Be Careful
It is unfortunate that some people use the obituaries and death notices to steal. Burglars learn when a visitation or a funeral services is held and then, while the family members are away from home to pay their last respects to a loved one, they loot and ransack the family members' homes.

Please guard against this danger. When your family is going to attend services at a funeral home or church, ask either a close friend or trusted neighbor to stay in, or at least closely watch, your home while you are away.

It is also advisable to contact your local police department and notify them of your absence.

Kepner Funeral Homes' policy is not to disclose your family's address or phone number to any person requesting such information. We maintain that this is confidential information.

The questions and answers at the right are the most frequently asked or discussed.

Be Careful
Financial and Benefit Matters
Funeral Customs/Etiquette
Pre-Arrangements Cemetery Markers/Memorials
The Journey through Grief


Financial and Benefit Matters Return

Death Certificates
Kepner Funeral Home personnel can help you secure additional death certificates.

Social Security
A lump sum death benefit in the amount of $255 is available for the surviving spouse or minors. Survivors pension benefits may be available for a qualified widow and minor children. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Veterans Benefits
Casket flag and grave marker may be available for qualified veterans. Funeral expense allowances may be likewise be available for those who qualify. Kepner Funeral Home personnel will apply for you.

Insurance
Kepner Funeral Home personnel can provide you with information to assist in filing claims for life insurance benefits including assignment procedures.

Bank Financing
Extended payment options are available through local bank financing.

VISA/MasterCard
Kepner Funeral Home honors VISA or MasterCard (cemetery not included.)


Funeral Customs/Etiquette Return

In case you are wondering about possible questions that might arise concerning proper funeral customs or etiquette, the following information might be helpful:

  • Thank you cards are appropriate to mail one to two weeks after the service to the following, (if applicable):
    • Those contributing to memorial organizations or churches
    • Those who sent flowers or Mass cards
    • Pallbearers
    • Friends and neighbors who helped in special ways.
    • Those who brought food.
    • Those who sent cards (optional).
    • Church group or church which assisted with food or in other ways helped.
    • Those who participate in the service (music, readings, etc.).

Note: It is not necessary to send acknowledgment to people who sign the register book.

  • You may want to send a note of appreciation to the clergy.
  • Customary ways to sign thank-you cards are:
    • The Family of (deceased's name)
    • (Deceased names)'s Family, or
    • Your name
Additional thank-you cards are available, if needed, and can be picked up at the reception desk.


Pre-Arrangements Cemetery Markers/Memorials Return

Pre-Arrange/Pre-Finance
Our Pre-Arrangement Plans will help ease your emotional and financial concerns by planning ahead.

  • It is the most considerate way to make things easier for family members. Your family won't have to worry about making the right decisions.
  • Prepayment options offered.
  • Pre-Arrangement funds paid in advance are not considered countable assets when applying for Medicaid or for nursing home care.

"Advance funeral planning gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your funeral arrangements are taken care of , while lessening the burden on your survivors." (Quote from the American Association of Retired Persons.)

Please call our Pre-Arrangement Director, Cathy Danehart at 304-232-5110 or email her at cdanehart@kepnerfuneral.com for more information.

Cemetery Markers and Memorials

As an additional service , Kepner Funeral Homes have access to a complete line of cemetery markers, monuments, and memorials. A knowledgeable consultant will be glad to show you displays and assist you in making a selection. If it is more convenient, our consultant will meet you in your home.


The Journey through Grief Return

Reactions/Responses
Grief is the price you pay for love. Most often we are not prepared for the emotions and behaviors associated with a loss. It is not unusual to:

  • Feel numb and physically exhausted, but have difficulty sleeping
  • Be unable to function effectively - wander aimlessly, forget what you are doing, feel restless and unable to concentrate.
  • Hurts so much that you may even want to die.
  • Cry a lot and at unexpected times.
  • Feel lonely and isolated, but not interested in once enjoyable activities.
  • Feel angry and hostile.
  • Feel guilty or feel relief.
  • Sense your loved one's presence, need to tell stories about your loved one.
  • Have feelings of panic and depression.

Readjustment
Resolving grief often takes longer than people expect. Grief is nature's way of healing a broken heart. Make a start toward healing and growth.:

  • Be patient with yourself. Heal in your own way and time - there is not a set way or time.
  • Monitor your health - eat well and exercise
  • Cry when you have to - laugh when you can.
  • Share the pain of your darkness with a friend or friends. Talk about your loved one.
  • For support, encouragement, and friendship, join a group of others who are grieving. Seek professional help if needed.*
  • Seek solace from your religious faith.
  • Help others - devote your energies to people and causes which you consider worthwhile.
  • Determine to live again - Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.

*See a Kepner Funeral Home representative for grief support information.