THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU

• Photos
  • You will have the option of a pictorial memory video of up to forty pictures.  One of the pictures can also be used for newspaper, printing, and as a guide for our work including hair dresser.  Formal pictures, as well as snapshots, are acceptable.
    
    
• Life Insurance Policies
• We do not charge a fee for assisting you with claims.  Certain policies may be assigned to the funeral home directly, if you wish.
  
  
• Military Discharge Papers

• Clothing for Men
• Suit/Sportcoat & Slacks OR
• Sweater, Shirt & Slacks OR
• Long-sleeved Shirt & Slacks OR
• Fraternal or Military Uniform
• Dress Shirt & Tie
• Undergarments
• Underwear, T-shirt & Socks
• Shoes are optional

• Clothing for Women
• Dress with long sleeves OR
• Suit with long sleeves OR
• Sweater, Blouse & Skirt/Slacks
• Undergarments
• Underwear & stockings/socks
• Bra or Camisole
• Slip for dress or skirt
• Shoes are optional

• Glasses, Jewelry, and/or Rosary
• These items may be placed in the casket; however, we recommend they be removed prior to burial.

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THINGS TO DO…..

We will help you coordinate and notify:

• Minister and church
• Cemetery
• Musicians—organist & singers
• Military honors
• Newspapers
• Fraternal & veterans organizations
• Pallbearers
• Honorary pallbearers

You will need to select:

• Clothing
• Time and Place
• Funeral merchandise—selected at funeral home
• Flowers—can be selected at funeral home

You will need to notify:

• All the relatives
• All the friends
• Bank
• Employers
• Insurance agent
• Unions

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What is an Obituary?

In the past, the obituary was used just as an announcement of a death—just the facts.

Today, they are increasingly used as an opportunity to reflect on a life well lived and how that life made a difference.  This is extremely helpful to those unable to attend the services, as the obituary may be the only opportunity they have to reflect on the life of a relative, friend or colleague who has died.

Our funeral home will provide you with full assistance in composing the obituary.

However, for some, the process of writing an obituary is a special opportunity to say goodbye.  It can be a wonderful tribute that gives us all a sense of who the person was and what they meant to those who knew and loved them.

Though there are basic guidelines for writing an obituary, there are no hard and fast rules.

Basic Announcement Information

The lead paragraph of an obituary includes the name and address (city), including any past addresses where the person had community ties.  The date of death may also be included in this section at the discretion of the writer.

Scheduled Ceremonies

This section provides the time, date and location of the final interment (cemetery or mausoleum).  The obituary may also contain the locations involved with the scattering of ashes in case of a cremation.

Biographical Information & Life History

Next, if appropriate, some important facts about the person’s life may be included.  Occupations, memberships, community service, education and military service are typical examples.  This section could also contain information about hobbies and favorite activities.

Survivor Information

The list of surviving family members usually includes the names of spouses, parents, children and siblings and cities of residence.  However, the names of spouses of children, grandchildren, and other close relatives and special friends may also be included, but most newspapers will charge for this service.

Contributions

Some families provide the option of making charitable donations on behalf of the deceased in lieu of sending cards or flowers.  In these situations, the address of the charity is necessary for contributors.

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Celebrating Life’s Memories

This short phrase sums up our mission.  We are committed to provide you with a funeral experience that celebrates the memory of your loved one’s life.  What better way is there to share the person you have known and loved with others?

Take a moment to reflect on the questions below.  They can help you organize your thoughts and allow you to plan a more personal and meaningful ceremony.

How did he/she Live?

• Think of five words that describe him/her.
• What traits did you admire most?
• Did he/she ever give you any words of wisdom?

Whom did he/she Love?

• What relationships were important to him/her?
• Other than family, who will be affected by his/her death?
• Who had the most influence on his/her life?

What made him/her Laugh?

• What did he/she do for fun when he was younger?
• In later years, how did he/she enjoying spending his free time?

What things did he/she Learn?

