Where to Begin
Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, but we are here to help you through this difficult time and will strive to make it easier.
Below is some information to help you prepare.
We are here 24 hours a day by phone to guide you and answer any questions you may have.
Within Hours
When a loved one dies at home.
- Immediately call 911. Your loved one will need to be released to our care by a police officer.
If your loved one dies in a healthcare facility.
Let the nursing staff know our name and phone number so they can call and have your loved one brought into our care. They will walk you through any release paperwork that needs completing.
We realize you just lost someone you love and how difficult this moment is. Stop, take a breath and know we are all here for you in this moment.
Within the First Few Days
You’ll want to let friends and family know of your loved one’s passing. We can post a free obituary on our website for you. Many people use this to share on social media.
At this time you will want to determine your loved one’s final wishes. Burial or cremation is a personal choice, something that will be done with love and care.
If the choice is burial:
- What casket would they like? Wood, or metal
- The final resting place will need to be contacted to begin scheduling. We will take care of this with you.
- Do you want a viewing? If so, we will need to decide on clothing.
If the choice is cremation
- What kind of urn would you like? Scattering urn, wood, metal, stone? We will help walk you through this of course
- If cremation, the location of their final resting place through burial or scattering or possibly kept at home with family.
- Do you want a viewing? Public? Private?
None of this needs to be decided immediately. We are here to walk you through this.
What to Expect When We Meet
This is the time to let us know how you want us to care for your loved one. We will sit together and help you honor them with love and dignity.
This process may include:
- Creating the death certificate
- Scheduling the service if there is to be one
- Choosing a casket or urn
- Choosing flowers if wanted
- Obituary options
Things that will be needed at the time of arrangement
- Full legal name
- Social security number
- Date of birth
- City and state of birth
- Father’s name
- Mother’s name with maiden
- Veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable. We offer a veteran discount as well as provide an honorary flag.
- Highest education
- Occupation
- Information about the burial location if applicable
- Clergy name and phone number if applicable, we also have a list of clergy we work with frequently
- Insurance policy information if using to pay for funeral expenses
Please also bring a recent photograph and any clothing you’d like us to use when dressing your loved one for the service.