Archives for May 2012

May I make all the necessary arrangements in advance?

Yes, usually all arrangements may be made in advance. When you plan ahead, you will be able to consider the many options available. You will have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your funeral and cemetery arrangements, and the form of memorial you prefer. You will be able to make choices that areContinue Reading…

What are the different types of burial caskets?

Most caskets are made of either wood or metal. Metal caskets are made of either bronze, copper, steel or stainless steel. Wood caskets are available in a variety of types of wood. Interiors of caskets are usually made with velvet or crepe; however, other materials may be available. (Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

What are burial vaults and graveliners?

These are the outside containers into which the casket is placed. Burial vaults are designed to protect the casket, and may be made of a variety or combination of materials including concrete, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper, bronze, plastic, or fiberglass. A grave liner is a lightweight version of a vault, which simply keeps theContinue Reading…

How many pallbearers will be needed?

The traditional format regarding the number of pallbearers is 6, primarily due to the length of the standard casket, so that 3 people on either side can conveniently carry the casket. Most caskets have additional handles at each end which will accommodate 2 more bearers. (Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

Must an obituary be published in a newspaper?

We publish the obituary notice on our website free of charge and there is no limit to the length of the online obituary. The publication of an obituary notice in a newspaper is a matter of your personal choice. While most newspapers control the editorial format, you have the right to limit the amount ofContinue Reading…

What are the options concerning the time of a service?

While most services are held in the morning or afternoon, some families are now choosing to have services held in the evening hours for the convenience of family and friends. This enables more people to attend the service who otherwise might be unable to be excused from their place of employment during the day. (Source:Continue Reading…

Should a child attend a funeral?

Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when a relationship is severed. As adults we may not view a child’s behavior as grief as it often is demonstrated in ways which we misunderstand as “moody”, “cranky”, “withdrawn” or other behavioral patterns whichContinue Reading…

Do clergy always officiate at a funeral service?

In conjunction with or sometimes in place of a clergy person, family or friends may share personal thoughts, memories and feelings about the deceased as part of the service. (Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

What is a memory table and/or a memory board?

At the funeral home, a memory table may be used to display personal items of the deceased. A memory board would have a collection of family photographs attached and can be displayed on an easel at the funeral home for visitors to reminisce about their life experiences with the deceased. (Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

How can I personalize a funeral service?

Your Funeral Director can review a myriad of ways to personalize your loved ones funeral. One way is to bring personal items into The Marlan Gary Funeral Home to be displayed in or near the casket. For example: an avid quilter might have a favorite quilt placed in the casket. An athlete may have someContinue Reading…