David Ferry and Jeff Benbrook
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THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU
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Photos
--If possible bring a larger picture, we can reduce it if needed,
but they are hard to blow up.
--Several are better than one.
--Used for newspaper, printing, hair dresser and as a guide for our
work. Formal pictures, as well as
snapshots, are acceptable. If you bring several, we will help you
choose the best one.
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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 so wish.
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Military Discharge Papers
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Clothing for Men
Suit/Sport Coat & 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
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Glasses, Jewelry and/or Rosary
THINGS TO DO . . .
We will help you coordinate and notify:
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Minister and Church
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Cemetery
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Musicians – organist & singers
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Military honors
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Newspapers and radio stations
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Fraternal & veterans organizations
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Casket bearers
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Honorary bearers
You will need to select:
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Clothing
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Time & place of service
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Funeral merchandise
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Flowers
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Music
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Funeral luncheon
You will need to notify:
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All the relatives
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All the friends
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Bank
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Employers
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Insurance agent
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Unions
Honoring Life’s Memories
This short phrase sums up our mission. We are committed to provide you
with a funeral experience that honors the memory of your loved one’s
life. What better way is there to share the person you knew 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 Live?
• Think of five words that describe him.
• What traits did you admire most?
• Did he ever give you any words of wisdom?
Whom did she Love?
• What relationships were important to her?
• Other than family, who will be affected by her death?
• Who had the most influence on her life?
What made him Laugh?
• What did he do for fun when he was younger?
• In later years, how did he enjoy spending his free time?
• What type of things gave him pleasure?
What things did she Learn?
• What things interested her?
• What accomplishments made her proudest?
• Was she a member of any clubs or organizations?
What kind of Legacy did his life
represent?
• How would he want to be remembered?
• What stories would he want passed on to future generations?
• What five objects could you collect that capture what he was
about?
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, including any past addresses where the person had
community ties. The date and cause 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 any services being held, including the 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 along with
their spouses and cities of residence. However, the names of
grandchildren, other close relatives and special friends may also be
included.
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.
Examples
A Basic Obituary
Jonathon Q. Public, of Johnsonville, Idaho, died January 14, 2001, at
the age of 83.
A
service of Christian burial will be held at 3 p.m. on April 11, 2000 at
The church of the Savior, 2121 S. Spring, Johnsonville, Idaho.
Born September 26, 1922 in Arcadia, KS, he was the third son of the late
Andrew J. Public and the late Phobe Public (Abner). Jonathon lived most
of his life in Johnsonville; he was an employee of Jillings
International for 39 years. An active member of the local Lions club,
Johnson served aboard submarines during World War II.
Mr. Public is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jackie (nee Carver); his
son Bill; and his daughter Margie of Johnsonville, Mr. JPublic is also
survived by five grandchildren: John, Betty, James, Turner and William.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made to the America
Cancer Society, 1800 W. Wight, Anywhere, MO 11111
DEATH CERTIFICATES
We will obtain certified copies of the death
certificate for you from the state health department. In Missouri the
current charge is $13 for the first copy, $10 for each additional copy.
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
SOCIAL
SECURITY BENEFITS
Our funeral home completes a
form provided by the Social Security Administration
which is usually accepted as proof of death.
To contact the Social Security
Administration:
Call Social Security at
1-800-772-1213
from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays
to schedule an appointment. or
Local Nevada, Mo office
429 E. Walnut
Nevada, MO 64772
417-667-8171
Inquire about eligibility for Survivors Benefits.
VETERANS’
BENEFITS
Our funeral home will assist you
with the applications for a flag, a veterans’
grave marker and burial benefits.
Contact Veterans Affairs office to:
____ Apply for Widow’s pension
____ Check on Veterans’ life insurance
Veterans Administration
1-800-827-1000
on-line:
www.va.gov
VA Life Insurance Insurance Info
1-800-669-8477
Bill Gillette
Veterans Service Officer
Missouri Veterans Commission
621 E. Highland Ave.
Nevada, MO 64772
417-448-1133
417-448-1132 fax
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.
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 settling your affairs.
Please consult legal counsel.
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—yours 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
- Retirement account documents including IRA,
401(K), pension and profit sharing
- Marriage Certificate or divorce papers
- Birth Certificates—yours 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 experience. Ask for help when
you need it.
- Laugh when you need to.
- Be kind to yourself.
For more
information and resources for dealing with grief
please click
here.
BENEFITS OF
PLANNING IN ADVANCE
Peace of Mind
Planning ahead relieves you of the worry that your family will be
burdened with making complicated and difficult decisions while trying to
cope with their grief and loss.
Together vs. Alone
By talking over your plans in advance, you have an opportunity to discuss
a difficult subject openly with your loved one in a non-stressful
environment and ensures that your wishes will be carried out just as you
would have them — down to the last detail.
Safety & Inflation Protection
Pre-funding with insurance protects those funds so they will not count
as your asset, if you enter a nursing home. They cannot be withdrawn
for any reason prior to the funeral. When you pay for your funeral
expenses in advance, your funds grow, reducing the impact of inflation.
Terms to Suit Any Budget
You can make a single payment or make payments over a period of 3, 5, 7
or 10 years.
Portability
Should you relocate, or wish to change your funeral provider, your
arrangements and funds will follow you.
Free, No Obligation Consultation
Our staff at Ferry Funeral Home will guide you through the preplanning
process. By planning ahead, you have time to make informed and
thoughtful decisions.
POST-FUNERAL
SERVICES OFFERED BY
FERRY FUNERAL HOME
Anyone who has experienced the loss
of a loved one knows that the grieving process does not end with the
funeral. IN FACT, grief can be most difficult after the funeral, when
friends and relatives leave. At this point, you are left to carry on
with your life.
We want to help you through this most
difficult time by providing you with additional services that are
available through the funeral home.
