Funeral Services Overview
After the death of a loved one, there are many things to sort through. It would
help to have all of the following information about the deceased with you when you
come to discuss the service.
- Social Security Number
- Attending physician
- Clothing (including under-clothing, excluding shoes)
- Cemetery information (property/grave site location)
- Church affiliation
- Biographical info for filling out death certificate
- Military honorable discharge form, if relevant and available
Arrangements
As family you are also going to have to make the following arrangements:
- Set up a time to meet with the minister to arrange the service (music, scriptures,
verses)
- Make the following decisions if you choose to have a visitation:
- Location: Funeral home, private home, or church.
- Time of visitation: The night before the service or following the service
Many families also choose to bring pictures of their family, a biography, and a
multi-media presentation to play during the visitation.
Disposition Alternatives
The funeral directors at Salem Funerals & Cremations will inform you about the types
of disposition – the final handling of the deceased’s remains – and help you make
the appropriate choice.
Earth Burial
The most popular form of interment, earth burial requires a cemetery plot and usually
includes additional costs, such as fees for opening and closing the grave. Monuments
or makers – available in a variety of materials, styles and prices – are typically
placed at the grave as a memorial.
Above Ground Burial (Entombment)
Entombment requires purchasing a crypt within a mausoleum specifically designed
for that purpose.
Cremation
If above ground burial is preferred, the urn may be placed in a niche within a columbarium
– a building designed specifically for this purpose. For earth burial, the urn
may be buried within a cemetery. Your funeral director can explain other alternatives
and assist in making arrangements. If you choose cremation, all other funeral services
– visitation, viewing of the body and funeral service – can still be conducted.
For more information, please see the following topic: