Both you and your loved ones will benefit when funeral arrangements are made well in advance of need. Discussing plans in advance affords you the necessary time to make the most optimum decisions regarding the type of ceremony and services preferred. A carefully planned funeral service will also be a comfort to your family. It will spare them from facing decisions that can be so difficult at a time of death. And it will give them lasting peace of mind knowing they have acted in accordance with your wishes.

We encourage you to discuss your thoughts and decisions with your family and to call me if you should have any additional questions. During this time of planning ahead, you may also find it worthwhile to seek advice of an attorney, a bank or trust office and your clergy.

Our family and staff are here to walk you through your service options and the related costs. Our checklist will serve as a guide to prepare you for the information that will be introduced at the pre-arrangement conference. We will also inform you of the different payment plans we have available to suit all budgets. An arrangement conference typically lasts from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on each family and their individual choices. Many people have taken this step with our funeral homes to plan ahead for their future needs.

Checklist
In Preparation for the Arrangement Conference
     A. Information listed below is necessary to complete the Certified Death Certificate.
          1. Formal Name
          2. Legal Residence
          3. Social Security Number
          4. Date and Place of Birth
          5. Parents Names (including Mother's Maiden Name)
          6. Veteran Information and Discharge papers
          7. Final Place of Disposition (Cemetery, Mausoleum, Crematory)

     B. Obituary or Death Notices placed in the newspaper are optional. Notices typically include the
          information listed below. Notices may be very detailed or simple depending on the family's wishes.           1. Survivors list-Next of Kin (Spouse, Children, Grandchildren, Siblings, etc.)
          2. Preceded By List-Those family members who have passed away
          3. Biographical Information (Residence, Employment, Memberships, Education, Armed Forces
              & Hobbies or Interest)
          4. Charity for Memorial Contributions

     C. The following items are service options that may be selected
          1. Visitation or Viewing
          2. Funeral Service or Funeral Mass
          3. Memorial Visitation or Viewing
          4. Memorial Service or Mass
          5. Direct Burial, Direct Cremation and Anatomical Gift
          6. Coordination of Out-of-Town Services

     D. Selection of Merchandise will depend on the type of service and final disposition
          that has been chosen.
         1. Casket, Decorative Cap Panels and/or Casket Engraving
         2. Burial Vault
         3. Urn
         4. Printing (Register Book, Prayer Cards, or Memorial Folders)
         5. Monument or Marker

Families may choose to personalize the services of their loved one. Many items may be brought in from home to display at services. Other items may be selected at the funeral home.
      A. Photo Collages, Albums and Framed Photography
      B. Personal Interest Items (Golf Bag, Military Awards, Quilts, etc.)
      C. Decorative Casket Panels, Casket Engraving, Floral Pieces, Music
      D. Readings, Biblical Passages, and Eulogies
      E. Pall Bearers

An arrangement conference typically lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the family's wishes and choices. Many of the above decisions will depend on each individual family's service preferences. Some of the items listed above are applicable to particular service or disposition choices and may not apply to all families.