From the beginning of history, societies have honored those who passed through traditional ceremony. The purpose of the ritual, according to beliefs at the time was to send the deceased on their journey into the afterlife.

Today, however, many experts agree that the benefits of a service are for those who are left behind after a death. To help survivors adjust to their loss and recognize that death has occurred, a "closure" of sorts must occur. A funeral service provides the opportunity for friends and family to celebrate life and allow the healing process to begin.

Funeral costs vary depending on the funeral home and type of service you seek. There are two types of costs associated with a funeral; services provided by the funeral home, and merchandise, such as a casket. It is your right, mandated by Federal Trade Commission regulations, that all charges be listed, provided on a price list and made available by phone, mail or in person.

All charges involving the funeral home's services and merchandise must be explained by your funeral director. We will provide a general price list with all charges. Monies may be required in advance for cash advances which may include expenses such as opening and closing of the grave, the obituary, floral arrangements, music, etc.

Yes. Today, pre-arrangement and pre-payment of funerals are becoming very popular. This will provide you with more time to review your options and give a choice in your own funeral service. Pre-arrangement will provide you with the peace of mind that everything has been taken care of, relieving your family of the emotional and financial burden that often comes with making arrangements when a loved one passes away. Often times, making arrangements in advance also guarantees a service and funeral at today's prices, free from inflation by “locking” in current prices. At the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home, we'll assist you with all your needs.

Most caskets are made of either metal (usually bronze, copper or steel) or wood. Prices vary, depending on the material used. Bronze caskets are more expensive than steel, as solid hardwood is more expensive than softer wood varieties. All funeral homes are required by law to provide you with a listing of casket prices.

Embalming is the temporary preservation process of the deceased. This surgical-like procedure involves injecting chemicals into the deceased to produce a life-like appearance. This helps to delay decomposition of the body, providing more time for a viewing and/or service. Embalming is not required for a burial, but it is a common practice when a viewing is planned. Funeral homes are required to obtain permission to embalm, according to the Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule.

Here at the Stephenson-Wyman, we will do more than just assist you with securing these benefits. Our staff is trained to complete all necessary paperwork to begin the benefits procedure and will see that they are secured for the family in a timely manner.

I am a veteran and would like to be buried in a national cemetery. Can my spouse be buried next to me?

Yes, a site for your spouse and any minor dependents can be reserved when you pass on.

A casket or container is inserted into a cremation chamber with temperature 1600-1800 degrees Fahrenheit. All matter is consumed by heat or evaporation within two hours. The only thing left is the cremated remains, consisting of the bone fragment residue. The remains are carefully removed from the chamber, processed into fine particles and placed in a container or urn. Correct identification is ensured with a carefully controlled labeling system. The whole process takes about three hours.

Cremation casket selection varies from cardboard to hardwood. Many are quite affordable and totally combustible. Rental caskets with special cremation container inserts are also available.

Services are held at the discretion of the family. However, most choose to have visitation and service first, followed by the cremation.

There are many options to consider with a cremation. A family can choose to bury the cremains in a cemetery, store and display them at home in an urn, or scatter them in a place special to the deceased. It is advisable to check local restrictions scattering remains on public property and get permission for private property.

There are several ways to memorialize a cremation. One option is ground burial of the urn, marked with a granite marker, bronze memorial or sculpture. Some cemeteries also offer cremation niches in columbariums and others offer scattering gardens which provides scenic landscape for the families to visit.