Sheetz Funeral Home

QUALITY, SINCERITY & TRUST

INFORMATION BOOKLET

No matter where you are in life, we walk alongside you to provide valuable wisdom and direction with your financial decisions.

The team at Coram Deo Advisors offers faith-based planning, wealth management, and legacy strategies.

We guide our clients to better understand the complexities of their finances. It is our priority to listen to your financial concerns and collaborate with you to find solutions that will meet your goals. Through stewardship and generosity, we help you bless loved ones and ministries dear to your heart.

Dave Over, CKA®

Senior Financial Advisor

Joey Leon

Financial Advisor

Bryce Wandell

Financial Advisor

Tessa Cox

Client Service Director

David Over Jr.

Planning Associate

CALL US TODAY (717) 969-3004 “Live Worthy Of Your Calling”

955 West Main St I Suite 13 Mount Joy , PA 17552 www.coramdeoadvisors.com

Securities and advisory services offered through Silver Oak Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Silver Oak, and Coram Deo Advisors are not affiliated.

Contents 04.

Welcome

06.

Who We Are

05.

08.

09.

10.

12.

14.

15.

21.

Our Story

Our Services

Endless Possibilities Where To Begin

Veteran Services Why Plan Ahead

Pre-Planning Checklist Legal Issues

22.

Probate

24.

Grief Support

23.

25.

Estate Planning Our Business Partners

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Welcome Welcome to the Sheetz Funeral Home Information Booklet.

We are proud to present our guide to you: our community,

our friends, our families, as a guide to assist you, as you explore and learn about the many subjects relating to end-of-life matters. This thoughtfully prepared booklet

offers guidance on matters of grief and many others. It also offers information on preplanning and provides an

area for you to record your personal wishes and desires.

Speaking of one’s own mortality is difficult, but each of

us probably has some thoughts about how we might

like to be remembered, or maybe what we would not want. Recording this information is an unselfish gift to

each of your loved ones, and should bring you peace

of mind. Of course the funeral service professionals at Sheetz Funeral Home are available for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, on any matters relating to pre-planning or at-need care.

Sheetz Funeral Home endeavors to provide the highest

standards of professional care, to those we have the honor to serve. We welcome your feedback and take seriously the trust you have place in us.

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Our Story Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.

The Sheetz Funeral Home began with the simple role of

Gerald R. Sheetz, also known as “Jerry” carried the family

he resided.

a life to service to others. In 1949 he married Mary Reich

a carpenter and his service to the community in which During the 1890s, Alvin C. Sheetz, a carpenter and home

builder from East Petersburg, was asked to provide wooden caskets to families in his community. In 1895

he began a career in funeral service that would include 4 generations of his family and provide death care services to others at a time of need. He was officially

tradition forward as the third generation to be dedicating Sheetz. In 1951, Jerry and Mary opened their business

in Mount Joy. Then in 1968, together, they achieved

one of Jerry’s lifelong ambitions, when he and Mary re-

purchased his birthplace and home to Roy and Rebecca located at the current Funeral Home location, 16 East Main Street, Mount Joy.

licensed in 1899 and formally opened the Sheetz Funeral

Jonathan R. Sheetz, “Jon” joined the Sheetz Funeral

1921, his son, Roy B. Sheetz opened the second Sheetz

of his family to serve the Mount Joy community as a

Home on Carpenter Street in East Petersburg in 1899. In Funeral Home at the current location, 16 East Main Street, Mount Joy. Roy was not only a funeral director but as

many before him, he was a furniture dealer as well. He

purchased the business from HW Brunner, of Mount Joy where his ad in the Mount Joy Bulletin from 1923 promoted his business as “Purveyor of Fine Furniture,

and Funeral Directing”. He married Rebecca H. Siegrist

Sheetz and together they had two sons Gerald and Richard Sheetz.

In 1928, Alvin and his son Roy moved the East Petersburg Funeral Home to a Lancaster City location which was

the former home of George Ross, prominent lawyer and member of the Continental Congress. He had

Home in 1987, and represents the fourth generation

funeral director. Perhaps, the tradition that Jon is most proud to carry on is “teamwork,” an ideal imparted to him by his parents. His teamwork attitude extends to his business practices as he seeks to engage the needy and

willing in creating the ideal and fitting remembrances for those who leave this life before us. A powerful and

engaged group of professionals, including Andrew Dieck and Charles “Chad” Habecker, both licensed funeral

directors, Joan Rutt, as our Family Advocate, and other professionals join Jon in his business.

