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We Realize The Importance Of A Funeral Service.
In the earliest recorded times, societies honored the dead through ceremonies. According to beliefs at that time, the purpose of the ritual was to properly send the decedent on the journey into the next life. Today, however, psychologists and other experts agree that the benefits of the funeral are for those left behind; those who must reconstruct their lives following their loss. Before family and friends can fully adjust to their loss, survivors must express their grief in ways meaningful to them. They must face, openly and realistically, the fact that death has indeed occurred. The funeral provides the opportunity to do exactly that.
Understanding the importance of a funeral service, we listen to your requests and help arrange a meaningful service according to your wishes. Because we believe the funeral you plan with us should be perfect in every respect, our quality service is backed by a guarantee. Your satisfaction is important to us. It''s our policy to make sure you''re happy with every aspect of the funeral service. That''s why we offer you the Golden Rule Service Guarantee. It''s only one of the ways we show our commitment to you during a time of loss. If you have questions concerning the Golden Rule Service Guarantee, or about any aspect of funeral arranging, please don''t hesitate to click on the "CONTACT US" link at the bottom of this screen or give us a call at (330) 823-1050.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SECTION
- What is The International Order of the Golden Rule?
The Order of the Golden Rule selects those outstanding funeral homes that have demonstrated their commitment to the funeral industry through dedicated service and a high awareness of the needs of their communities. The selection process is a difficult one, concentrating on excellent service and the attention given to the needs and desires of the family. The entire process sometimes takes up to six months and not every funeral home qualifies. Once a funeral home is selected for membership to the Order of the Golden Rule, they must continue to provide quality service to retain membership. This assures the public that International Order of the Golden Rule members are professionals with the highest standards of conduct.
- Can I afford the type of service I want?
Your Funeral Director is sensitive to your family''s needs. He is willing to work with you, taking into account your financial concerns. The cost of a funeral, in fact, is dependent upon your choices. Your Funeral Director will make certain you''re aware of the cost of each individual service, and will make every effort to accommodate your needs when dealing with funeral expenses. In fact, Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral and Cremation Service can even help make arrangements in a distant community.
- What happens should death occur away from home?
It is sometimes necessary to make funeral arrangements in a distant location. Should death occur away from home, your Funeral Director will be happy to contact another reputable firm to make the proper arrangements, relieving the family of many details.
- Are all caskets alike?
Caskets are made from different materials, in different styles and colors, and by different manufacturers. The choice of casket can depend upon any number of factors, ranging from personal taste to financial considerations. Although we are available to offer professional counsel on the quality of different caskets, we never attempt to influence the decision. We have always believed that everyone should be able to make an appropriate choice without overspending?and for this reason we display caskets in a complete range of prices.
- Do I have to purchase an outside receptacle and is it even legally required.
Some cemeteries require that a concrete box or some type of outside receptacle be used...to guarantee that the grave will not sink with the passing of time. Not all cemeteries have this requirement, however, an outside receptacle is NEVER a legal requirement. As with the casket, we believe that whether or not an outside receptacle or vault is to be used is a matter for you to decide. After selecting an attractive casket, it is true that most people today prefer a vault to protect it and the remains. We offer a complete selection of vaults for this reason.
- Is embalming legally required?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no state or province in the U.S. or Canada in which embalming is an absolute legal requirement. It may be required if a public health hazard is present or if remains are to be transported across a considerable distance, but it is NOT required in most cases when burial or cremation is to be in the same vicinity. Although it is not required in most instances, most people prefer embalming for two basic reasons. First of all, embalming makes it possible to delay disposition for a period of time...so that friends and relatives may be notified to attend the visitations and services. Secondly, if there is to be a viewing, embalming and the modern science of cosmetology and restorative art make possible a comforting final appearance.
- Is a casket legally required?
If remains are to be transported across some distance, a container is required...and a container of some type is a practical necessity for final disposition. An actual casket is NOT a legal requirement, however, and anyone who tells you otherwise is misrepresenting the facts. Nonetheless, most people prefer that a casket be used...because it offers greater protection and is more attractive during visitations and services. We believe that only the family, individual, or close friends planning the funeral can properly decide whether a casket should be used and, if so, what type of casket is preferable. Our funeral director will not attempt to interfere with your wishes in any way.
- What do I need to bring to the funeral home?
When the funeral home is preparing for a funeral, there are several items that the family or closest friends need to provide. It helps if these items can be taken to the funeral home for the arrangements conference:
- Clothes, jewelry, and other personal items chosen to be placed on the deceased for the visitation, funeral service and burial;
- Biographical information for the funeral home to prepare the death certificate and obituary;
- Other necessary paperwork, such as Social Security information, VA discharge papers if the deceased was a veteran, and any insurance policies with which the funeral home will be providing assistance; and
- A recent photograph for possible use with the obituary, and to assist the funeral home staff to prepare the deceased for services.
