Services

We offer several types of funeral   services. Before you select a service it might help to think about why we have   funerals. The funeral helps us deal with the reality that a loved one has died.   It provides a time and place to remember and talk about the life and death of a   loved one. The funeral is an appropriate time to say goodbye which is important   in beginning the healing process. It is wise to choose a funeral that best meets   the needs of everyone in your family, after all the services you select is a   statement that your family makes to the community.

The Traditional Funeral Service is when your loved one is present. The   night before the funeral there would be visitation generally in the evening with   the casket open. The service itself is normally the following day either in the   chapel of the funeral home or in a church, chosen by the family. A funeral often   consists of scripture reading, prayers, a eulogy, sometimes a sermon, and music.   After the funeral there is a procession to the cemetery,  for a committal   service.  There is a reception to follow at the church or the families home   which concludes the services.

A Memorial Service is when the deceased is not present. It may take   place at the funeral home, the families, a church, or even outdoors. This is a   time to remember your loved one through fellowship with friends and family. The   memorial service can also be an addition to a traditional funeral service. For   example having a traditional funeral service here and then a memorial service   back in the deceased's home town. Or, a memorial service can be done after a   burial or cremation if this meets the need of the family.

The Committal Service is a brief service at the grave site after a  tradition funeral service but prior to the burial. This is where family and   friends say their final good byes at the final resting place by placing flowers   or sometimes sand on the casket. If the committal service is the only service then it becomes what we call a grave side service and is accompanied by a   visitation the night before. The grave side service is a more lengthy service   consisting  of scripture reading, eulogy, poetry, and music.

We offer a traditional funeral service followed by a cremation. Cremation is   a form of disposition. It does not restrict you from having an  visitation, open   casket and a funeral service the following day. It is even possible to have a   procession to the cemetery for a committal service.

Direct Cremation is when there is no funeral ceremony. The deceased is   placed  in a refrigeration unit until the proper paperwork has been completed,   and the necessary permits are obtained. Then the body is placed  in a cremation   receptacle (container) and transported to a crematory. The cremation chamber is   heated by gas jets.  Then the cremated remains are placed in a urn and ready to   be buried, placed in a niche, or be taken home.

There is also a direct burial which does not consist of a funeral service.   Again the person is placed in refrigeration until the proper paperwork is   complete. Then the body is bathed, dressed and casketed. The casket is   transported to the cemetery for burial.

Before choosing a funeral service take in consideration the needs of each   individual family members and the many options available to your family. It may   help family members to have a viewing type of funeral service, to begin the   healing process. The body present serves as a focal point for mourners and helps   them acknowledge the reality of death. If there are any questions that need to   be addressed please feel free to contact us at one of our four locations.