Spangler Mortuaries

Cemetery Sites

Whenever possible, the family should make a personal visit to the cemetery and speak with a representative from the cemetery who can assist the family in making this important decision.

When you are purchasing a cemetery plot, consider the location of the cemetery and whether it meets the requirements of your family’s religion. Other considerations include what, if any, restrictions the cemetery places on burial vaults purchased elsewhere, the type of monuments or memorials it allows, and whether flowers or other remembrances may be placed on graves.

Most, but not all, cemeteries require you to purchase a grave liner. If you plan to bury your loved one’s cremated remains in a mausoleum or columbarium, you will need to purchase a crypt.

Burial Vaults or Grave Liners

Burial vaults or grave liners, also known as burial containers, are commonly used in “traditional,” full-service funerals. The vault or liner is placed in the ground before burial, and the casket is lowered into it at burial. The purpose is to prevent the ground from caving in as the casket deteriorates over time. A grave liner is made of reinforced concrete and will satisfy any cemetery requirement.

Grave liners cover only the top and sides of the casket. A burial vault is more substantial and expensive than a grave liner. It surrounds the casket in concrete or another material and may be sold with a warranty of protective strength.

Neither grave liners nor burial vaults are designed to prevent the eventual decomposition of human remains.

Veterans Cemeteries

All veterans are entitled to a free burial in a national cemetery and a grave marker. This eligibility also extends to some civilians who have provided military-related service and some Public Health Service personnel. Spouses and dependent children also are entitled to a lot and marker when buried in a national cemetery. There are no charges for opening or closing the grave, for a vault or liner, or for setting the marker in a national cemetery. The family generally is responsible for other expenses, including transportation to the cemetery.

For more information on cemeteries and survivor benefits, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs’ website at http://www.cem.va.gov/ or call 800-827-1000.

Social Security

A small lump sum death benefit will go to a surviving spouse or dependent children. If there is no surviving spouse or dependent children no lump sum is payable.

We will take care of all the paper work, however, a family member will have to call the local office to verify our information. The Social Security Office will also help with any adjustments for monthly benefits for the spouse or children.

For more information refer to http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/deathbenefits.htm or call 800-772-1213.


	Cemetery Sites Whenever possible, the family should make a personal visit to the cemetery and speak with a representative from the cemetery who can assist the family in making this important decision. When you are purchasing a cemetery plot, consider the location of the cemetery and whether it meets the requirements of your family’s religion. Other considerations include what, if any, restrictions the cemetery places on burial vaults purchased elsewhere, the type of monuments or memorials it allows, and whether flowers or other remembrances may be placed on graves. Most, but not all, cemeteries require you to purchase a grave liner. If you plan to bury your loved one’s cremated remains in a mausoleum or columbarium, you will need to purchase a crypt. Burial Vaults or Grave Liners Burial vaults or grave liners, also known as burial containers, are commonly used in “traditional,” full-service funerals. The vault or liner is placed in the ground before burial, and the casket is lowered into it at burial. The purpose is to prevent the ground from caving in as the casket deteriorates over time. A grave liner is made of reinforced concrete and will satisfy any cemetery requirement. Grave liners cover only the top and sides of the casket. A burial vault is more substantial and expensive than a grave liner. It surrounds the casket in concrete or another material and may be sold with a warranty of protective strength. Neither grave liners nor burial vaults are designed to prevent the eventual decomposition of human remains. Veterans Cemeteries All veterans are entitled to a free burial in a national cemetery and a grave marker. This eligibility also extends to some civilians who have provided military-related service and some Public Health Service personnel. Spouses and dependent children also are entitled to a lot and marker when buried in a national cemetery. There are no charges for opening or closing the grave, for a vault or liner, or for setting the marker in a national cemetery. The family generally is responsible for other expenses, including transportation to the cemetery. For more information on cemeteries and survivor benefits, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs’ website at http://www.cem.va.gov/ or call 800-827-1000. Social Security A small lump sum death benefit will go to a surviving spouse or dependent children. If there is no surviving spouse or dependent children no lump sum is payable. We will take care of all the paper work, however, a family member will have to call the local office to verify our information. The Social Security Office will also help with any adjustments for monthly benefits for the spouse or children. For more information refer to http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/deathbenefits.htm or call 800-772-1213.