Frequent Questions
Click on the questions below to reveal each respective answer.
Family information page (PDF- Portable Document Format. Click here to get the Free Acrobat Reader) that is included with this packet. Complete as carefully and completely as possible. When filling out the form please use complete legal names (including first, middle, and last). This form contains the information we will use to complete the death certificate and construct the obituary. If you wish to write your own newspaper obituary, please note that newspapers charge a fee for placing an obituary in their publication and most require that the obituary be submitted by the funeral home. The cost of the written death notice is based on its length.
Social Security number-If you do not have the card, often times the social security number will be on a driver’s license or bank account records.
Photograph of the deceased. This will assist us in the grooming (hairstyle etc.)of your loved one. If you do not have a recent photo then a driver’s license with a photo will be helpful.
Military Papers-A DD214 form, if applicable. This military record is needed for dates of service which is requested on the death certificate and for filing paperwork for any military funeral tributes, flags, gravemarkers, etc.
Clothing-This includes both outer and undergarments for the deceased. (Footwear is optional)
If needed we have a selection of clothing on hand for purchase.
Jewelry-This can be left with the body for burial or taken off before the casket is closed.
You will need to tell the funeral director of your desire prior to the day of the funeral service.
There are many different options available to you and your family. Of course, the family size, location of family and friends, preferences of the deceased and cost are all things that need to be considered. Some options include: traditional visitation hours and a funeral service the next day in our facility; visitation at our facility and either church or graveside funeral services the following day; visitation at our facilities or at a church for one hour prior to the funeral service; viewing at a church facility with the funeral service at another time; graveside only services; memorial services; and cremation. The funeral director will be discussing these options with you.
There are four categories that compose the cost of a funeral.
1. The professional fees that are charged for our staff, our physical facilities and transportation
equipment are based on what you request us to do.
2. The cost of the casket that you select. We offer a wide variety of caskets, made of several
different metals and woods over a broad price range.
3. The cost of the burial vault that you choose. There are many burial vaults to select from,
made of several different metals and gauges and also those made of concrete
4. Other incidental items
Death Certificates-The price varies depending on the county in which the death occurred.
Newspaper Obituary-The price varies depending on newspaper and length.
Hairdresser-The cost varies.
It is possible to have a quality tribute and not overburden the family with excessive costs. The funeral director will help you with the determining what will suit both your emotional needs and your monetary concerns.
When you come in for the arrangement conference the funeral director will assist you in contacting the cemetery of your choice.
We encourage families to visit their florist of choice. They can advise you of what flowers are available, show you pictures, and quote you a price. They will make sure that your flowers arrive on the proper day and time.
Often families will choose a charity or non profit organization for memorial contributions to be made in memory of the deceased. This allows for friends and family to choose a monetary gift that will keep giving back to the community or organizations that were important to the deceased. On the other hand, floral arrangements show the family and friends at a glance that others remember and are thinking of them.
This is usually a matter of preference for the family. A final goodbye to the deceased often helps to make the death of a loved one easier. However, in certain instances, a closed casket may be more appropriate or even dictated by the customs and/or religious beliefs of the deceased.
Some things to consider when deciding this would be: do you expect a large or small number of people; would most be better able to attend in the afternoon or evening; will many of these same people be attending both sets of visitation; will the family be staying during all visitation hours or will they rotate family members; will the family want to leave and eat a meal or snack as a group? Many families feel the need for 2 sets of visitation hours, while others prefer choosing a two to four hour visitation in one set. Again, it needs to be a decision based on your family needs.
Yes, most people find it healing to look back and remember the deceased person’s life. Pictures and other favorite items give you an opportunity to share the memories with friends and family.
Yes, please let us know and we will make the arrangements that are needed.
Yes, we have a sound system that is equipped with a tape player, we also have a CD player and can arrange for an organist if needed. We have a selection of quiet soothing music, as well as, religious selections. If you prefer you can bring in music and we can play that for you. If there are certain selections you would like to have our organist play we will let her know of your preferences and she will try to accommodate these requests.
A certified death certificate is a legal document provided by and charged for by the Health Department in the county where the death has occurred. This process can take up to 2 weeks to complete, depending on a number of factors, the time frame will vary. Certified death certificates are needed for many reasons, some of these include Life Insurance Policies; accounts at financial institutions; pension or retirement funds; home mortgages; stock, bonds; titles and deeds to property; CPA’s and attorneys; and one for your own records. Photo copies will not be accepted as legal documents. During the arrangement process we can order the number of copies you may need. f you later find you need additional copies these can also be obtained, as needed.
If you have other questions or concerns please feel free to contact one of our staff members, we are here to serve you.
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