Funeral Directors care for the deceased person until final disposition, including performing embalming and restorative work. They also arrange and provide funerals, the burial or cremation, and legal paperwork for the family.

What purpose does a funeral serve?

The funeral celebrates a persons life, not their death.  It also serves as a means to aid the grieving process.

Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or place of worship?

A service can be held at any location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate.

Does the price I receive from the funeral home include everything?

The Funeral Director is responsible for explaining all the charges that specifically pertain to the funeral home's services and merchandise sold stated on its general price list. There may be additional charges for opening and closing the grave, clergy honorarium, newspaper notices, flowers, organist, etc...

Will life insurance pay for funerals?

Most funeral homes will allow for an insurance assignment. This allows he funeral expenses to be paid to the funeral home and the remaining balance paid directly to the beneficiary. The insurance assignment is an effective, convenient means in which to cover funeral expenses.

How can I personalize a funeral service?
There are a number of ways you can personalize the funeral or memorial service. From photos, videos and favorite items to allowing family members to recount favorite stories. Our staff will be more than happy to go over various ideas and find a way to honor your loved one.

May I make the necessary arrangements in advance?

Preplanning your funeral creates the arrangements for your funeral while you are alive, and allows you to be an active participant in the planning. If you choose to prefund your funeral, you make all the financial arrangements ahead of time, so your family and loved ones do not have to worry about the cost of your funeral. When you preplan your funeral arrangements, you go through the process of documenting your funeral and cemetery wishes ahead of time so that your loved ones won’t have to face making these difficult decisions for you. Planning your funeral in advance helps you not only protect your loved ones from guessing what you would have wanted, but it also provides them with peace of mind knowing they’ve carried out your wishes. Preplanning is truly one of the greatest gifts you can give to those you love.

How much does a funeral cost?

A funeral, like any other service, can have a range of prices.  Much like asking 'How much does a wedding cost?' - it really depends on what services and options and how elaborate you want it to be.  The average regular adult funeral in the U.S. in 1996 cost $4,287, according to the Federated Funeral Directors of America. Keep in mind this is an average cost - funerals can cost more or less, again, depending on options you select.

It is a Federal Trade Commission regulation that all funeral-related charges be itemized, printed on a general price list and made available to the public by phone, mail or in person.

How much will a casket cost?

Federal Law requires casket price lists available to the public at all times. Your funeral home will gladly discuss prices on the phone, send you a copy of the price list or arrange an appointment to see available caskets.

What are the different types of burial caskets?

Most caskets are made of either wood or metal. Metal caskets are made of either bronze, copper, steel or stainless steel. Wood caskets are available in a variety of types of wood. Interiors of caskets are usually made with velvet or crepe; however, other materials may be available.

What are burial vaults and graveliners and are they required?

These are the outside containers into which the casket is placed. Burial vaults are made of a variety or combination of materials including concrete, stainless steel, galvanized steel, cooper, bronze, plastic or fiberglass. A graveliner is a lightweight version of a vault which simply keeps the grave surface from sinking in.

In most areas of the country, state, or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the casket in the grave. However, many cemeteries require that you have a container so that the ground will not sink. Either a graveliner or a burial vault will satisfy these requirements.

Will the funeral home help with Social Security and Veterans death benefits?

Yes, most funeral homes will assist you with your government benefits.

Does Veterans Administration pay for veteran's funerals?

Although the Veterans Administration does not pay for the entire funeral, you are entitled to certain merchandise and some reimbursements. Usually, any veteran with a discharge other than dishonorable is entitled to be buried in a national cemetery. They may also receive a free grave space, with a bronze, granite, or marble memorial marked with veteran's rank, war served and religious icon.