Frequent Questions

The funeral director's roll is to support families with compassion and guidance during the loss of a loved one. They not only provide comfort and care to those grieving, but also handle the many details that come with planning a service. This includes making arrangements for burial, cremation, or memorial services, as well as overseeing the preparation and and care of your loved one. In short, funeral directors servce as both a source of support for the lving and a professional guide in honoring the life of the one who has passed.

The following list is not all-inclusive, but describes some of the major tasks of a funeral director: 

• Transportation with Care - Bringing your loved one into the care of the funeral home from the place of passing
• Professional Preparation - Providing respectful care, which may include embalming, casketing, and cosmetic preperation
• Personalized Planning - Meeting with your family to discuss and arrange the details of the funeral or memorial service
• Guidance with Paperwork - Handling certificates, permits, and other necessary documents on your behalf
• Death Certificates - Securing official copies of the death certificate for your family's needs
• Final Arrangements - Coordinating with the cemetery, crematory, or other place of final resting place
• Obituary Assistance-  Helping to write, create, and publish a meaningful obituary
• Service Coordination - Arranging clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and any special fraternal or military honors
• Professional Direction - Leading and managing the funeral service and procession with dignity and care
• Family Support - Assisting with benefits and claims, such as Social Security, veterans' benefits, insurance, and connecting families with grief resources

A traditional funeral includes many different services and items, which together make up the total cost. In addition to a standard basic services fee (required of all funeral homes), other expenses may include the transfer of your loved one into the funeral home's care, embalming and preparation, use of the facilities and staff for visitation or a funeral ceremony, and transportation such as a hearse or service car. Families may also choose from options like printed memorial packages, caskets or urns, vaults or grave liners, and the purchase of a cemetery plot. Each of these elements contributes to ther overall cost of the funeral.

A funeral or memorial service gives family and friends a meaningful way to honor a loved one's life and legacy. It offers a time to reflect, share memories, and express feelings of grief and love. Most importantly, it bring people together in support of one another, creating a sense of comfort and strength during a time of loss.

The four main types of funeral services include the traditional funeral service, the memorial service, the committal service, and the affirmation or celebration of life service.

Yes, choosing cremation or burial simply determines how your loved one will be cared for afterward. Funeral services are meant to honor and remember your loved one, no matter which form of final care you choose.

Yes. You can plan ahead whether you choose cremation or burial. Prearranging allows you to record your wishes with the funeral home and, if you wish, set aside funds in advance. Doing so ensures your choices are honored and can ease the burden on your family durring a difficult time.

When you come to make arrangement, having certain documents and details ready can make the process smooter.

• Advance Directives or Prearrangements - Any written instructions your loved one may have left, such as a will, funeral prearrangement, or preneed contract
• Military Discharge Papers (DD 214) - If your loved one served in the military, these papers are needed to arrange for military honors or veterans' benefits
• Cemetery Property Information - Deeds or documents for any grave plot or mausoleum already purchased.
• Recent photograph & Personal Items - A photo of your loved one and any personal effects that you wish to include for viewing or burial
• PersonalInformation - Specific information on your loved one, such as: 
• Full legal name
• Address
• Marital status
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Place of birth (city and state)
• Educational history (number of years of schooling)
• Occupation or profession
• Parent's names, including mother's maiden name
• Next of kin and other survivors