Where to Begin
We're Here for You — You Are Not Alone
Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, but you are not alone in this. We’re here to support you throughout this journey and make this process one of love, healing, and life celebration. Below is some information to help you get started, but you can contact us at any time if you need help.
Within Hours
When a loved one dies at home or in a place that isn’t a healthcare facility, you’ll need to contact emergency personnel before they can be taken into our care. If your loved one was under medical care, it’s a good idea to call their physician as well.
If your loved one dies in a healthcare facility, they will notify the proper authorities, including the funeral home you have chosen to care for your loved one if they know that information.
Emergency and medical personnel involved in this part of the process will help you with obtaining a medical certificate and any other necessary paperwork.
This part of the process is often the most emotional, and we are here to help and support you. If you’re not sure what to do, call us any time.
Within the First Few Days
You’ll want to notify close friends and relatives, either by phone or through your loved one’s death notice. If this feels too difficult, it’s okay to ask a trusted family member or friend for help.
Now is also the time to review any preplanned funeral wishes and meet with a funeral director to begin planning the service. If no plans were made, start considering some of the major decisions you’ll need to make, such as:
- If burial: the type of casket and location of final resting place in a grave or mausoleum
- If cremation: the type of urn and location of their final resting place through burial or scattering
- Any required religious services, such as clergy or spiritual leaders
- The types of services you want, such as a viewing, service, graveside memorial, etc.
These questions are just a starting point, and you don’t need to have all the answers right away. Contact us anytime to learn more about your options — we’re here to make things easier for you.
What to Expect When We Meet
When you meet with a member of our staff to discuss your arrangements, we'll first provide you with a general price list to give you a basic idea of what our services cost.
We'll then ask you about your loved one to gain an understanding of the person the services will honor. Use this time to communicate your ideas and preferences, share your loved one's life story, revisit memories, and highlight their accomplishments. Our professionals will use this information to guide you in the creation of a personalized, meaningful celebration of your loved one's life.
The arrangements may include:
- Preparing and filing the official death certificate
- Scheduling the services and events (including the location, date, and time)
- Selecting a casket, urn, or other products you may need
- Drafting an obituary
- Arranging necessary transportation
- Selecting pallbearers
Information to bring with you:
- Full legal name and home address
- Social security number
- Date and place of birth
- Father's name, and Mother's maiden name
- Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
- Highest level of education, and occupation
- Information about the burial location if applicable
- Clergy name and phone number if applicable
- Names and relationships of survivors
- Insurance policy information if using to pay for funeral expenses
- A recent photograph and any clothing you'd like us to use when dressing them for the service