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 Coyle, we'll assist you with all your needs.
Click here to make your pre-arrangements on-line.
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 a 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 (419) 865-1295.
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 a common practice 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 Coyle, 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 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 caskets used?
Cremation casket selection varies from cardboard
to hardwood. Many are quite affordable and totally combustible.
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 restrictions 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 home 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.
