What does a funeral do?
A funeral is for the living, not for the dead. There is nothing we can do for the dead, but a lot we can do for those who are still living.

At a funeral many messages are being thought and said, final statements, final apologies, requests for forgiveness, expressions of heartfelt emotions and, for some a silent promise to reunite in the life beyond.

Funerals are an opportunity to make peace with the memory of the deceased. Family and community can reaffirm the value of their own lives by honoring the loss of another.

What goes into a funeral?
Care, planning and preparation are very important. The funeral director is the primary source of advice on the planning of the funeral. He can offer many alternatives which can bring greater meaning to the final tribute.

There are different types of services ranging from small, traditional or a creative expression fitting the life of the honored person.

Many families are planning funerals that reflect more on the contributions and accomplishments of the deceased. Family members or friends may choose to give the eulogy. Planning such a funeral, in itself can become a meaningful gift of love.

The setting for the funeral might be other than in a church or chapel since the funeral is no longer the rigid ritual it once was. With the help of Dering-Henson Funeral Home, you can create a funeral which will be a fitting, lasting, and respectful tribute.

What are the funeral costs?
Arranging a funeral occurs perhaps once or twice in the average lifetime. Each funeral is unique to the life of the deceased and the cost may vary. Most important, the final cost of the funeral must be determined by the family. At Dering-Henson Funeral Home, we provide the services within the means your family can afford.

We are familiar with every facet of costs. We know what government benefits are available and can direct you to the proper agencies. We work with families explaining alternative services and choices for the purpose of planning a final tribute that is affordable. We will gladly help you create an itemized cost estimate, showing the various charges involved, and making suggestions for the service.

What is pre financing?
It is simply making the necessary financial arrangements that will take care of the expected cost of your funeral. It can be from savings, but many families choose special pre-need coverage such as that offered by Dering-Henson Funeral Home.

What government benefits are available?
Veterans may have a benefit that contributes a modest amount toward burial. There may also be social security benefits available. At the time of counseling, we will help you determine if the deceased qualifies for any of these benefits.

What are the options for final disposition?
Traditionally, a cemetery is chosen as the final resting place. Entombment in a mausoleum may be the choice. Some families select cremation and inurn the cremated remains in a columbarium.

Does the law require embalming?
In most areas it is required only if the body is to be shipped by common carrier.

Is a vault required by law?
That will depend on the cemetery you choose for burial.

What about planning your own funeral?
Since it is difficult to plan the funeral for another, it is even more difficult to consider one's own funeral.

When you plan and arrange your own funeral, you make a gift of love to your family. You relieve them of difficult decisions.

Much of the decision making can be eliminated by the simple act of pre-arrangement. Consider the wisdom of writing down your wishes and instructions now and sharing them with your family. Then they'll know and you'll have peace of mid in knowing that everything has been taken care of.

What Legal documents are required in arranging the funeral?
Two important documents, the death certificate and the permit for burial, cremation, or shipping. Military discharge papers and proof of entitlement to union benefits should be available. And of course, life insurance policies and a copy of the last will and testament should be accessible.

Are all funerals religious ceremonies?
Most are, however it is becoming more common to think of funerals as a final farewell. The newer approach often contains religious elements, but the funeral has the added dimension of a community ceremony.

Why meet with my funeral director?
A brief meeting with one of our funeral directors gives you an opportunity to ask what you should know about funerals, final disposition, and most important, the cost. We can give you information, advice, and knowledge that you will need to plan a funeral that will meet your needs and financial capability. We want you to know all the facts and to be comfortable with the plans you make.