You can use the links above to send us some of your pre-planning information for us to keep on file or fill it out and print it for your own records.

Pre-Planning

Preplanning and prepaying a funeral is a safe and secure way to plan for the eventual tomorrow.  The knowledge that you took the time to take care of preplanning may be one of the kindest gifts you can give your loved ones.

A person can preplan their own funeral.  The family may also do it for a family member.  The best way is to plan together.

The idea behind planning ahead is simply that one day a great deal of vital information about you or a loved one will be needed by your family and anyone whose responsibility it is to assist them.  There's no doubt that those who plan ahead are more comfortable knowing not only that their personal wishes will be fulfilled, but also that unnecessary difficulties can be avoided.

This part of our website  is simply a guide to the things that should be considered in putting your records in order for your survivors and in pre-planning a funeral.

Both you and your loved ones can benefit when funeral arrangements are made will ahead of need.  By discussing plans in advance, you can take all the time necessary to make the most satisfactory decisions regarding the type of and burial procedures preferred.   A carefully pre-planned funeral service can also be the most comforting to your family.  It can spare them from facing decisions that can be so difficult at a time of death.  And it can give them the lasting peace of mind knowing they've acted in accordance with your wishes.

We encourage you to discuss your thoughts and decisions with your family and also with one of our funeral directors.  During this time of planning ahead, you may also find it worthwhile to seek the advice of an attorney, a bank or trust officer, an insurance advisor and your clergyman.

The Purpose of a Funeral

A funeral service has come to fill two important needs in today's society.  First of all, it provides for the dignified and respectful care of the deceased.  It's a special tribute to a unique life.  Equally important, the funeral service helps survivors face the reality of death - the first big step toward overcoming grief.  It brings together close friends and relatives who can lend support and consolation when they're needed most.  And, it affords those friends and relatives an opportunity to express the love and respect they feel for someone who was important to them.  Many times, just seeing how much others cared can be a tremendous help to a family in adjusting to their loss.

And we can help by taking care of the many details that must be handled after a death.   We will also work to accommodate any special request that might add meaning or comfort to the service and help the family face the future with renewed strength.

Selecting a Cemetery Lot

Because so many aspects should be considered when purchasing a cemetery lot, it's especially important to discuss this well in advance of need.

Questions you should ask when deciding on the lot are:
· Does the lot meet the requirements of your religion?
· What restrictions are placed on types of monuments and burial vaults?
· Does the price include perpetual care and maintenance?
· Are there lots available in the same location to provide for burial of the entire family?

If you have any questions about selecting a cemetery lot, please feel free to ask us.

Death Benefits

It is unfortunate but true that many families do not receive the benefits to which they are entitled. All too often the survivors are unaware of the claims and benefits that apply in their situation.

Social Security--When a person who has died has worked under Social Security, his dependents and survivors may be eligible for certain benefits such as Death Payment, Survivors' Benefits and Medicare Benefits. These benefits are not automatically paid and must be applied for.

Veterans Benefits-- Honorably discharged veterans and their families may be entitled to a number of special benefits following the death of a veteran. Such benefits may include plot allowance, burial allowance, headstone, death pension and burial flag. Since there are many different benefits and qualifications for each, it's best to discuss your particular situation with us personally.

Purchasing Monuments and Memorials

After you've determined what, if any, restrictions apply to monuments at the cemetery you've chosen, you will be able to select an appropriate memorial. Bear in mind that quality, material and craftsmanship are all important considerations in selecting any permanent memorial. We would be happy to assist you in making an appropriate selection.

Financial Arrangements

There is no obligation for the pre-planning of one's funeral to the extent you record your wishes and leave it with us. However in most states, where permitted, many people do choose at the same time to set funds aside for these future services, either in part or in full. We will be happy to discuss and arrange any payment plan to suit your family's individual situation. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have or to discuss any options that would be convenient for you.

Finally, at the top of this web page we have provided links to pages that will allow you to record vital information. It is important to complete each item as fully and clearly as possible. Please remember we are available to answer any questions you may have regarding pre-planning or funeral service in general.