Remains

Today's Assignment

Will the remains be buried, entombed, kept by the family or scattered?

If buried: outer burial container? inscription? name and location of cemetary
If entombed: name of columbarium, location, inscription for memorial marker
If scattered: special instructions for location and by whom?

Cremation

Today's Assignment

If you choose cremation: select an urn material: metal, steel, copper, bronze, other

Cemetary

Today's Assignment

Choose a final resting place. Tour cemetaries in your area before making your decision. Arrange to pay for a plot in advance if you are able. If not, arrange for the costs to be covered post mortem.

Special items

Today's Assignment

List all special items to be placed in casket. Include locations of the items.

Items to Display

Today's Assignment

Make a list of items to display at the funeral: family photographs, favorite posessions, family mementos, awards received, etc.. Include location of these items.

Music

Today's Assignment

Choose the music to be included in the funeral service

Flowers

Today's Assignment

Choose preference of flowers for the casket spray.

Jewelry

Today's Assignment

List the jewelry the deceased will be buried with: wedding band, heirloom, etc.. If the jewelry is not to remain with teh deceased, who will it be given to?

Clothing

Today's Assignment

What clothing will the deceased wear? From current wardrobe? New? REligious clothing?

Be specific. Include location of clothing if it is from your current wardrobe or a photo if appropriate.

Casket

Today's Assignment

Choose the type of casket: steel, copper, bronze, wood, other. What color exterior? interior? If a veteran, will there be a flag? folded or draped?

Visitation

Today's Assignment

Decide if there will be a public, private of no viewing/visitation. Will the casket be opened or closed for the visitation?

Obituary

Today's Assignment

Decide whether you would like to have an obituary printed in the local newspaper. If yes, which newspaper and would you like a photo included? What information would you like included in the obituary?

Pallbearers

Today's Assignment

Choose pallbearers and Honorary pallbearers. Include their names, addresses, and phone numbers in your notebook.

Participating Organizations

Today's assignment

Choose any participating organizations ( i.e. fraternal or military). Record their name, address and phone number along with a contact person's name in your notebook.

Funeral program

Today's Assignment

Who will officiate at the service? Bishop, clergyman, other? Choose speakers for the service. Include names, addresses and phone numbers in your notebook.

Bunker Family Funeral

Because we had a great turn out at our monthly preparedness meeting, I have to add a little note.

Carla Mannes from Bunkers Mortuary was one of the presenters and as always was AMAZING!!! Those of you who have had the privilege of working with Bunkers in the past know what a great experience it is to have people who truly care about you and your family during one of the most difficult times of your life.

She stressed the importance for pre-planning. It truly is the best gift you could possibly give your family. So, no matter your age or circumstance. Take the time NOW to find a funeral home that you are happy with and make arrangements.

For more information about Bunker Family Funeral click HERE or call Cecelia Mullins at 480-964-8686

Funeral Services

Today's Assignment

Choose the type of funeral service: LDS, Catholic, protestant, etc... and choose a location the service. Include name of building, address, phone number and contact person.

Mortuary

Today's Assignment

Research Mortuaries in your area. Take a tour through the funeral home. REcord in your notebook your top 3 choices.

Important Papers

Today's Assignment

List the location of originals and include copies of the following important papers

Automobile registration
birth certificate
income tax records
marriage certificate/divorce certificate
last will and testament
stocks and bonds
retirement investments
attorney's name, address, phone number
accountant's name, address, phone number
executor's name, address, phone number
real estate broker's name, address, phone number
stock broker's name, address, phone number
authorized persons to arrange final details of funeral *choose two
Additional information: Think!!!! Where have you stuck keys and items that will need to be dug out.

Personal REcords

Today's Assignment

Add the following information to your notebook

Bank accounts, checking and savings
Name of bank, types of accounts, address, phone number and account numbers
Safe Deposit box? Location? Access information
Insurance policies-company, policy number, name of insured, amount of benefits, beneficiary, location of policies.
Pension plan: Name of company, address, contact person
REal Estate Owned: Address, location of deeds and titles, other documents related to the real estate.

People to Notify

Today's Assignment

Make a list of people to notify . List full name, address, phone number and relationship to this person.

Personal Data

Today's Assignment

Add to your notebook the following information

1. Year moved to current address
2. Education: high school attended, graduation date, colleges attended, dates of graduation and degrees.
3. Occupation: employed by or retired from and any addtional employment information you want known
4. Church membership or affiliation
5. Heritage/Ancestry
6. Veteran: Yes or No- branch of service, date enlisted, serial number, date of discharge, location of discharge papers, last rank
7. Additional military information
8. Other professional/fraternal/charitable/social organizations

If you are a veteran, add copies of your discharge and form DD214 with this personal data.

The Unthinkable

First, congratulations on planting your spring garden. You are one step closer to being more self-sustaining. Doesn't it feel great?

This month we will be focusing on a subject that not many of us like to think about: Death.
If you have lost someone close to you, you already know how being prepared reduces the amount of stress tremendously during those first few days and weeks.

Less stress about the "business" means more time/energy spent with friends and family who will support you during this tremendously difficult time.

So, if you find the topic depressing..... Sorry. But, you will thank me later.

Today's Assignment

Gather together the following information into a small notebook:

1. Full name
2. Address
3. Birthplace
4. Date of birth
5. Social Security number
6. Marital status
7. husband or wife of
8. Children names and dates of birth
9. Father's name, birth date and place
10. Mother's full maiden name, birth date and birth place
Make copies of your official birth certificate and social security card to keep with this personal information.