Preparing for Arrangements

What to do When a Death Occurs

Nothing can adequately prepare us for the shock of a loved one’s death. We find ourselves in a position that is emotionally confusing, experiencing feelings of panic and helplessness. Yet hundreds of decisions must be made in preparation to say goodbye. We are here for you. 

When death occurs at home and the deceased is not under hospice care, call 911 first.   After calling 911, you may call our directors and notify us to proceed with making the necessary arrangements to honor your loved one's final wishes.  

When death occurs at home and the deceased is under hospice care, the hospice nurse will notify our directors and arrangements will proceed as directed for your loved one's final wishes. 

When death occurs at a hospital or healthcare facility, the caregivers will call us at that time, and we will proceed with arrangements as directed by your loved one's final wishes.   We encourage the closest next of kin to call as well, to ensure your loved one's wishes are carried out as directed. 

When death occurs away from home, family members may call on us anytime day or night to make necessary arrangements.   


The Funeral Director’s Role


The funeral director’s most important role is simply helping you.  Upon the death of a loved one, our funeral home staff will be there for you, giving the time and attention needed, 24 hours a day, every single day of the year. We are here to help you with both the practical arrangements and the emotional issues involved with planning a funeral. We believe as many trained professionals do, that the funeral or memorial service plays a major role in the grieving process. Therefore we will take great pains in helping your family plan a personal and meaningful ceremony to begin the healing process. After the service, we can also provide support materials upon request, that may be of help in dealing with your grief.


Check List For Families


In preparation for making funeral arrangements, we have compiled a ‘Checklist For Families’ that we hope to be of help when sorting out all the tasks at hand: 

NOTIFY:

  • Funeral Home
  • Clergy
  • Relatives and Friends
  • Pallbearers
  • Insurance Agents
  • Banks
  • Unions, Clubs and Fraternal Organizations
  • Employers
  • Utilities and Landlord
  • Post Office
  • Credit Card Companies
  • Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Attorney
  • Accountant/Tax Consultant/Stockbroker

PROVIDE:
Vital Statistics——

  • Full Legal Name
  • Mothers First and Maiden Name
  • Fathers Name
  • Date/Place of Birth
  • Social Security Number
  • Marriage Information
  • Resident Address/ Years
  • Occupation
  • Immediate Family
  • Military Discharge Papers

Information for the Obituary——

  • Age
  • Place of Birth
  • Occupation Education
  • Memberships
  • Military Service
  • Personal Hobbies/Outstanding Work
  • List of Survivors in Immediate Family
  • Service Times and Locations
  • Charities or Funds for Memorial Contributions

The following selections will be made during the funeral arrangement conference——

  • Cemetery Property
  • Funeral Service
  • Casket
  • Vault or outer container
  • Clothing / Jewelry
  • Flowers
  • Music and/or Musicians
  • Acknowledgement Cards
  • Memorial Folders
  • Transportation
  • Time and Place of Service
  • Time and Place of Visitation
  • Charitable Memorials

We believe a funeral service should be special and personalized to honor the deceased, and to create a positive long lasting memory for surviving family. You can expect our funeral director and staff to assist you with accomplishing this goal.


The Importance of Friends and Family


When a loved one dies, grieving family members are confronted with dozens of decisions to make, often under great emotional stress. We encourage you to call on another family member or close friend for help. In particular to help answer sympathetic phone calls, cards and letters as well as greeting friends and relatives when they call.