He is married to Donna McNamara Sheetz and together, they have three sons, Peter, Stephen, and James.

the honor of being one of 56 men known as “Signers” as his signature is recorded on the Declaration of

Independence. The Lancaster location operated until Roy’s death in 1961.

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Who We Are As a fourth-generation funeral director, I am deeply privileged to lead a team of professionals. I am honored to introduce our dedicated personnel who support our mission: service to our community. Our dedication to the past and present values of Sheetz Funeral Home, Inc. is the heart and soul of our business. - Jon Sheetz

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Jonathan R. “Jon” Sheetz

Andrew D. Dieck

Joshua A. Keith

Joan B. Rutt

Licensed Funeral Supervisor

Licensed Funeral Director

Licensed Funeral Director

Family Advocacy Program

Kristen Kirchhofer Tressler

Mary Sheetz Lynam

Nancy L. Hopple

Marica Landis

Office Manager

Funeral Associate

Funeral Associate

Funeral Associate

Debbie Nissley

Rev. Dr. Donald M. Rising

Vaughn Nissley

Ryan M. Arndt

Funeral Associate

Funeral Associate

Funeral Associate

Funeral Associate

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The staff at Sheetz Funeral Home made a difficult life event much more bearable.

Any and everything we asked for - it was already done or they were taking care of it. Truly the BEST service I have ever experienced with a funeral home!

James “Jim” Gruber

Charles “Charlie” Ricedorf

Dennis “Denny” Drager

Funeral Associate

Funeral Associate

Funeral Associate

Jeffrey Alexander Funeral Associate

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Richard ‘’Dick’’ Smith Funeral Associate Sh eetz Funera l Home, I n c

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Our Services Design your healing experience. Gather. Remember. Rejoice.

Here’s the truth: most funeral homes consider their

primary function to be handling remains. Instead, we think of our job as having two parts: physical and emotional. The physical is burials. The emotional is

working with families to design healing experiences.

Our peaceful and intimate setting becomes a place where people find closure, renewal and togetherness.

And that’s the most rewarding part of what we do.

Honoring Life Honoring the life of your loved one means you value the relationship you shared. We look forward to helping

you decide how to celebrate that bond, and honor the

unique individual you’ve lost. We can make suggestions to enhance your tribute ideas. Together we will create a fitting and memorable event.

Personalized Printing Our Life Tributes memorial bookmarks, service programs,

prayer cards, and folders can all include a favorite photo, poem or prose tribute to your loved one. With

the variety available to us through Life Tributes, we can add a uniquely caring element to your service, so

your guests can leave with a treasured keepsake. It’s tradition…with a twist.

Memorial Websites The traditional newspaper obituary is quickly being replaced by the memorial website. We’ve taken the

concept further than anyone else. Our memorial sites are not just a repository of family photos and videos;

they’re Web 2.0 tools for connecting with family and friends, all in honor of your loved one. We invite you to take a tour, so you can see its power to celebrate

It’s All about the Relationship Honoring the life of your loved one means you value the relationship you shared. We look forward to helping

you decide how to celebrate that bond, and honor the

unique individual you’ve lost. We can make suggestions to enhance your tribute ideas. Together we will create a fitting and memorable event.

connections, honor a life, and record the love you shared.

Live Funeral Webcasting The newest innovation in funeral service, webcasting, allows everyone you love to attend your loved one’s

service. A webcast is viewed live over the Internet, archived for delayed viewing, and can be downloaded to DVD for a permanent keepsake.

Tribute Videos Your family photographs are skillfully blended with wonderful graphic images and music, to create an elegantly emotive cinematic video. It can be an integral

part of any funeral or memorial service. After the ceremony, the video is sure to become a treasured

family keepsake. And, we can make copies as gifts for family and friends.

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Endless Possibilities How Would You Like To Be Honored Whether you choose burial or cremation, having a

Once you decide, the finer details come into focus. If

remains, is an essential part of the healing process.

and desired cemetery follows. Naturally, we’re here to

service to honor life, and a permanent place to visit

We’ll educate you on the traditional and nontraditional

inclusions in these ceremonies—and help you design an observance that’s as unique as the life it’s about.

you’ve chosen burial, then selection of the casket, vault, help you.

