Helpful
Answers
What is the significance of a funeral service?
 From the beginning of history, societies have honored
those who passed through a traditional ceremony. The purpose of the
ritual, according to beliefs at the time, was to send the deceased on
their journey into the afterlife.
Today, however, many experts agree that the benefits of
a service are for those who are left behind after a death. To help
survivors adjust to their loss and recognize that a death has occurred, a
“closure” of sorts must occur. A funeral service provides the
opportunity for friends and family to celebrate the life that was lived
and allow the healing process to begin.
How much does a funeral cost?
Funeral costs vary depending on the funeral home and
type of service you select. There are two types of costs associated with a
funeral; services provided by the funeral home, and merchandise, such as a
casket. It is your right, mandated by a Federal Trade Commission
regulation, that all charges be listed, provided on a price list and made
available by phone, mail or in person.
Is everything included in the price given to me by the funeral home?
All charges involving the funeral home’s services and
merchandise must be explained by your funeral director. We will provide a
general price list with all charges. Monies may be required in advance for
opening and closing of the grave, clergy, obituary, floral arrangements
and musician.
Can I make my funeral arrangements before I die?
 Yes. Today, pre-arrangement and pre-payment of funerals
are becoming more common. This will provide you with more time to review
your options and give you a choice in your own funeral service.
Pre-arrangement will provide you with the peace of mind that everything
has been taken care of, relieving your family of the emotional and
financial burden that often comes with making arrangements when a loved
one passes away. Oftentimes, making arrangements in advance also
guarantees a service and funeral at today’s prices, free from inflation.
At Harding Family Funeral Homes, we'll assist you with all your needs. Call us to make your
pre-arrangements (304)-755-1361 or (304) 925-4784.
How many types of caskets exist, and why are some more expensive
than others?
 Most caskets are made of either metal (usually bronze,
copper or steel) or wood (wide variety). Prices vary, depending on the
material used. Bronze caskets are more expensive than steel, as solid wood
is more expensive than softer varieties. All funeral homes are required by
law to provide you with a listing of casket prices. For a price list, or
more information, call us at (304)-755-1361 or (304) 925-4784.
What is embalming and is it necessary before burial?
Embalming is the temporary preservation of a corpse.
This surgical-like procedure involves injecting chemicals into the
deceased to produce a life-like appearance. This helps to stall
decomposition of the body, providing more time for a viewing and/or
service. Embalming is not required for a burial, but it is required when a viewing is planned. Funeral homes are required to get
permission to embalm, according to the Federal Trade Commission Funeral
Rule.
Can a funeral home assist me with Social Security and Veteran’s
death benefits?
At Harding Family Funeral Homes, we will do more than just assist you with
securing these benefits. Our staff is trained to complete all necessary
paperwork to begin the benefits process and will see that they are secured
in a timely manner.
I am a veteran and would like to buried in a national cemetery. Can
my spouse be buried next to me?
Yes, a site for your spouse and any minor dependents can
be reserved when you pass on.
What is involved in the cremation process?
A casket or container is inserted into a cremation
chamber with a temperature of 1650 – 1750 degrees Fahrenheit. All matter
is consumed by heat or evaporation within two hours. The only thing left
is the cremated remains, consisting of the bone fragment residue. The
remains are carefully removed from the chamber, processed into fine
particles and placed in a temporary container or urn. Correct identification is
ensured with a carefully controlled labeling system. The whole process
takes about three hours.
Where will my loved one be
cremated?
We are very fortunate to have our own crematory located at Haven of Rest
Memory Gardens and Crematorium.
Are special cremation caskets used?
Cremation casket selection varies from cardboard to
hardwood. Many are quite affordable and totally combustible. A rental
casket can be made available for cremation services.
Are the services held before or after cremation?
Services are held at the discretion of the family,
However, most choose to have a visitation and service first, followed by
the cremation.
What happens to the cremated remains?
There are many options to consider with a cremation. A
family can choose to bury the remains in a cemetery, store and display
them at home in an urn, or scatter them in a place special to the
deceased. It is advisable to check local ordinances in scattering
remains on public property and get permission for private property.
How can we memorialize a cremation?
There are several ways to memorialize a cremation. One
option is ground burial of the urn, marked with a bronze memorial or
sculpture. Most cemeteries also offer cremation niches in columbariums and
others offer scattering gardens which provides scenic landscape for the
family to visit.
Must I purchase certified copies of a death certificate?
Proof of death is needed for such things as banking
transactions, transferring of stocks and bonds and life insurance. We can
guide you in determining how many certified copies are needed to settle an
estate and obtain them for you.
Can I still have a service if I donate my remains?
Yes. Your funeral director can coordinate a memorial service
or gathering at the family’s preferred time and location. The funeral
home can also arrange the donation of organs to medical science.
Please contact us if you have any further
questions |
