Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some frequently asked questions that can assist you in making the many decisions that need to be made. We hope you’ll find these useful.

How Do I Choose the Right Type of Grave?

Because it is an important question, many things must be considered. What type of memorial do you prefer? How many burials do you expect to take place? Are you arranging for yourself or your family? How much do you want to spend? Answers to these types of questions will assist you to make the right purchase as graves vary by size, location, and by price.

What Options are Available besides Ground Burial?

Besides ground burial, we offer other interment options, including community mausoleums, private mausoleums, and placement of cremated remains in an Indoor Chapel Niche or columbarium, plus many other choices. Read more here. Call us at 812-477-5316 to learn about all of your options.

What about Cremation?

Cremation is always an option. Contrary to some beliefs, cremation allows for as many, or more, memorialization options as the traditional burial and service. Cremation, simply put, is reducing the body to ashes. Once the cremation is complete, the “remains” can be placed in an urn and buried, placed in a vault, or you can customize your cremation in almost any way you choose. Request your free Cremation Guide now.

If Someone is Cremated, can there be a Funeral Service with the Body Present?

Yes, many families have a traditional service before a cremation takes place. If you wish to have a service, a casket may be opened or closed. A closed casket is appropriate for service prior to cremation. If the family wishes an open casket, embalming and other preparation are required.

I'd Still Like to Have a Ceremony so that Family and Friends can Gather, Even if the Body isn't Present. What are my Choices?

Cremation offers a wide array of customization options to choose from. A private or public visitation and/or funeral service can be held before cremation is done. If an open casket is desired, embalming and other preparation are required. Once the cremation has been completed a family can do whatever they feel is appropriate to commemorate the event. Learn about planning a memorial service here.

Why Should I Consider Pre-Planning My Funeral & Cemetery Arrangements?

As with any important event in life, funerals and burials require planning. You should plan your own service and how you choose to be memorialized, in advance, to spare those close to you from the stress of attempting to make wishes they think would please you. If you take the time to plan your service, those you care about will be allowed to grieve instead of worrying about arrangements. In addition, many pre-arranged services can be financed in ways that freeze today’s price and keep your investment safe.

What if I want to Change Something?

If you decide to make changes to your pre-arranged service, simply contact us and we will assist you in making any changes you feel are important.

What is the Purpose of a Funeral Service?

It is the customary way to recognize death and its finality. Funerals are recognized rituals for the living to show respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grief process. A “closure” of sorts must occur to help survivors adjust to their loss and recognize that a death has occurred. A funeral service provides the opportunity for friends and family to celebrate the life that was lived and allow the healing process to begin. Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Park offers a wide array of options for you to express the unique way you or your loved one lived life.

What's the Difference Between a Funeral Service & a Memorial Service?

A memorial service is a service without the deceased present. The deceased is present at a funeral service. Learn more with our Complete Guide to Memorial Services here.

What Does a Funeral Director Do?

Funeral directors are multi-taskers. They are caregivers, administrators, event planners, and embalmers. They make the arrangements for transportation and preparation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body. Funeral directors are listeners, advisors and supporters. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are trained to answer questions about grief, recognize when a person is having difficulty coping, and recommend sources of professional help. Funeral directors also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community.

Can I Customize My Funeral Service?

Yes, there are a variety of ways to customize a traditional funeral service. Today, many people see a funeral as a celebration of a life lived. Tradition still exists, is very important to many, and is always an option. Just as tradition is an option, so is personalization. A family can combine their wishes with tradition to whatever extent they choose. With any service selected, there are many ways to personalize and memorialize your loved one. We assist our families in personalizing a funeral service and tailor it to the lifestyle and personality of the life that was lived. Learn more in our Complete Guide to Planning a Funeral.

What is a Visitation?

A formal visitation (also known as a “viewing” or a “showing”) provides a time and place for you to offer the family your expression of sorrow and sympathy. A visitation is typically held at the funeral home, and the deceased is typically present so that you can pay your last respects.

Why Have a Public Visitation?

A public visitation is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids in the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity voluntary.

How Many Types of Caskets are There, and Why Are Some More Expensive than Others?

Caskets are made of either metal (bronze, copper, or steel) or wood. Prices vary, depending on the exterior and interior materials used and the cost to construct it. Bronze, a semi-precious metal, is more expensive than steel. Mahogany, a rare hardwood, is more expensive than the readily available softwood pine.

What is the Purpose of Embalming, and Is It Required?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, slows the decomposition process, and enhances the appearance of a body. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, which allows family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them. It is not required by law but is common practice when a viewing is planned.

How Much Does a Funeral Cost?

Funeral costs vary depending on the funeral home and the type of service selected. There are two types of costs associated with a funeral: (1) services provided by the funeral home and (2) merchandise such as a casket or urn. Please contact us for a more detailed explanation of your options. For our Guaranteed Pricing & Packages, click here.

Is Everything Included in the Price Given to me by the Funeral Home?

All charges involving the funeral home’s services and merchandise are available from our professional staff. We will provide a general price list with all charges.

Can a Funeral Home Assist Me with Social Security Benefits and Veterans Death Benefits?

Yes. In fact, 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 process and to follow through to ensure that the benefits are secured in a timely manner.

What is FEMA Assistance for COVID-19?

You can apply to get paid back for funeral and cemetery expenses you’ve already paid for, in addition to items you might still want to purchase to memorialize your loved one. FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral and cemetery expenses: up to $9,000 per person and $35,000 per family. Read more about how to apply here.

What If I Have a Question that isn't Covered Here?

Call our office at (812) 477-5316 or submit your question using the form on our contact page and we will be happy to answer it.