Friday, July 15, 2011

Funeral Plans

I'm trying to pull together some ideas and plan as much as I can before I have to lock in the details with anyone. Looking for input, family and friends. If you have opinions or ideas or feelings... this is your opportunity to give them.

What's the consensus on a viewing? Night before at the mortuary? At the Church before the service? I'm kind of seeing the night before as an ordeal but will consider your input and feelings before deciding anything. It's included in the burial plan we bought in 2009 so if you really think it's important we can do it.

Is placing an obituary in the newspaper needful?

Who is willing to say a prayer? Family, opening, closing and dedicatory are needed.

Who is willing to be a pall bearer?

As for speaking at the service, this is what I would like to do: Provide paper and pen at the chapel doors and ask each person to write a memory. Have a place to collect the papers at the doors and also at the podium. I would like to have these written memories collected for later placement into a memory book. I have a few memories I would like to share but would then like to open it up to anyone who wishes to briefly share a memory. What are your thoughts about this? What is your willingness to participate in verbally sharing a memory? What part of making the memory book are you willing to participate in?

If you are unable to attend and would like to share a memory, please post it here.

McDougal Funeral Home will be handling the services. This is pre-arranged and already paid. They are located 4330 S Redwood Rd in Salt Lake. Phone (801) 968-3800. Website: http://www.mcdougalfuneralhomes.com/. The pre-arrangement plan includes professional services both at the mortuary and Church, casket, vault, $100 toward programs and $200 toward flowers.

The funeral service will be at the Riverside Stake Center in Salt Lake City. The address is 1148 West 500 North. The easiest way to reach it is to exit I-15 westbound on 600 North. Turn south at 1100 West. Should you turn on Girard Ave. (1/2 block), there is an entrance for the west parking lot. From 500 North, you can enter either the east or west lot. Let me know if you need additional directions.

We are planning on interment at the Salt Lake City Cemetery located at 4th Avenue and N Street. I still need to select and purchase the plot. The cost is $1044. Afterward there will be life insurance proceeds to cover that but I do not have the upfront cash flow. Can you help with this?

The luncheon... do you want one? If you do, what number should I tell my Ward to plan for?

I know that's a lot of questions... so just one more. Anything else you feel strongly about that I've neglected to include here?

4 comments:

Tali said...

Kathy it sounds lovely. I think you should do what you want, thats my advice. Love ya, Tali

Brad's gaggle of girls said...

Oh Kathy, I can't imagine what you are going through. Reading this makes me so grateful that my parents are still with me. You need to do what she would have wanted and what you have the emotional strength to do. Delegate!! That is what the sisters are for! Love you!! Lisa

Unknown said...

Kathy - my parents are willing to participate in the service as needed. I have messages placed for additional participation and will let you know what I find out. Regarding the viewing, that is totally your call, whatever you are comfortable with. The same with the lunch. It is always nice to be able to visit with relatives and friends, some of which you unfortunately never see except at funerals. Remember to allow the Relief Society to offer their assistance and advice. Many have experience and can offer suggestions you may not have thought of. Hang in there, my dear and know you are loved and are in our thoughts and prayers.

nikki nalder said...

Kathy, I'm so sorry to hear about this. Please call if you need to talk. I'm a good listener. Nikki