We understand that funeral practices are influenced by religious and cultural traditions, budgets and personal preferences. These factors help determine whether the funeral will be elaborate or simple, public or private, religious or secular, and where it will be held. They also influence whether the body will be present at the funeral, if there will be a viewing or visitation, and if so, whether the casket will be open or closed, and whether the remains will be buried or cremated.
Following are some examples:
“Traditional,” Full-Service FuneralThis type of funeral, often referred to as a “traditional” funeral, usually includes a viewing or visitation and formal funeral service, use of a hearse to transport the body to the funeral site and cemetery, and burial, entombment or cremation of the remains.
It is generally the most expensive type of funeral. In addition to our basic services fee, costs often include embalming and dressing the body; use of the funeral home for the viewing, service or reception; and use of the hearse.
Memorial ServiceA memorial service can be held at one of the four Spangler Chapels, a house of worship or other venue.The difference is that the body is not present although ashes may be present in the case of cremation. A reception often follows to allow people to mingle and remember their loved one.
Religious Rituals
Many faith traditions call for rituals prior to burial cremation and we can accommodate the rituals that your faith follows.
Direct / Immediate* BurialThe body is buried shortly after death without a service. A casket is still necessary but may be a simple container. No viewing or visitation is involved, so no embalming is necessary. A memorial service may be held at the graveside or later at one of the Spangler Chapels, a place of worship or another venue.
Direct / Immediate* CremationThe body is cremated shortly after death, without embalming. The cremated remains are placed in an urn or other container. No viewing or visitation is involved, so no embalming is necessary. A memorial service may be held at one of the Spangler Chapels, in a place of worship or another venue with or without the cremated remains present. The remains can be kept in the home, buried or placed in a crypt or niche in a cemetery, or buried or scattered in a favorite spot.
*Immediate burial and Immediate cremation are dependent upon the Deceased’s medical provider’s timeliness in recording causes of death.
Funeral costs include:
1. Basic services fee for the funeral director and staff
The basic services fee includes services that are common to all funerals, regardless of the specific arrangement. These include funeral planning, securing the necessary permits and copies of death certificates, preparing the notices, sheltering the remains, and coordinating the arrangements with the cemetery, crematory or other third parties. The fee does not include charges for optional services or merchandise.
2. Charges for other services and merchandise
These are costs for other goods and services such as transporting the remains; embalming and other preparation; cremation; use of the funeral home for the viewing, service or reception room; use of equipment and staff for a graveside service; use of a hearse or limousine; a casket or cremation container; decorative urns.
3. Cash advances
These are for goods and services purchased on your behalf, including certified copies of the death certificates, flowers, obituary notices, officiating clergy, and musicians and soloists.
Our services also include filing of the Death Certificate and notification of Social Security.
The Death Certificate
We gather all the information necessary to file the death certificate with the County health department. This includes family information about your loved one as well as causes attested to by the attending physician. Certified copies (used for legal and financial transactions) may be ordered through us and the processing time is 7-10 working days.
Social Security Administration Notification
Upon the death of a person covered by Social Security, we will notify the local office.
