consistent with existing monuments at the place
of burial. Bronze niche markers are also available to mark columbariums
in national cemeteries used for internment of cremated remains.



If I am a veteran and plan to be buried in a national cemetery, is my
spouse eligible to be buried next to me?

A space for your spouse or any other minor children can be authorized
at the time of your death

Does the Veterans Administration pay
for veteran's funerals?

Although the Veterans Administration does not pay for complete funerals,
it does provide certain merchandise, services and reimbursements. Your
local VA office can provide you with a variety of benefits available.
Generally speaking, any veteran with a discharge other than dishonorable
is entitled to be buried in an accepting national cemetery. They also
may receive a free grave space, with a bronze, granite, or marble memorial
marked with veteran's rank, war served and religious icon.



Read More about Veteran's Death Benefits

Memorials

How long do I have to wait before ordering
a memorial?

If you have not preplanned your memorial ahead of time with your spouse,
wait until you are comfortable talking about the memorial. Most people
wait about 3 months until they know their financial position and when
most of the emotional shock has passed. Preplanning and discussing the
memorial design with your spouse before hand takes away much of the
financial and emotional burdens.



Will the foundation that goes under the upright memorial interfere with
the burial?

No...All cemeteries have adequate space built into the graves to allow
for the burial and a memorial foundation.





Why does the cemetery require a concrete foundation under the memorial?

If the concrete foundation is dug and poured below frost level it will
ensure that the memorial will continue to stand up nice and straight
for many decades to come. Without a foundation, ground freeze can literally
destroy the monument.



Can I have an upright memorial on my lot or grave space?

Check with rules and regulations of the cemetery regarding designated
areas for upright memorials and size requirements.



Can my memorial be as big as I want it to be?

Different cemeteries have different rules regarding sizes of memorials.
Some have very tight rules others have very relaxed rules. Check with
your cemetery of choice regarding size restrictions.



My cemetery will only allow me to have a flat granite or flat bronze
marker. Why is this?

Cemeteries will only allow flat markers are almost always a Memorial
Gardens type cemetery. Different cemeteries allow for different markers.
If the type of marker you prefer is not allowed at a particular cemetery,
check other local cemeteries.





Can I have any shape or color of memorial that I want?

The size, shape and even color is regulated by the particular cemetery
you are at. Some cemeteries have a rule that the base stone must be
the same material as the die stone. Ask the cemetery owner or manager,
or look around the site, to get an idea of what is allowed.



Why can't I letter the back or ends of my memorial?

Some cemeteries have rules, which state that lettering on memorials
must only face the grave space, and not face other people's cemetery
property.



Will my memorial fade in time/How long will my monument or marker last?

Most memorials today are made from granite. High quality granite will
not fade or discolor in time. But as with any natural stone - it will
not last forever. The writing may last hundred years or more- but not
forever. The monument itself could quite possibly last thousands of
years.





Why aren't all granites the same price?

When a block of granite is removed from the ground there is a certain
amount that is normal waste. With some granites the waste factor is
much larger and obtaining good clear pieces becomes a problem- inflating
the cost. Sometimes granites that are imported from other countries
are more expensive because of high freight costs and dollar fluctuations.

• Availability of the granite
  
  

• Time it takes to have drawings done
  and approved

• Foundation construction. Some cemeteries
  install their own foundations and sometimes only twice a year. Once
  installed it will be there forever, a few extra days or weeks, or even
  months, should not even be a consideration.

Why can’t cemeteries pour foundations in the winter?

In many locations across the country, ground freeze delays the building
of foundations- not only for grave markers but also for construction
in general. Concrete does not set well if the temperatures are below
freezing, and setting concrete in place in freezing temperatures will
cause the monument to fall, break or crack.





Will moss grow on the top of my memorial if it is not polished?

Moss growing on memorials seems to be a problem in some areas more than
others. It has a lot to do with the climate and ground moisture and
as well the proximity to certain trees and shrubs. Having the top polished
simply makes the memorial easier to clean and the slippery surface hinders
moss growth. In most cases moss or most stains can be removed by pressure
washing and professional cleaning.



Why should you add the wife's maiden name to the memorial, nobody around
here knew her by that name anyway?

Consider your memorial to be the only permanent piece of history that
there is. Family bibles and journals can get lost or destroyed as can
other family records

Funeral Pre-Arrangments, Preplanningand Pre-Funding

Why should I prearrange my funeral or
burial?

Pre-Arranging is a very wise economic decision. Prearranging can yield
greater savings because the costs are based on today's prices not the
costs at the time of death which could be higher many years from now.
By Prearranging your funeral couples can share the decisions together
saving their loved ones the emotional decisions of planning a funeral
service or selecting a grave site. As the topic is broad, we suggest
you read more about Funeral Pre-Planning and Pre-Funding

Miscellaneous Questions

What happens if someone close to me dies
away from home?

After the death has occurred, the most prudent decision would be to
call your funeral service. Your funeral director will be able to make
the necessary arrangements to transfer the deceased, relieving the family
of the burden of dealing with unfamiliar people, places and related
issues.

After my death, how can my funeral home
send me to my cemetery which is out of state?

In many cemeteries today, there is a funeral home on the grounds. If
not, then arrangements would have to be made with the cemetery or a
local funeral home to pick up the body and transfer it to the cemetery.





How long can you wait to have a funeral without embalming?

Most states require that a deceased person either be embalmed or placed
in refrigeration after a period of 24 hours from the time of death.
Funeral Services can be held at any time after that. In some areas of
the country that time frame can be as long as three weeks.

Does a body have to be embalmed before
it is buried?

Embalming is not required for burial. It is your choice. It may depend
on such factors as whether the family selected a service with a public
viewing of the body with an open casket; or to enhance the deceased's
appearance for a private family viewing; or if the body is going to
be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior
to the burial. In most cases, if the body is going to be transported
across state lines, embalming is required.



Does a casket have to be transported to the cemetery in a hearse?

While a hearse or casket coach is most commonly used for this purpose,
other options are often appropriate. Families might consider more personalized
and meaningful options.



Why would I need to purchase Certified Copies of a death certificate?

Certified copies are used as proof of death for the transfer of stocks
and bonds, banking transactions and life insurance. Your funeral provider
can help you determine how many you may need to settle an estate and
can also secure them for you.



If I donate my remains to medical science, can there still be a service?

Yes, in addition to coordinating the donation of your remains, your
funeral home can arrange for either a Memorial Service or a Gathering
of Friends to be held at a time and place convenient for the family.





Is it possible to have a traditional funeral if someone with AIDS dies?

Yes. Death due to AIDS is no different than any other cause of death.
They are entitled to the same care and services as any other deceased
person.