Common QuestionsWhat is the significance of a funeral service?How much does a funeral cost? Is everything included in the price given to me by the funeral home? Can I make my funeral arrangements? How many types of caskets exist, and why are some more expensive than others? What is embalming and is it necessary before services are held? Can a funeral home assist me with Social Security benefits and Veteran death benefits? What is involved in the cremation process? Are special cremation containers and caskets available? Are the services held before or after cremation? What happens to the cremated remains? What is the significance of a funeral service? From the beginning of recorded history, societies have honored those who died with a traditional ceremony. According to beliefs at that time, the purpose of the ritual was to send the deceased on his or her 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. A "closure" of sorts must occur to help survivors adjust to their loss and recognize that a death has occurred. A funeral service provides the opportunity for friends and family to celebrate the life that was lived and allow the healing process to begin. Back to Top How much does a funeral cost? Funeral costs vary depending on the funeral home and type of service selected. There are two types of costs associated with a funeral: (1) services provided by the funeral home and (2) merchandise such as a casket or urn. Service costs may range between $1,820 and $4,265. Merchandise costs are added to this amount. Back to Top Is everything included in the price given to me by the funeral home? All charges involving the funeral home's services and merchandise are available from our professional staff. We will provide a general price list with all charges. Back to Top Can I make my funeral arrangements before I die? Yes. Today, prearrangement and prepayment of funerals are becoming more common. Prearranging will provide you with more time to review your options and give you a choice in your own funeral service. Prearrangement 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 Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home and Cremation Services, we will assist you with your prearrangements. Back to Top How many types of caskets exist, and why are some more expensive than others? The value, selection and retail price of caskets are affected by a number of factors including materials of construction, design details and personalization features. Bronze and Copper Caskets: • The best quality casket material available. • Naturally resistant to rust and corrosion. • Premium grade velvet interiors. Wood: • As with fine furniture, the species of wood affects appearance and price. • Available in solid hardwood and premium veneers. • Wood offers both warmth and natural beauty. • A variety of interior selections to meet budget and style considerations. Stainless Steel: • Premium grades are naturally rust-resistant and long lasting. • Basic grades feature patented cathodic protection which uses an electrochemical reaction to inhibit the formation of rust. • An appealing mid-range selection for those seeking attractive finishes in a wide range of styles and shapes. Carbon Steel: • Available in several thicknesses. • Available in a variety of colors and styles. • A variety of interior selections to meet budget and style considerations. Back to Top What is embalming and is it necessary before services are held? Embalming is the temporary preservation of a deceased's remains. It is not required by law, but is required if public viewing is planned. Back to Top Can a funeral home assist me with Social Security benefits and Veteran death benefits? Yes. In fact, Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home and Cremation Services 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 to follow through to ensure that the benefits are secured in a timely manner. Back to Top What is involved in the cremation process? Before cremation occurs, all civil and medical authorities must have issued all required permits. In addition, necessary authorizations to cremate must be obtained from the next of kin or authorizing person. The cremation then takes place and the cremated remains are placed in the designated container or urn selected for final disposition. Back to Top Are special cremation containers and caskets available? Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home and Cremation Services offers a wide variety of cremation containers and caskets to meet each family's needs. Back to Top Are the services held before or after cremation? Services are held at the discretion of the family. Many choose to have a traditional service first, followed by the cremation. Back to Top 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 restrictions on scattering remains on public property and obtain permission for private property. Back to Top |
