If someone you love has just died, take a breath. There is no need to rush. When you are ready, call us at (740) 264-0563, day or night, and we will guide you through the next steps.
The first hours
What to Do Right Away
- If the death is expected and under hospice care, call the hospice nurse first. They will guide you and notify the right people.
- If the death is unexpected or at home without hospice, call 911.
- Call us when your family is ready. (740) 264-0563, any time. If your family wants a little time to say goodbye first, that is perfectly all right, and we will come when it is right for you.
- Let close family know. Make a short list of immediate family and close friends, and ask someone to help with the calls.
What We Will Ask For
Our director will need some information to complete the death certificate and to begin the arrangements. It helps to have it nearby, but do not worry if you do not have everything.
- Full legal name, date of birth and birthplace
- Father’s and mother’s names, including mother’s maiden name
- Social Security number
- Marital status and spouse’s name
- Education and occupation
- Military discharge papers, if the person served
- Any pre-arrangement papers, if they exist
In the first days
What Happens Next
We handle the paperwork
We prepare the death certificate and order certified copies for insurance and benefits, and we help with Social Security and veterans paperwork.
We plan the service with you
Together we choose the service, the time and place, the clergy, the music and the cemetery.
We write the obituary
We prepare the obituary, place it in the newspapers you choose, and post it on our website.
See obituaries →We are with you afterward
We follow up with grief resources, and we are always a phone call away.
Grief support →
Practical notes
Things to Do in the Days After
- Ask for several certified copies of the death certificate. Banks, insurance companies and other agencies often ask for one.
- Gather insurance policies, the will, and any pre-arrangement papers.
- Notify the person’s employer, and the bank if Social Security deposits are made automatically.
- Ask a trusted friend or relative to answer the door and phone and to keep a list of callers.
- Decide on a memorial to which gifts may be made, if your family wishes.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
When I call, will someone come right away?
If you ask for immediate help, yes. If your family would like a little time to say goodbye first, that is perfectly acceptable, and we will come when your time is right.
Who do I call first if my loved one dies at home?
If the person was under hospice care, call hospice first. Otherwise call 911. Then call us when your family is ready.
Do I need to pick a funeral home right away?
No, but when you are ready, a single call to (740) 264-0563 lets us start taking care of things.
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We’re Here Day and Night
We are here whenever you need us, at any hour. Call us any time at (740) 264-0563.