Resources
Frequent Questions
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What is the purpose of a funeral?
A funeral or memorial service offers loved ones a dedicated time and place to honor someone’s life. It gives us permission to openly express emotions, share stories, and stand together in grief - finding both comfort and solidarity in community.
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What are the choices for funeral services?
At Corbett Funeral & Cremation, we offer several meaningful ways to honor and celebrate a loved one’s life. A traditional funeral service typically includes a public or private viewing, a formal ceremony, and a committal at the cemetery. A memorial service is held after the burial or cremation, providing time for family and friends to gather in remembrance. For those who prefer something simpler, a committal service focuses solely on the final placement of the remains at the graveside or columbarium. And for families who wish to focus on storytelling and legacy, a celebration of life offers a warm, personalized tribute that reflects the joy and individuality of the person being remembered.
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Can you still have a funeral if you choose cremation?
Absolutely. Whether you choose cremation or burial, a funeral honors the person who has passed. Cremation simply addresses how the body is ultimately handled - it doesn’t change the significance or possibility of a commemorative service.
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Can I plan in advance if I choose cremation?
Yes—you can absolutely plan ahead even if cremation is your preferred choice. Pre-arrangement allows you to document your wishes in advance and even prefund services, ensuring your preferences are honored with peace of mind.
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What information should I bring to the arrangement conference?
To help us best serve you during the arrangement process, we kindly ask that you bring a few important items and details. These may include any advance directives - such as wills, pre-need contracts, or official instructions for disposition - as well as military discharge papers if applicable. If cemetery property has already been purchased, please bring the deed or relevant documentation. A recent photo of your loved one and any personal items you’d like to include in the viewing or service are also helpful. In addition, we’ll need some essential personal information: the full legal name and current address of the deceased, marital status, Social Security number, date and place of birth, level of education, military service details (branch, service dates, serial numbers), occupation or profession, and parents’ names - including the mother’s maiden name. We’ll also ask for the names of surviving family members and next of kin, so we can prepare accurate documentation and honor their legacy with care.
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What services do funeral directors perform?
Our dedicated funeral directors are here to guide families through every step of the process with both compassion and professionalism. Their role includes the respectful transfer of your loved one into our care, as well as all aspects of preparation such as embalming, dressing, cosmetology, and casketing. They work closely with you to plan personalized funeral or memorial services, ensuring every detail reflects your loved one’s life and your family’s wishes. They also handle all necessary paperwork - filing permits, securing certified copies of the death certificate, and completing essential documentation. In addition, our team coordinates with cemeteries, crematories, clergy, musicians, florists, transportation services, and pallbearers, and they arrange for any special honors that may be requested. We also assist in writing and submitting the obituary, managing service logistics including processions, and supporting families with grief resources and benefit claims such as Social Security, VA assistance, or life insurance.
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Why are funerals so expensive?
Funerals can involve a range of services and elements, which together contribute to the overall cost. A traditional funeral typically begins with a basic non-declinable fee that covers essential services such as staffing, use of the facility, and overall coordination. Additional costs may include the transportation and professional care of the body, including embalming, dressing, and cosmetology. Families often use our facilities and staff for viewings and ceremonies, which are factored into the total cost. Transportation services like hearses and flower cars, as well as printed materials such as memorial folders or service programs, also contribute. Finally, items such as the casket, burial vault or liner, and cemetery plot are separate expenses that can significantly influence the total cost of a funeral.