If cremation is your choice, then you’ll need to make the next decision: whether the cremated remains will be

placed in a mausoleum niche, or buried on the cemetery

How to Honor a Life

grounds.

It’s about bringing those you love together, at a time

In some communities, there’s the option for a ‘green

become a socially-expected practice. More importantly,

help you select an environmentally-friendly choice.

of loss. It’s a natural thing to do, and over time, has

burial.’ If that’s what your loved one would prefer, we’ll

a funeral or memorial service, whether traditional, or contemporary, is the first step in healing.

You can have your service anywhere, and any way, you want. Your choices include the place of celebration, day

of the week, and time of day; the musical selection, what

prayers will be said or songs you’d like sung. We can

arrange to have doves, butterflies, or balloons released at the close of the service. Keepsake gifts of wildflower

seeds or a tree seedling can be given. We’re here to help you create the most memorable and meaningful service to honor your loved one.

Burial or Cremation?

Your next consideration focuses on choosing between

Burial Services If burial has been selected, usually any ceremonies we design revolve around the casket being present. You

can choose to follow tradition, with a viewing, and then

a funeral service in a church or memorial chapel. Or you could decide to have a more relaxed service, even in your family home.

Let’s just say this: there is no ‘hard and fast’ formula

for honoring your loved one when burial has been selected. We’re here to listen to your concerns, share

our experience, and help you to arrive at the perfect way

to gather together before your loved one’s interment in the cemetery of your choice.

burial and cremation. Usually, people are clear on this

point. In fact, your loved one may have told you, or someone else, exactly how they wish to be cared for. But

Cremation Services

it can be a hard decision for some families, especially

Cremation only refers to the manner in which you or your

stated. If that’s the case, please know we’re able to

We want you to know that this decision doesn’t limit the

one, and for you.

suggest that you have a funeral or memorial service,

when the wishes of the deceased were never clearly

loved one has chosen to deal with the physical remains.

help you come to the perfect decision for your loved

ways you can honor your loved one’s life. We heartily because your need for such a healing experience is not

lessened by the decision to be cremated. Again, the

options are limited only by your imagination. We hope that you will contact us to discuss the wide variety of celebratory options open to you.

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Where to begin Make your choices now, so they don’t fall to your family later.

Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, but you are not alone in this. We’re here to support you throughout this journey and make this process one of love, healing, and life celebration.

Below is some information to help you get started, but you can contact us at any time if you need help.

Within Hours

When a loved one dies at home or in a place that isn’t a healthcare facility, you’ll need to contact emergency personnel before they can be taken into our care. If your loved one was under medical care, it’s a good idea to call their physician as well.

If your loved one was under hospice care, please contact the hospice agency first. One of their staff will come to your home and will notify us when your loved one is ready to be brought to the funeral home.

If your loved one dies in a healthcare facility, they will notify the proper authorities, including the funeral home you have chosen to care for your loved one if they know that information.

This part of the process is often the most emotional, and we are here to help and support you. If you’re not sure what to do, call us any time.

Within the First Few Days

You’ll want to notify close friends and relatives, both through personal phone calls as well as your loved one’s death notice. If this process is too painful for you, it’s absolutely okay to ask a trusted family member or friend to help you.

This also is the time to review any of your loved one’s preplanned funeral wishes and meet with a funeral director to begin planning their service. If your loved one did not preplan their funeral, you might want to start thinking about a few of the big choices you will need to make, such as:

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•

Burial or cremation

•

If burial, the type of casket

•

If burial, the location of their final resting place in a grave or mausoleum

•

If cremation, the type of urn

•

If cremation, the location of their final resting place through burial or scattering

•

Contact your clergy or spiritual leaders

•

The types of services you want, such as a viewing, service, graveside memorial, etc.

These questions are just a starting point, and you don’t need to know the answers right away. Don’t hesitate to contact us to gain a better understanding of your options.

We’re here to make this process easier for you.

What to Expect When We Meet

When you meet with a member of our staff to discuss your arrangements, we’ll first provide you with a general price list to give you a basic idea of what our services cost.

We’ll then ask you about your loved one to gain an understanding of the person the services will honor. Use this time to communicate your ideas and preferences, share your loved one’s life story, revisit memories, and highlight their accomplishments. Our professionals will use this information to guide you in the creation of a personalized, meaningful celebration of your loved one’s life.

