Funeral Ceremony

Studies over the years continue to demonstrate the importance of a proper “Good-bye” ceremony.  After all, funerals are for the living.  They allow us, those left behind, the ones who are grieving, the opportunity to acknowledge that a life was lived and someone will be missed. 

Each one of us is different, and the way we choose to celebrate the life of someone dear to us is just as unique.  Whether it is a religious or cultural or family tradition, personal preferences, or even cost concerns, one fact still remains: we have a desire to honor the life of someone special in our lives.  When fond memories are shared in a comfortable setting, the funeral ceremony becomes a better place to begin a healthy grief recovery.

Provided below is an overview of the different types of services available through Russell Haven of Rest:

Traditional Service includes a time set aside for viewing and visitation in the funeral home, church or other facility. The visitation time usually takes place the evening before the day of the funeral service or a designated time period just prior to the funeral service. Along with that, a service would take place at the location of the family’s choice such as the funeral home chapel, church, a family member’s home or other special location. The funeral home would provide staff to assist in coordinating various aspects of the service and necessary automotive equipment such as a hearse, flower vehicle and family cars.  Purchases would include the following: casket, vault, register book, memorial folders, acknowledgement cards and other items to further personalize the service and reflect the interests of the deceased.

Graveside Service usually includes a time set aside for viewing and visitation in the funeral home, church or other facility.  The visitation time usually takes place the evening before the day of the funeral service.  Along with that, a service would take place at the burial site in the cemetery which the family has chosen.  The funeral home provides staff to assist in coordinating various aspects of the service and necessary automotive equipment such as a hearse, flower vehicle and family cars.  Purchases would include the following:  casket, vault, register book, memorial folders, acknowledgement cards and other items to further personalize the service and reflect the interests of the deceased.  A graveside service often follows a traditional service.

Memorial Service is a service without the casket of your loved one present.  This memorial service could take place in the funeral home, church or other facility.  The funeral home provides staff to assist in coordinating various aspects of the service and necessary automotive equipment such as a flower vehicle or family cars.  Purchases would include the following: register book, memorial folders, acknowledgement cards and other items to further personalize the service and reflect the interests of the deceased.  Often this type of service is used in conjunction with cremation.
Cremation is chosen in accordance with one’s personal preferences, faith or cultural traditions.  In contrast to burial, cremation is used as the final disposition of a loved one or friend.  The funeral home would provide staff, necessary automotive equipment and the location of the cremation procedure. The cremated body is returned in a previously selected urn. Urns can be as personalized and unique or as simple and plain as you wish.

With Cremation, families are still able to have a viewing and visitation time and a service in the funeral home, church or other facility.  Cremation does not limit the opportunity to participate in a “Good-bye” type ceremony.   The location of the cremated body’s final resting place may be the cemetery of choice, a church cremation garden, or a scattering garden.

Personalization:
The time that you spend with a staff member of Russell Haven of Rest helps us provide the special touches that will make your ceremony exceptional.  We provide a variety of choices through caskets, vaults, urns and memorial packages.  Each item can be personalized to reflect the interest and hobbies of the deceased family member.  Other ways of personalizing a funeral service may include, but certainly are not limited to:

• Video Tributes
• Photographic Collages
• Displaying personal memorabilia
• Writing and reading notes by and to the family during the service 
• Music selections, recorded as well as live music
• Speakers or ministers which are dear to the family
• Special customs particular to your family traditions, faiths, civic or ethnic groups 

Everyone deserves to be remembered.  At Russell Haven of Rest, we help you accomplish a remembrance that is most meaningful to your family.