Frequently Asked Questions About Funerals


It is common to have questions about the funeral process.  This section answers some commonly asked questions to help make this process easier for you. If additional questions arise, please feel free to contact us directly.

What is a funeral?
A funeral is a process or ceremony for a deceased person, that includes burial or cremation.   A funeral ceremony allows family and friends of the deceased to gather and mourn the passing of their loved one, to share cherished memories, and to celebrate their life.   A funeral is a vital first step in helping the bereaved heal after the loss of someone special.

What type of service should I have?
If no pre-arrangements have been made, the type of service is entirely up to you, but it is best to consider what the deceased may have wanted.  Services are usually held at a funeral home or a place of worship.  There are a wealth of different services, ranging from traditional religious or military services to something a little more unique.  Our funeral directors are more than happy to work with you to figure out what would be the most appropriate.

Can I personalize the arrangements?
Of course, you can! More and more people are opting for non-traditional, personalized services.  There is no one way to celebrate somebody’s life.  Let the funeral director know exactly what your desires are and they will honor your wishes.

Do we need to have a death notice or obituary and what is included in one?
It is highly recommended to have a  notice that is either posted in a local newspaper or online.  A notice or obituary lets the public know that a death has occurred, and provides them with information about the services.  Notices and/or obituaries generally include the deceased’s full name, age, city, and date of birth, as well as the city they were living in when they died.  It also includes the name of the deceased’s spouse, along with the names of anyone else significant in their lives, such as parents, children, or grandchildren.  Space may be limited in a newspaper but you might also wish to include a short sentiment on the life and legacy of the deceased.  An online obituary or memorial website offers you the chance to add a lot more about the deceased. 

Who are funeral directors and what do they do?
Funeral directors are in charge of all the logistics as well as many of the preparations and arrangements following a death.  They complete all the necessary paperwork, make arrangements for the transportation of the body, and put into action the choices made by the family in regards to the funeral service and the final resting place of the body or cremated remains.  Beyond all of this, funeral directors are there to provide emotional support and personal guidance in the wake of a loss.

What happens if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?
We are here to help. Funeral directors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.  We are just a phone call away. 

What if a death occurs away from my home town?
We can arrange to have the remains transported from anywhere in the world.  We will assist or make the proper arrangements to have the remains returned to the community.

What is embalming and what purpose does it serve?
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. It also slows down the decomposition process and enhances the appearance of a body impacted by traumatic death or illness.   Embalming gives time to the family of the deceased to arrange a service and allows for the possibility of an open-casket viewing.  

Do I need to have an embalming?
No.  It is a choice.  Some religions forbid embalming.  Some countries do require embalming by law for remains to leave or enter the country.  If it is not against your religious custom, embalming is generally recommended, especially if there is an extended gap between death and burial or cremation.

How much does a funeral cost?
The cost of the funeral arrangements depends on the services selected.  The cost includes all professional services including transportation, and other preparations, services, or supplies.  You are welcome to contact our funeral directors or review our cremation and funeral price list here.

What drives the cost of a funeral?
Funerals are labor intensive  A funeral's cost extends beyond the merchandise and includes the services of the funeral director. Their role in making the necessary arrangements, filling out forms, and dealing with all the other figures involved after a death (doctors, estates trustees, insurance companies).  Funeral directors often work more than 40hrs per week and service providers are a 24-hour operation, with facilities that need to be maintained and secured.