Honor Your Loved Ones Life With Us

Physical symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, loss or change of appetite, shortness of breath, and more are all common when experiencing grief. It’s difficult to know exactly what to do when faced with the onslaught of these symptoms. Practicing mindfulness and being aware of these physical symptoms is the first step. We also recommend:

• Staying hydrated.
• Eating regularly: small snacks and meals are typically easier than large ones.
• Rest regularly: don’t hesitate to take short naps throughout the day as long nights may be difficult.
• Move your body.
  Nurture your senses: listen to music or sounds of nature.
• Engage in prayer or meditation: tap into or get reacquainted with your spiritual side.
• Reduce your list of necessary activities and chores: now is the time to delegate these tasks to others so that you can devote your time to self-care.

Neighbors, friends, and family members can be your lifeline right now—and some of them may even be coming to you right now to see how they can help. Don’t turn them away; instead, allow them to give the gift of service. We also recommend reaching out to clergy, your family physician, therapist, or a grief counselor for professional support as they understand your grief and can offer guidance.

This is a question we hear a lot. Many funeral homes suggest (and may even go so far as to require) embalming if you’re planning a viewing or visitation. That’s because they want the experience to be as good as it can be for those in attendance, and proper embalming can ensure the deceased looks as good as possible. But as a general rule, embalming is not necessary or legally required if the body is cared for in a relatively short amount of time. Please contact us for specific state or local requirements.

A burial vault is a concrete vault that offers protection to the casket from the elements of the earth and protects the earth above the burial site from collapse. Not all cemeteries require a burial vault. Contact us if you’re unsure whether or not your desired cemetery requires one.

A grave identifier will be placed on the burial site as a temporary marker until a headstone or grave marker is placed. Headstones and grave markers are not required but due to the temporary nature of a grave identification marker, it may become illegible or if it is somehow removed, the grave may appear “unmarked”.

A direct burial is exactly what it sounds like. The direct burial process does not include a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life. The body will be transported to us for embalming (if you desire), dressing, and casketing.We then transport the body to the cemetery to be buried immediately.

Your funeral director will do the following:

• Complete and file a death certificate
• Obtain signatures on any required permits or authorizations
• Assist you in selecting a cemetery, casket, and burial vault.
• Oversee the physical care of the deceased: Dressing, casketing, and escorting to the cemetery for immediate burial.
• Be present at the burial and provide you with copies of all pertinent papers for safekeeping.

At your arrangement conference, your funeral director will discuss fees from outside vendors. Some of these charges may include:

• Fee charged by a newspaper to print an obituary
• Clergy fee
• Musician fee
• Floral arrangements
• Reception catering
• Facility rental

You and your family are welcome to write the obituary if you so choose, however they are not necessary! An obituary is one of the most common ways to inform others of your loved one’s passing and can detail when a service is taking place. If you need aid in creating an obituary, please contact us.