#11...Funeral Service Program

What I would like put on the funeral service program paper:

(example)


1…I would like the attached photo of me to be put on the front cover.

2…I would like the attached poem put on the back.

3…Program details: _____________________________
______________________________________________



Comments/talks by my children or others: _____________________________
____________________________________________________________


Songs by _______________

Prayers by ____________________

Dedication of Grave by ______________

#10....Photo for obituary

This is the photo I would like to be used with my obituary notice:


(attach desired photo here)

#9....Obituary Notice

My Obituary Notice For Newspapers

(example)



(name)_____________________ passed away (date)______________in (place)

__________________of (illness)_________________.

He/She was born on (date)_____________ in (place)_______________ to

(father)______________and (mother’s maiden name)_________________.

He/She married ___________ of (place)__________, on (date)____________ in (place)_______________.



write about accomplishments, etc.








He/She is survived by ……..


He/She is preceded in death by ……….


Viewing will be………


Funeral will be held ………


Burial will be at……….

#8.....Part 1, Funeral Arrangements

Upon My Death name ________________________

Date prepared _______________


Part 1…FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS


THE FOLLOWING THINGS I DESIRE AND REQUEST FOR MY FUNERAL


NOTE: Because everyone is different as to what they want for their funeral, decide about yours and write them all down, with any necessary explanations.

EXAMPLES:

* Right after I pass away, call the Mortuary …. Phone #____________. The address is _________________ . Ask them to come for my body and give them any other necessary information they ask.


I would like the “Full Service Graveside Service” package …. Around $2400.

Casket…..a very inexpensive one, PLEASE. (with light blue material inside, if possible). NO sealed casket …the lowest cost for unsealed caskets (in steel) are about $1200


Vault… which is a container that is put into the open ground into which is lowered the casket. I want a cement vault….NOT Sealed. Get the lowest priced cement vault, around $800.


Clothing/jewelry….___________________________________________________


Flowers on casket….all different natural colored daisies only (not spray colored)… with greenery


* I would like a single 2 hour private family day viewing at the Mortuary… on day of burial only, and a private family graveside service. No church service. No service at the mortuary. No viewing the day before the burial.


* I have written out my obituary (in this booklet)…give it and the photo I chose, to the mortuary. The mortuary will make arrangements to have it put in any newspaper you want. Have it put in the ___________________papers. Mortuary will also make arrangement to have a radio announcement if you desire.

The mortuary will notify Social Security about my death

After you have the date and time of viewing and burial, call (see below) one person from each main family, of my death and give them the funeral information …ask that family person (below) to notify all their other respective family members. This will make it easier on you.



___________ side...name____________________phone_______________


___________ side...name ___________________ phone_______________


___________ side...name____________________phone______________


____________side...name____________________phone_______________



* Burial will be in the _______________ Cemetery, address __________________. I will be buried next to my husband (we have the double headstone). It is amazing how much of the details that the mortuary takes care of. They try to make it as easy for the family as possible. Have the mortuary take care of arranging that my death date be inscribed on the headstone.


* Pallbearers...I would like: ___________________________________________

* I would like ___________________________ to give the “family prayer” at the mortuary just before the closing of the casket.


* I would like ___________________________________to speak at my funeral.


* I would like the following music: __________________________________________


* I would like __________________________________ to offer the “dedication of the grave” at the cemetery.



I DO NOT WANT TO SLIGHT OR HURT ANY ONE OF MY CHILDREN’S FEELINGS. WORK ON THIS TOGETHER……SWITCH ASSIGNMENTS AROUND IF NEED TO, JUST SO THAT ALL OF YOU ARE OK WITH EVERYTHING.

#7...Contents of this binder

CONTENTS OF THIS BINDER
Prepared date _______________

(example)


“UPON MY DEATH” ---- I, ______________________ have previously prepared this binder to emotionally help in all the preparations and business matters that will be necessary after my death. I have gone over these instructions carefully, so as to cover every conceivable item that needs to be taken care of. I have done this out of love and consideration for my family…to help somewhat in lifting a burden for them at a difficult time in their life.



There are 4 parts to this binder:


Part 1…”My funeral arrangements”, as per my desire and request. Also included is an obituary notice and photo for newspapers.

