When A Death Occurs

When a death occurs, the order in which things need to be done often depends on where the death occurred. But, one thing should always be remembered: your heightened emotional state upon the death of a loved one. That's why we suggest that you ask a friend for help - someone who is more able to think clearly, and give you the support you need.

At Home or at Work

At Home or at Work

When a death occurs at home or in the workplace, a family member or co-worker should contact emergency personnel and the person's physician if he or she was under a doctor's care. If the death occurs at home with family or friends present, and the person is under a physician's care, the family will want to call us directly.

However, if the death occurs in a residence and no one is there at the time of death, the police will need to be notified and respond to the residence before the deceased is removed from their home.

If in any case you are not sure of who to notify or what to do, you may call (304) 472-8024 and we'll assist you in notifying the proper agencies.

While Under Supervised Care

While Under Supervised Care

When a death occurs in a care facility, such as a hospital or nursing home, the professional staff will notify you and the necessary authorities. If the name of the funeral home has been left with them, the institution will notify the funeral home at the time of the death. The funeral director will contact you immediately following their notification to help you proceed. (However, we suggest you contact the funeral home immediately, so you have the reassurance you need that all is taken care of properly.)

If a loved one was in the care of a hospice program, a hospice representative will give family members instructions and procedures to follow. The coroner/medical examiner will be notified by hospice. Following their release the hospice will contact the funeral home. It is always a good idea for the family to contact us immediately so that we will be aware of the pending call from hospice.

Widening the Circle

Widening the Circle

Our staff members are experienced professionals who can provide much of the information you need, emotional support and compassionate guidance.

While you may ask the director any questions at this time, you will be able to discuss the arrangements in detail later when you meet in person. During this initial call, the funeral director will gather information to be able to transport your loved one to the funeral home.

The funeral director may ask you several questions, including whether your loved one made any pre-arrangements. The director will also schedule a date and time for you to meet at the funeral home and will let you know what you should bring with you. Others you will need to call are:

- Family members and friends

- Clergy or other spiritual advisors

Those Important Questions

Those Important Questions

If there is no pre-plan in place, there are several other questions that you may have to have answered in regards to the death of your loved one:

- Do I have to have embalming?

- Do I need to purchase a casket?

- What about cemetery arrangements?

- Does the family have to engage the services of a minister?

- What type of service should we have?

By contacting our staff, we'll be able to help answer your questions and assist in making the appropriate plans. You can reach us at (304) 472-8024.

However, as we’ve said before, one of the best ways to make sure that all of your questions and desires are taken care of is to make pre-arrangements. This is as simple as outlining your wishes to having all of the details written down and the financial arrangements prepaid. Please contact one of our staff at (304) 472-8024 to learn more about pre-arrangement.

What to Expect When You Arrive at the Funeral Home

What to Expect When You Arrive at the Funeral Home

The funeral director will assist with all of your needs from writing an obituary to notifying the Social Security Administration and probating the estate.

Please make note of the following items of information needed during the conference:

  • Deceased’s Social Security Number
  • Deceased’s father’s full name
  • Deceased’s mother’s full name (Maiden)
  • Deceased’s date and location of birth

Please bring the following articles with you as well:

  • Clothing (Complete outfit, underclothing, socks, and shoes (optional).
  • Recent Photograph (If you have not already given one to the funeral home)
  • Military Discharge Paperwork (Form DD214), if applicable

Life Insurance Policies (The Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel may be able to help expedite your claim as a service to your family).

Please consider the following items prior to the conference (the funeral director will assist and advise you on these items at the appointment):

  • Dates and times for Visitation and Funeral Services
  • Minister/Priest for the Funeral Service
  • Organization memberships, achievements, and hobbies for the obituary
  • Fraternal or other organizations which might perform special memorial services (Knights of Columbus, Order of the Eastern Star, Masonic Lodges, etc.)