| What is the significance of a funeral service? |
From the beginning of history, societies have honored those who passed through 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 death has occurred, a "closure" of sorts must occur. A funeral service provides the opportunity for friends and family to celebrate life and allow the healing process to bebin. |
|
| How much does a funeral cost? |
| Funeral costs very depending on the funeral home and type of service you seek. 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 Federal Trade Commission regulations, 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 cash advances which may include expenses such as opening and closing of the grave, the obituary, floral arrangements, music, etc. |
|
| Can I make my funeral arrangements before I die? |
| Yes. Today, pre-arrangement and pre-payment of funerals are becoming very popular. This will provide you with more time to review your options and give 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. Often times, making arrangements in advance also guarantees a service and funeral at today's prices, free from inflation by "locking" in current prices. At the A. W. Rich Funeral Home, we'll assist you with all your needs. |
|
| 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. Prices vary, depending on the material used. Bronze caskets are more expensive than steel, as solid hardwood is more expensive than softer wood 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 (802) 849-6261. |
|
| What is embalming and is it necessary before services are held? |
| Embalming is the temporary preservation process of the deceased. This surgical-like procedure involves injecting chemicals into the deceased to produce a life-like appearance. This helps to delay decomposition of the body, providing more time for a viewing and/or services. Embalming is not required for a burial, but it is a common practice when a viewing is planned. Funeral homes are required to obtain permission to embalm, according to the Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule. |
|
| Can a funeral home assist me with Social Security benefits and Veteran death benefits? |
| Here at the A. W. Rich Funeral Home, 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 procedure and will see that they are secured for the family in a timely manner. |
|
| I am a veteran and would like to be 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 temperature of 1600 - 1800 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 container or urn. Correct identification is ensured with a carefully controlled labeling system. The whole process takes about three hours. |
|
| Are special cremation containers and caskets available? |
| Cremation casket selection varies from cardboard to hardwood. Many are quite affordable and totally combustible. Rental caskets with special cremation container inserts are also available. |
|
| Are the services held before or after cremation? |
| Services are held at the discretion of the family. however, most choose to have 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 cremains 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 restrictions scattering remains on public property and get permission for private property. |
|
| How can we memorialize cremation? |
| There are several ways to memorialize a cremation. One option is ground burial of the urn, marked with a granite market, bronze memorial or sculpture. Some cemeteries also offer cremation niches in columbariums and others offer scatter gardens which provides scenic landscape for the families to visit. |
|
