The Family-Owned Funeral Home: A Part of the Community.
The funeral profession, like many American industries, has a long and proud history of personal service provided by families with deep roots in the local community, and a deep commitment to upholding professional standards. Some of the oldest, continuously operated businesses in the country are family-owned
funeral firms.

What’s in a name?
Today, as many industries, the funeral profession has seen the emergence of national, and even international funeral service conglomerates. But unlike other industries, these conglomerates rarely promote their presence. Often, there isn’t even a name change. And that makes it difficult or you, as a consumer, to easily tell the conglomerate-owned funeral firms from our family-owned firm. Without asking, you might know if the owners you may have come to know and trust continue to make the day-to-day decisions which affect your family when you need the services of a funeral form.

If you’re unsure, ask.
We think it is important that you ask. Because we think when you need the services of a funeral home, you should turn to the firm who has an investment in making the experience right for you.

A focus on families, not profits.
Large corporations answer to shareholders. We answer to you. In our family-owned company, there is no pressure from the corporate headquarters to increase profits. We understand our business will do well when we serve you well.

A knowledge of local customs.
Funeral traditions vary greatly around the country. We have a fine appreciation of local customs and expectations. On the other hand, the staff and management assigned to a funeral home by a national company may be from another state or country. And that can create a lack of awareness and sometimes disappointment when expectations are not met.

Service that exceeds the city limits.
As members of nation associations and networks, we can assist your family in the event a death occurs away from home. This is made even easier when arrangements have been made in advance.

An investment in the community.
Just as you do, we turn our neighbors for services and products. Whenever possible, we choose to do business with other family-owned and operated businesses. Preneed trust funds are invested in state and local banks. We also support many local charities, schools and other community efforts.

Special services
Because we are attuned to the needs of the community, we can best provide any special services our families need. From preneed planning to aftercare
services, you can count on us to understand and provide for your needs.

A personal relationship.
When a family suffers the loss of a loved one, it can be comforting to know your funeral director. We take every opportunity to be involved in our community, and to create the kind of personal relationships that will allow us to provide the individualized, sensitive service your family deserves.

It’s nice to know who you’re working with.
If you’re like most people, whether you’re buying a car or hiring a lawn service, you find it nicer to work with a small company. You like the flexibility
and the personal service you can get when you can talk directly with the owner.

We feel the same way...
The more you know about family-owned and operated funeral homes, the more you will come to appreciate the difference.
Whether you need to consult with us about prearrangements, would like more information about a topic like cremation options or funeral costs, or are interested in aftercare services, please call. And especially, when you need our immediate assistance at the time of a death, we’re available 24 hours a day.

We’re a part of your community...

Next, find out where to start.

Cremation

The reasons for preferring cremation are varied. For some, it seems a more natural process than burial. Others have encountered concerns. Still other are not sure why they feel more comfortable with cremation but are interested in learning more. It is for all you that this brochure is made available.

While your own personal preferences are extremely important, you may also want to discuss your choices with other family members to make sure they are comfortable with your decisions. Some individuals will be hesitant to accept anything that is different from traditional burial. Others may be negative to the idea simply because they are misinformed. This booklet is meant to answer the most often asked questions and bring about meaningful discussion and decision-making.

What exactly is the cremation process?
Cremation is the process during which human remains are reduced to their original elements by the application of intense heat. The body must be enclosed of some type of container when delivered to the crematory, typically a casket or cremation container. The choice of cremation containers may depend on your choice of funeral or memorial services, final disposition are memorialization. Unlike the traditional funeral with burial, there is no standard procedure or expectation. Your decisions should reflect family’s preferences, traditions and religious beliefs. Following the cremation process, the cremated remains are placed in a second container for final disposition. For this purpose an urn is often provided.

Can a funeral home provide cremation services?
Not only can the funeral home offer all the services a cremation society offers, but more. A funeral home has facilities to conduct a private or public gathering and ceremonies such as funeral or memorial services. The role of the funeral director is to offer options, listen to the family’s preferences, and then carry out those wishes.

Is it necessary to pre-plan cremation services?
Making your decisions in advance will help assure your wishes will be carried out following death. It is not necessary, but it is preferred by many. The second half of this brochure is a diary for you to record your decisions for presentation to a funeral home director.

How do the major religions today feel about cremation as a choice?
There was a time when some major religions disapproved of the cremation process. Today, most permit cremation. It is a good idea to discuss your concerns with your clergy as individual congregations may differ from nationwide church policies.

Is cremation less expensive than traditional burial?
It depends on your selections you make. Cost will vary according to the final disposition chosen, the services associated with these choices, and the cremation container and urn selected. Typically, there is little price difference between burial disposition and cremation with similar services.
Ultimately, the only thing that matters is that you and your family are pleased with your decisions. We hope this information has helped in some way to showing you the variety of options available.
Please feel free to call us with any questions you may have. We can explain your options in more detail including the costs and actually show you some of the choices you could select. If you wish to pre-plan, we can help you with those arrangements as well.
Final arrangements for yourself or a loved one involve some of the most personal decisions you will make in your lifetime. We want you to do so with all of the facts before you.

Find out how to be prepared.