Where to Begin

In the event of a loved one passing away at home or outside of a healthcare setting, contacting emergency services is the first step before they can be transferred into our care. It's advisable to also inform their physician if they were under medical supervision.

Should the passing occur in a healthcare facility, they will typically handle notifying the appropriate authorities, including the chosen funeral home if that information has been provided.

Emergency and medical personnel will assist you in obtaining the necessary paperwork, including a medical certificate, during this sensitive time.

We understand that this part of the process can be extremely emotional, and we are here to offer support and assistance throughout. Feel free to reach out to us at any time if you're uncertain about what steps to take.

It's important to inform close friends and relatives about the passing of your loved one, both through personal phone calls and by publishing a death notice. If you find this process too distressing, it's perfectly acceptable to seek assistance from a trusted family member or friend.

Additionally, now is the appropriate time to review any preplanned funeral arrangements your loved one may have made and to meet with a funeral director to initiate the planning of their service. If your loved one did not preplan their funeral, you may need to start considering several significant decisions, such as:

• Burial or cremation
• If burial, the type of casket
• If burial, the location of their final resting place in a grave or mausoleum
• If cremation, the type of urn
• If cremation, the location of their final resting place through burial or scattering
• Any religious services you will need, such as clergy or spiritual leaders
• The types of services you want, such as a viewing, service, graveside memorial, etc.



These questions are just a starting point, and you don't need to know the answers right away. Don’t hesitate to contact us to gain a better understanding of your options. We're here to make this process easier for you.

During your meeting with one of our staff members to discuss arrangements, we will begin by offering you a general price list to provide an initial overview of our service costs.

Following this, we will engage with you to learn more about your loved one, aiming to grasp the essence of the individual whom the services will commemorate. This is an opportunity for you to express your thoughts and desires, recount your loved one's life journey, reminisce about shared memories, and emphasize their achievements. Our team will utilize this valuable insight to assist you in crafting a personalized and heartfelt celebration that truly honors the life of your loved one.

This process may include:

• Preparing and filing the official death certificate
• Scheduling the services and events (including the location, date, and time)
• Selecting a casket, urn, or other products you may need
• Drafting an obituary
• Arranging necessary transportation
• Selecting pallbearers

We'd like to make this process as smooth and stress-free for you as we can, so remember to bring the following information about your loved one with you as well:

• Full legal name and home address
• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Father's name
• Mother's maiden name
• Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
• Highest education
• Occupation
• Information about the burial location if applicable
• Clergy name and phone number if applicable
• Names and relationships of survivors
• Insurance policy information if using to pay for funeral expenses

Please also bring a recent photograph and any clothing you'd like us to use when dressing them for the service.