There are many important tasks and decisions that need to be made when a death occurs. We are here to help you. You may not know what to do or where to begin but we are here to guide you through this process step by step.
ANSWERS TO GATHER
Here are a few questions the staff will likely ask:
What is the full legal name of the deceased?
Where is the deceased currently located? Are they at a hospital, nursing facility, or residence?
Who are you? Where can I reach you if we get disconnected?
Who is the next-of-kin? What is their phone number and address?
Does the deceased have a pre-arranged funeral plan?
ITEMS TO GATHER
You will be asked to come into the funeral home at a convenient time to complete the details of the arrangement. It will be helpful if you gather some items and information before you meet with our staff. These items will consist of:
A recent photo of the deceased
Clothing for the deceased
SSN and original birth certificate of the deceased
The deceased’s parent’s names, as well as mother’s maiden name
Education of the deceased
Marital and veterans status of the deceased
Any pre-arrangement paperwork
Any cemetery lot information
PREPARING YOUR NEXT DAYS
Below is a list of items that may help guide you in the days ahead.
Gather obituary information and include the time, date, and location of the funeral services.
Assign individuals to take turns greeting family and/or close friends. You may consider keeping a record of visitors and flower deliveries to make it easier to thank people later on.
Delegate the needs of the household (such as cleaning, food preparation, etc.,).
Arrange for child care & hospitality for visiting relatives and friends.
Plan for the distribution of flowers after the funeral (to a church, hospital, or rest home).
Create a list of people for the acceptance of flowers, calls, etc. You may want to include "thank yous" to those who have given their time as well.
Notify insurance companies of the deceased.
Locate the will and notify the lawyer and executor.
Confirm all life and casualty insurance including death benefits, along with Social Security, credit & trade union, fraternal, and military. You can check possible income for survivors through these sources.
Notify the utility companies and landlord, if the deceased was living alone.
Let the post office know where to send the mail.
Preparation & Checklist
GENERAL
Personal information for obituary
Notify family & friends
Evaluate the Will & right of disposition
Choose a charity for donation (if applicable)
Photographs and keepsakes for display
Assemble cemetery information such as deed to plot and receipt of purchase
Options after ceremony such as catering or reception reservation
INDIVIDUAL PLANNING
Choosing Pallbearers 6-8
Appointing Clergy (if desired)
Assigning speaker(s) for eulogy
Determine primary organizer
Determine individual to assume responsibility of finances & bills for services provided
CEREMONY PREPARATION
Selecting funeral site ____ Funeral Home ____ Church ____ Graveside ____ Other
Video or photo slide presentation
Special Music
Visitation/ Viewing/ Wake
Flowers
Donation requests
Special Releases: ____ Doves ____ Balloons ____ Butterflies ____ Other
Other Specifications: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Obituary Information
Please share the following information for a newspaper or online memorial page.
Information To Share:
Full first and last name(s):
Gender Identification:
Date of Birth & Death:
Place of Birth:
Previous & current residence:
Mother’s Maiden Name:
Father’s Name:
Areas To Discuss:
Childhood/Growing up years:
Employment:
Passion(s):
Hobbies:
Character Dualities:
Service Details:
Additional Notes:
Preparing A Eulogy
Creating a eulogy can be difficult when you have experienced the death of a loved one. We are here to help you through this process. The material below may help to organize your thoughts and assist the person who may be presenting the eulogy.
Generally, a good length of time is between 3-5 minutes
Biographical information
Memorable moments
What would they like to be remembered for?
What made his or her life unique?
What are their passions?
Gather additional material and stories you care to share
Life lessons to be passed on
If they enjoyed a joke or laugh you may want to include one
Explain their character
Organize your ideas
Any additional notes or ideas