Planning and Designing the Services

The Importance of a Funeral

Today’s funerals have changed greatly from years ago. Today’s funerals are tailored to meet the personal and religious preferences of the surviving family. We can help you plan a funeral that is both supportive and meaningful to you. Whether it’s an immediate cremation or burial without any services, or a more traditional funeral service that incorporates your family’s wishes; or anything in between. Studies have found that a visitation period and funeral service aid the family and survivors in coping with their grief. It offers them a chance to gather, remember and honor the life that has been lived. It is as much for the deceased as it is for the surviving family and friends.

PrePlanning

Today, more and more families are preplanning their funeral and services. You can fill out the Pre-Arrangements form on our Pre-Planning tab and either submit it to the funeral home or print it out for your family, or both. Just be sure to tell your family what your wishes are. Most people prefer to meet face to face with one of our funeral directors. Please call to make an appointment, so that we can spend all the time you need and not rush you. It may just be questions about your options, or it may be detailed planning. We will always assist you, without any pressure.

Assisting with your Funeral Planning

If a death has occurred, you can call at any time and our dedicated staff will assist and guide you through the funeral arranging process. Many of the questions we ask to complete Vital Statistical forms and newspaper obituaries as be found on the Pre-Planning tab above. You should bring in the person's clothing, if you are using their own clothes. If a burial is to occur, please bring in the cemetery deed. A photograph will assist our staff with preparations and hairstyling. Many people like to bring in personal items, such as wedding bands, glasses, rosaries, and personal mementoes. Some people will bring in photos for display, or a DVD or flash drive of photos and memories to display on our television sets. We assist with contacting your church or clergy, notifying the cemetery, placing newspaper notices, and many other details. We will also notify government agencies such as Social Security and local and Federal Veterans Administrations. We will strive to meet your wishes and assure compliance with state and federal regulations. Since we do not work on commission, there is never any pressure to buy a more expensive item or to spend more money.

Traditional Funerals

Most families still select a traditional type of funeral, but now personalize it to honor the person that passed. Our caring staff will explain the types of services available and the wide range of merchandise that we have to offer. We listen and guide, but the final selection is always up to you. People are now incorporating the special times, hobbies, interests, and family memories into the celebration of the funeral. It helps make the funeral more meaningful and comforting

Cremation

Cremation is becoming an option that some families select. It can be immediate (while meeting state and federal regulations) or a traditional type of visitation and service followed by cremation instead of burial. Or you may select to have a memorial visitations and service after the cremation. It can be conducted at the funeral home, church, or cemetery. We will explain the options that are available. The choice is yours. Most family will have the cremated individual interred or entombed in a cemetery. If you chose to keep the them, you should think about what may happen to them in the years to follow.