- Should I involve clergy?
It is very common for a member of the clergy to lead the funeral service, and offer support to family and friends. It is important for the funeral process to have special meaning for those closest to the deceased regardless of the service options chosen. If the person being honored was active in his/her church, it is fitting for the clergy to be an important part of the funeral. However, if the person had little or no church affiliation, it may be more appropriate to have a few friends or family members share thoughts with those attending the service.
- How do I choose a burial site?
Earth burial, cremation, and aboveground entombment are all final disposition options. If an earth burial is chosen, a burial plot in a cemetery must be purchased. Many times a family plot exists where husbands, wives, children, brothers, and sisters can all be laid to rest.
- What type of music can be used?
Your Funeral Director can recommend music selections for your service. The funeral home generally has a selection of hymns and appropriate music. It is also possible for the family to provide musical selections to be played on the funeral home''s system. Live music, in the form of a vocalist and/or other musician, is also an option.
- What part do flowers play during a funeral?
Those offering support will often send flowers to the funeral home. This does provide comfort to family and close friends and adds beauty to the visitation and funeral home. The funeral home will take care of receiving and arranging the flowers.
- What are memorial contributions?
Sometimes when funeral arrangements are made, a favorite cause or charitable group may be designated to receive contributions "in memoriam." A memorial fund may also be initiated, especially if the deceased has minor children or a dependant with a disability. In these cases, the family will inform those offering support, "Memorial gifts can be made to __________"?.
- Where do you hold a funeral?
The location of the funeral service can be in a funeral home, church or other location chosen by the deceased or the family. A full service funeral home has the knowledge, the equipment and the personnel to fulfill the requirements of any family''s faith, regardless of the location of the funeral service.
- How can a funeral be personalized?
It is becoming more common to memorialize a funeral service to the personality of the deceased. Prayers and remembrances offered by family and friends, favorite music, treasured belongings, pictures and mementos can all play a major role in making the final tribute fitting and moving. The family can choose to assemble a display containing photographs, favorite possessions, and items from a hobby or awards the deceased received. These items help shift the emphasis of the services to memories of the person?s life. Rather than the circumstances of his or her death. Personalization can also be added by simply choosing the most appropriate services and products available from the funeral home. These include cremation and its various service options, participating in a living memorial program, or purchasing a burial plot below the canopy of a sturdy oak tree.
- What are the final burial or disposition choices?
The most common choices are earth burial, cremation, and aboveground entombment. Most funerals in North America conclude with earth burial, which is burying the remains contained in a casket into the ground. Purchases made for this option generally include a casket, a vault, a cemetery plot and a headstone or grave marker. Another choice is cremation. People choose cremation for a variety of reasons, including environmental concerns, personal preference, religious beliefs, changing family surroundings and traditions. Cremation is not intended to replace the elements of the traditional funeral, but is simply an alternative to earth burial or entombment of the body of the deceased. Accompanying funeral services can range from the most traditional with full visitation and memorial service to cremation with minimal services. Aboveground entombment is provided in mausoleums, buildings designed and maintained to house human remains. Mausoleums are especially popular in certain regions of North America, and the availability and price ranges of mausoleum crypts vary depending on geographic location.
- How are funeral arrangements made?
In most cases, the people involved in making funeral arrangements meet with a funeral director. This meeting is referred to as an arrangements conference. At this time, the funeral home assists the family with all the details involved in planning a funeral service. The funeral director discusses the options available, listens to the family''s preferences and helps plan a service that truly reflects the life of the person being honored.
- How can a funeral home help me?
Your first contact, when beginning the funeral planning process, will most likely be a funeral home. When a death occurs, your chosen funeral home begins helping you immediately. The staff is prepared to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The first duty of the funeral home is to transfer the deceased to the funeral home. The funeral home personnel are professionally trained to provide you and your family and friends with the appropriate service and guidance during this very difficult time. The funeral director''s primary function is to assist you in determining the funeral service details, including such aspects as:
Providing for care and custody of the body;
- Helping you determine the time, structure and all details of the visitation and/or service;
- Coordinating details with the clergy and/or fraternal orders;
- Placing the obituary and death notice in the newspaper;
- Helping you select the appropriate merchandise, such as a casket, urn or vault;
- Obtaining necessary paperwork, including the death certificate;
- Arranging motor vehicles for transportation and for use in the procession.
If you would like to learn more information about the types of merchandise or if you have any other questions please don''t hesitate to call us at (330) 823-1050. Also for your convenience we offer you the following sites for further information on our merchandise.
Casket Selections
www.auroracasket.com
www.clarksburgcasket.com
Vault Selections
www.clarkvault.com
www.wilbertvault.com/educational/inter.htm
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