Where To Begin

Within the First Hours

If a loved one passes away at home or anywhere outside a medical facility, emergency personnel must be contacted before we can bring them into our care. If they were receiving medical treatment, you may also want to notify their physician.

When a death occurs in a hospital, nursing home, or similar facility, the staff will alert the appropriate authorities. If they know which funeral home you’ve selected, they will contact us on your behalf.

The medical and emergency professionals involved at this stage will guide you through obtaining the medical certificate and any required documentation.

This can be one of the hardest moments to navigate, and you don’t have to go through it alone. If you’re unsure of what to do next, please call us—day or night.

Within the First Few Days

Reach out to close family members and friends to let them know what has happened. If this feels overwhelming, it’s completely fine to ask someone you trust to help with these calls.

This is also the time to check for any pre-arranged funeral plans your loved one may have made and to meet with a funeral director to begin discussing the service.

When We Meet Together

During your meeting with a funeral director, you will receive a general price list and a full explanation of the services and costs involved.

We’ll talk with you about your loved one so we can understand who they were and how best to honor their life. This is your chance to share stories, memories, and the qualities that made them unique. The details you provide help us create a meaningful and personal tribute, as well as prepare their obituary.

As we plan, we may assist with:

• Completing and submitting the death certificate
• Coordinating service details, including dates, locations, and times
• Helping you choose a casket, urn, or other needed items
• Preparing the obituary draft
• Arranging transportation
• Selecting pallbearers

To help the process go smoothly, please bring the following information if you can:

• Full legal name and home address
• Social Security number
• Date and place of birth
• Father’s name
• Mother’s maiden name
• Veteran discharge documents (DD-214), if applicable
• Education and occupation history
• Burial location information, if already chosen
• Clergy contact information, if needed
• Names and relationships of surviving family
• Insurance details if being used for funeral expenses

We also encourage you to bring a recent photo, clothing, or any personal items you’d like included for the service or placed with your loved one.