• What things interested him/her?
• What accomplishments made him/her proudest?
• Was he/she a member of any clubs or organizations?

What kind of Legacy did his/her life represent?

• How would he/she want to be remembered?
• What stories would he/she want passed on to future generations?
• What five objects could you collect that capture what he/she was about?

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INSURANCE

Our funeral home provides insurance claim filing services FREE OF CHARGE.

_____  Contact all life insurance companies for claim forms and file claims.

_____  Check for accidental death benefits on all insurance policies.

_____  Check for life insurance benefits on loans and credit cards.

_____  Check named beneficiaries on all of your insurance policies and change if    

          necessary.

_____  Check for group benefits with employer, even if retired.

_____  Check with employers regarding changes that may need to be made to your group

          insurance policies.

_____  File claims for health insurance and/or Medicare supplements.

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ORGANIZATIONS

_____  Contact labor union about death and survivor’s benefits.

_____  Check with fraternal organizations about available benefits.

_____  Contact American Legion, VFW and similar veterans organizations about

          available benefits.

LEGAL & FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

_____  For memorials given in memory of deceased, forward all funds to appropriate groups.

_____  Notify the bank, especially if Social Security benefits are directly deposited.

_____  Notify deceased’s employer and inquire about 401 (K), pension, profit sharing or similar

          retirement benefits.

_____  Contact your attorney regarding probate of the Estate.

_____  If Estate is in trust, check with bank’s trust department or your attorney.

_____  Have your attorney update your will or trust.

_____  Update bank accounts, stocks and bonds into your name.

_____  Get copies of all bills as soon as possible.

_____  Transfer or update automobile titles at Department of Motor Vehicles.

We hope you will find this checklist helpful in setting your affairs.
Please consult legal counsel.

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DEATH CERTIFICATES

We will obtain certified copies of the death certificate for you from the state health department.  In Arkansas the current charge is $10 for the first copy and $8 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

You may need a certified death certificate to make claims or make changes to the following:

• Life Insurance Policies
• Bank Accounts
• Stocks and Bonds
• Retirement Accounts—IRA, 401 (K), Pension, Profit Sharing
• Automobile Title
• Real Estate Deeds and Titles
• Telephone & Other Utilities
• Credit Card Accounts

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SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Our funeral home completes a form provided by the Social Security Administration which is usually accepted as proof of death.

_____  Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213

          from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays to schedule an appointment.

Inquire about eligibility for Survivors Benefits.

Fayetteville Office
2153 E. Joyce Blvd
(479) 521-3435

VETERAN’S BENEFITS

Our funeral home will assist you with the applications for a flag, a veteran’s grave marker and burial benefits.

Contact County Veterans Affairs office to:

____  Apply for Widow’s pension

____  Check on Veteran’s life insurance

Veterans’ Service Office
Daryl R. Reed
(479) 713-7996

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DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO HANDLE AFFAIRS

Call all parties before you visit their offices to see which documents they will need.  If you give them original copies of documents, ask for a receipt if you need them returned to you.

• Death Certificates
• Social Security Number—your’s and deceased’s
• Military Discharge Papers
• Insurance Policies
• Real Estate Deeds and Titles
• Stock and Bond certificates
• Automobile title and registration
• Loan papers, contracts, and account numbers
• Bank and account numbers
• Bank and account numbers
• Retirement account documents including IRA, 401 (K), pension and profit sharing
• Marriage Certificate or divorce papers
• Birth Certificates—your’s and minor children’s
• Recent income tax returns and W-2 forms
• Will and/or Trust papers

GETTING ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

• Surround yourself with loving and supportive people.
• Take care of your body and spirit.
• Know that you will eventually make this difficult transition.
• Allow yourself to feel the pain, rather than avoid it.
• Tears are a natural way to help you heal.  It’s OK to cry.
• Grief has no time table.  Everyone is unique.  Be patient with yourself.
• Talk about your experiences.  Ask for help when you need it.
• Be kind to yourself.

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