Planning today for future cemetery needs gives you and your family peace of mind. When a death occurs, family members are faced with making dozens of decisions, during a very difficult, emotional time. Planning ahead for cemetery needs reduces the number of decisions to be made, easing the burden.
Advance planning for cemetery needs is not a complicated process. You, or you and your family will meet with one of our staff members to review the possibilities, then you make the choices that are right for you.
The first choice to make is whether you want to be buried or cremated. We have many options available for both throughout the cemetery’s memorial gardens and memorial structures.
Another important choice is whether you want to purchase property for yourself only, or for other family members. Many married couples choose to purchase property at the same time, and some purchase adjoining spaces for their children as well.
Payment arrangements will also be discussed. You have the ability to make payments over time, or to take care of everything at once. As with everything else, costs of cemetery property and services do increase over time. Therefore, it is to your financial benefit to make arrangements now.
After your arrangements are completed, you simply inform your family members of your choices and save the paperwork in a safe place that will be accessible to your surviving family members. You will have the satisfaction of knowing it is handled, and they will appreciate your forethought when the time comes.
To get started, call us anytime at 785-234-6605 or fill out this contact form
and we will be in touch soon.
Planning a funeral or cremation—whether for a loved one or preplanning for yourself—can feel overwhelming. There are many decisions to make, all while navigating the emotions that come with loss. But with a little preparation and guidance, the process can be meaningful, healing, and manageable. Whether you're planning ahead or handling arrangements after a loss, this guide walks you through the key steps of planning a funeral or cremation service. 1. Decide Between Burial and Cremation One of the first decisions to make is whether the individual will be buried or cremated. This choice often depends on personal, cultural, or religious preferences. Burial typically involves a casket, a graveside service, and a cemetery plot. Cremation may still include a funeral or memorial service and allows for more flexible options such as scattering, keeping an urn, or burying cremated remains. Some families choose direct cremation (without a service) or direct burial and hold a memorial at a later time. 2. Decide on the Type of Service There are many ways to honor a life, including: Traditional funeral service (usually with the body present) Memorial service (typically after cremation or burial) Celebration of life (a more personalized, informal event) Services can take place at the funeral home, a place of worship or outdoors. Choose what best reflects the person’s life and what brings comfort to those attending. 3. Select the Details You’ll want to personalize the service with details such as: Obituary and newspaper or online notices Casket or urn selection Music, readings, or spiritual elements Photos, videos, or displays of personal items Flowers or charitable donation options Who will speak, perform, or participate Many families also choose to include military honors, religious traditions, or cultural customs. 4. Consider Final Resting Place Options For burials: Choose a cemetery and purchase a plot if one isn’t already owned Decide on a headstone or grave marker For cremation: Decide whether ashes will be kept, scattered, buried, or placed in a niche Some families divide ashes among keepsake urns or jewelry 5. Handle Legal and Practical Matters Don’t forget the necessary paperwork: Obtain a death certificate (you may need multiple copies) Notify Social Security and financial institutions Handle wills, trusts, and estate matters If applicable, coordinate with veterans’ services or insurance providers Funeral directors can help guide you through most of this, but having documents organized in advance can ease the burden. 6. Consider Preplanning Preplanning your own arrangements relieves your loved ones of decision-making during an emotional time. You can: Specify burial or cremation preferences Choose the type of service and location Prepay or set aside funds Record personal touches you’d like included Preplanning ensures your wishes are followed—and it brings peace of mind to everyone involved. While planning a funeral or cremation is never easy, it is an opportunity to reflect, remember, and celebrate a life. Whether you’re planning for the future or coping with a loss today, take each step at your own pace, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals or trusted loved ones for support.
