Frequently we get questions about funerals and funeral planning. We hope this section of our website will be helpful in answering your questions. If you want any information not included herein, please contact us and we will gladly provide you with any additional information.
Q – What are pre-arrangements and how can they benefit my family and me?
A – Pre-arrangements, also referred to as pre-planning, make your wishes and desires known in advance in regard to your funeral arrangements. People who choose to pre-plan are saving their loved ones an added burden at a time of great emotional stress by taking the time now to make some very important decisions. Pre-arrangements can be as simple as telling us what type of arrangements you want. These plans may include a traditional service and burial, cremation or direct burial. We also coordinate all arrangements when there is an out-of-town burial.
Q – I made my pre-arrangements at another funeral home. Can I transfer them whether I’ve paid for them or not?
A – We get this question often and the answer is yes. It’s as simple as contacting us. We will get the paperwork for you to sign to make the transfer. You don’t have to contact the other funeral home. We will do everything for you.
Q – I heard that pre-funding can help save money for our family. How does this work?
A – We place your money in an insurance policy or funeral trust. This allows us to secure the costs of the funeral in today’s prices, and you and your family will never see an increase in the cost of the funeral. Essentially, we are locking in today’s lower prices, and you and your loved ones need not be concerned about constantly rising costs.
Q – I purchased burial insurance through another funeral home. Can I use that insurance at your funeral home?
A – Yes you can. The insurance policy is owned by the insured; therefore it is easily transferable to any funeral home. We will gladly assist you with this process.
Q – I would like to make pre-arrangements, but I’m not financially able to pre-pay at this time. What should I do?
A – You’re on the right track. You’ve made the important decision to pre-plan your funeral. Your family will appreciate that they will not have to determine the type and cost of your funeral service. Contrary to belief, you don’t have to pay any money when you pre-arrange your services. Some people choose to set up a payment plan based on their budget. We help others organize their personal records so we get a true picture of their life insurance policies and what funds are available. Others elect to pay for the funeral services all at one time. Basically, it is your decision and we work closely with each family based on its specific situation and needs.
Q – Is it true that Social Security will pay toward funeral expenses?
A – The answer to this question varies from individual to individual. For people who qualify, Social Security will pay up to $255 to the surviving spouse only. This amount is paid to the family, not the funeral home. It is our policy to file all the necessary documents (death certificates, insurance claim forms and Social Security notification) for the family, so they are not burdened with this paperwork. Then we will assist the family in determining what amount Social Security will pay.
Q – My husband is a Veteran. What is he entitled to at the time of his death?
A – When requested by a family, the basic Military Funeral Honors ceremony is conducted for the deceased veteran. It includes the playing of Taps and the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the veteran’s family. A bugler may play the Taps or, if a bugler is not available, a recorded version of the Taps will be played. Also, veterans who qualify are entitled to a grave marker supplied by the Department of Veteran Affairs. To establish veteran eligibility, the family needs to provide the DD Form 214 to us. This form is the certificate of release or discharge from active duty. If a family doesn’t have this form, we can obtain it for them.
Q – Why has it become so commonplace for people to pre-pay for their monument?
A – Monuments have historically gone up in costs every year, and in some years the cost increases have been acute. By pre-purchasing a monument, today’s prices are guaranteed. This savings, and the fact that the monument has been selected, considerably eases the burdens carried by the family at a difficult time. (Over the past few years, the trend of those who pre-plan is to pre-pay for their monument as well as funeral services.)
If you have any other questions, please contact us.