Part 2…”Immediate financial things to take care of”. Also, a paper stating my important “legal” information, a copy of my “Last Will and Testament”, a copy of “General Power of Attorney”, and a copy of my medical “Living Will”.

Part 3…”Urgent things to take care of right after the funeral”.


Part 4…”Miscellaneous things to do after the urgent things”, such as bills and my belongings.

#6...Important Legal Information

Important “Legal” Information For _________________

Date prepared _______________


NOTE: the following information is used only as an example because everyone’s situation is different.


I have a “Will”, but the only assets I have, have all been taken care of with beneficiary names on them or in the case of vehicles…a second name. So even though I have a will, it has no bearing on the dispersion of my estate, other than it states that ______________ should have certain possessions of mine. All my children have a copy of my will. As stated in my will, ONLY the original shall be my will, and the original is located in __________________.


I, ______________, have appointed __________________, as Power of Attorney for me, to do legal things and also involving decisions of anything financial with my accounts. The legal paper is called “General Power of Attorney”(with Durable Provision). The above named person, _____________, has the original copy.



I, ________________ have made out a “Living Will”, and have appointed ______________, as my agent, to make medical treatment decisions for me while I am still alive but not able to speak for myself. The legal paper is called “Special Power of Attorney”. The above named person, ____________, has the original copy of the agent part.



On my checking accounts, I have arranged with the _________________Bank, for ________________, to be able to write checks for me to pay my bills, in the event that I am not able to do so while I am still alive.



Other:





Signed ____________________

#5...Letter to your children, as part of your binder

(example)

Dear Family,

I believe in advanced preparation when it comes to the matter of “putting our affairs in order.” We never know when it will be our time to leave this life.

So I have made you all copies of my “Upon My Death”, as I call it. This binder has been initially prepared for __________, because he/she will have to handle most of the preparations, and I wanted to help make it easier for him/her. But I wanted all of you to have a copy so that you will all know of my requests, what is involved, and what will happen.

Perhaps this guide can help to give you ideas in your own preparations.

Now that I have let you know what these pages are all about…..I don’t want you to be upset. As of today I feel just fine and am not aware of any major problems with my health.

I love you all very much,

___________________

Date prepared __________

#4...Binder cover sheet

Upon The Death Of





__________________________________

Things my family need to know and take care of when I die

A Guide…of What to Include

#3...A General Information Form

General Information for:

____________________________________

Date prepared ___________________________


Current residence __________________________________________________

Date of birth ______________ Place of birth ____________________________

Name of my spouse ________________________ living_____ deceased ____


Names of my children:

____________________ phone _______ address ___________________________

____________________ phone _______ address ___________________________

____________________phone _______ address ___________________________

____________________phone _______ address ___________________________

____________________phone _______address ____________________________


Names of other living close relatives:

_____________________phone _______address ___________________________


_____________________phone _______ address ___________________________



Church affiliation _____________________________________________________


I have a will _____ I DO NOT have a will ________


Who to contact in case of an emergency:


Name________________ phone _________ relationship ______________________


Name _______________ phone __________relationship _______________________

#2....the other ways

In my situation, I have no property other than older model vehicles. I have no other real assets, aside from money, so my so called estate is easy to manage.

But there are so many other little things to think about and consider when “getting our affairs in order”; tiny things we would not even contemplate.

So based on that, I share with you what I have compiled for my family, so that they will know how to proceed and take care of the “little things” after I am gone...things that otherwise they might not even have an inkling about.

I recommend printing out all the information that I will share and putting each page into acid free sheet protectors and then into a binder for your family.

#1...Setting up a Will, or something similar

A Will states to whom you would like your possessions, assets, etc. to go to. It names a person of your choice to be your executor…the person who will handle the legal and financial matters that are necessary to close out your estate and affairs.

There are forms you can obtain (even on the internet) whereby you can do this...or...you may make an appointment with a lawyer. I have a Will.

Some people have their estate planning done with what is called a “Trust” or “Family Trust”. I do not know the particulars of that method.

And then....there are other ways to go about handling your “affairs”...legal, easy and uncomplicated ways, depending on YOUR individual circumstance and situation. And that is what I will share on this blog.