where to begin
Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. We are here to guide you through each step and help create a meaningful experience centered on love, healing, and honoring a life. The information below can help you begin, and you may contact us at any time for assistance.
Within the First Few Hours
When a loved one passes away at home or somewhere other than a healthcare facility, emergency personnel must be contacted before they can be transferred into our care. If your loved one was receiving medical care, you should also notify their physician.
When a death occurs in a hospital, nursing home, hospice facility, or other healthcare setting, the staff will notify the appropriate authorities. They may also contact the funeral home selected by the family when that information is available.
The medical and emergency professionals involved will assist with completing the medical certification and other required documentation.
This can be one of the most difficult and emotional parts of the process. When you are uncertain about what to do next, please call us at any time. We are here to help.
Within the First Few Days
During the first few days, you may begin notifying close family members and friends through personal calls and a public death notice or obituary. It is completely appropriate to ask a trusted relative or friend to help with these conversations.
You should also review any funeral plans or written wishes your loved one may have prepared. A meeting with a funeral director will help you begin making arrangements.
When no plans are in place, you may want to begin considering some of the larger decisions, including:
- Burial or cremation
- The selection of a casket, if burial is chosen
- A cemetery grave or mausoleum location
- The selection of an urn, if cremation is chosen
- Burial, placement, or scattering of cremated remains
- Religious or spiritual traditions, including clergy participation
- The type of gathering desired, such as a viewing, funeral, memorial service, or graveside service
These questions are simply a starting point. You are not expected to have every answer immediately. Our staff will explain your options and help make the process more manageable.
What to Expect When We Meet
When you meet with a member of our staff, we will first provide a General Price List so you have a clear understanding of the available services and costs.
We will then spend time learning about your loved one and the life the service will honor. You may share stories, memories, accomplishments, personal interests, and any ideas you have for the arrangements. This information helps us create a personal and meaningful tribute.
The arrangement process may include:
- Preparing and filing the official death certificate
- Scheduling services and events, including dates, times, and locations
- Selecting a casket, urn, or other merchandise
- Preparing an obituary
- Arranging transportation
- Selecting pallbearers
To help the meeting proceed smoothly, please bring the following information when available:
- Full legal name and home address
- Social Security number
- Date and place of birth
- Father’s name
- Mother’s maiden name
- Military discharge papers, such as a DD-214, when applicable
- Highest level of education
- Occupation
- Burial or cemetery information, when applicable
- Clergy name and phone number, when applicable
- Names and relationships of surviving family members
- Insurance policy information being used toward funeral expenses
Please also bring a recent photograph and any clothing you would like your loved one to wear for the service.