Traditional Funeral Service Options
The American funeral has changed more in the past few years than in the prior fifty years. It used to be that the “Traditional Funeral” was pretty much the same – a visitation period, followed by a church service and burial in the cemetery. Yet today, there is no such thing as a “Traditional Funeral.” People are choosing funeral services that are more reflective of the person that died and fit the lifestyle of the family. At Roberts Family Funeral Home, we are honored to assist in the planning of the personalized funeral. Given the diverse group of families we serve, there are many choices available when it comes to a funeral.
Choices For Those Preferring A Traditional Funeral
Visitation or Gathering of Friends
- Public Viewing usually held the evening before the service or several hours prior to the funeral service. Allows family and friends to an opportunity to pay their respects and express their love and support – also a chance to say good-bye.
- A Prayer Service or Military Memorial Service may be included during the visitation.
- May include a Stories and Memories time of sharing during the visitation.
- Casket may be open or closed per the wishes of the family.
- A Photo Memorial Tribute will be created to create a life story.
- Treasured belongings, pictures, mementos, etc. can be displayed during the visitation.
Service
- Religious or Contemporary led by a pastor or funeral celebrant
- Public or Private – often held in the funeral home or church
- Allows family and friends to share memories and express feelings
- Funeral procession to cemetery for committal service
Graveside Ceremony Choices
- Religious or Contemporary led by a pastor or funeral celebrant
- Bagpiper may led the casket to grave and provide special music
- Military Honors preferred for Honorably Discharged Veterans
- A time to commemorate the life of the person including dove or balloon releases
Time Of Lunch and Fellowship
- Often held at the place of the funeral service
- At local churches, luncheon may be provided for a per person charge
- Catering available for luncheons at our funeral home
- May be held prior to going the cemetery for Graveside Ceremony
- May be held following the Graveside Ceremony
Importance of A Funeral Service
Grief counselors, psychologists, clergy and other experts agree that the benefits of the funeral process are for those left behind; those who must reconstruct their lives following their loss. Before family and friends can fully adjust to their loss, survivors must express their grief in ways meaningful to them. They must face, openly and realistically, the fact that death has indeed occurred. The funeral provides the opportunity to do exactly that.