This process may include: •

Preparing and filing the official death certificate

•

Scheduling the services and events (including the location, date, and time)

•

Selecting a casket, urn, or other products you may need

•

Drafting an obituary

•

Arranging necessary transportation

•

Selecting pallbearers

We’d like to make this process as smooth and stress-free for you as we can, so remember to bring the following information about your loved one with you as well: •

Full legal name and home address

•

Social security number

•

Date of birth

•

Place of birth

•

Father’s name

•

Mother’s maiden name

•

Veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable

•

Highest level of education

•

Occupation and kind of business or industry

•

Information about the burial location if applicable

•

Clergy name and phone number if applicable

•

Names and relationships of survivors

•

Insurance policy information if using to pay for funeral expenses

The service is a ceremony which serves to celebrate, honor, and remember the life of the deceased.

Whether traditional or unique, both the visitation and the funeral service can be personalized to reflect the individuality of your loved one.

•

Cremation Services

The biggest misconception about cremation is that there can’t be a funeral service or visitation. This is absolutely not the case, and we encourage you to consider holding a memorial service to celebrate the life of your loved one as well. There are many options open to you when it comes to honoring your loved one’s life, including the option to have your loved one’s body present at the visitation and/ or service. After the cremation and memorial services, there are a variety of choices for your loved one’s final disposition: •

Interment means that you’ll bury or entomb your loved one’s cremated remains. This can be in a family plot, a memorial site, a cremation niche or urn garden, or in a variety of other indoor and outdoor locations. Ask our staff for a detailed list of interment possibilities.

•

Graveside services are similar to those celebrated alongside a traditional ground burial, in which loved ones are present at the burial of the cremated remains and honor the deceased through memorial prayers or other meaningful tributes.

•

Scattering allows you to spread your loved one’s cremated remains in a memorial garden, a cemetery, over water, or across any other meaningful site. You also can choose to scatter some of the cremated remains and retain the rest in an urn for interment or another form of disposition.

•

Placing cremated remains in multiple urns allows family members who are separated by distance to each feel the comfort of having their loved one’s final resting place in a nearby location.

Please also bring a recent photograph and any clothing you’d like us to use when dressing them for the service.

Service Options

Planning a funeral service can be a very difficult process for families who have just lost a loved one. But it’s important to provide those who are grieving with a supportive environment in which they can begin to find closure, say goodbye, and come to terms with the loss.

Gathering with friends and family gives everyone the opportunity to connect, share memories, offer words of sympathy, and create a lasting network of comfort and support as they start the journey toward healing.

Burial Services

There are different services that you can choose for a loved one’s burial, depending upon your individual needs and preferences: •

Immediate burial means that your loved one will be buried or entombed without a public service or gathering.

•

Visitation, also called a viewing, wake, or calling hours, allows family and friends to gather in a room with the departed loved one in an open or closed casket and say goodbye or offer their support and sympathy to the bereaved.

•

Funeral or memorial services can take place at a funeral home, in a church, or even at your home.

Graveside, chapel, or committal services are held at the cemetery, and allow family and friends to be present as their loved one is transferred to his or her final disposition.

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Veteran Services We truly believe that the men and women who answered our nation’s call embody the ideals Americans hold so dear. Because they have proven their devotion to their fellow citizens and to a grateful nation, we all owe them the same respect and devotion in return.

Staff at Sheetz Funeral Home, inc proudly acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who have served our country through their patriotism, love of country and willingness to protect others.

Our staff is committed to providing quality service and professional assistance to help families complete the necessary forms to obtain benefits that are provided through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for deceased veterans.

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

The VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members,

veterans, and their families plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items are provided through the Veterans Affairs to honor the service of those who have served the country.

Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery?

Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the requirements listed below:

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•

A veteran who received an honorable discharge

•

A service member who died while on active duty, active duty

•

The spouse or minor child of a veteran, even if the veteran

•

In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a

for training, or inactive duty for training died first veteran

What are military funeral honors and a committal service?

Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,”

a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service

members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. In order

for the survivors to qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must be described by at least one of the following: •

Served in wartime

•

Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941

•

Served after January 31, 1955

•

Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least one enlistment

or because of a disability that was caused - or made worse - by their active military service •

Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the

military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951.

What are burial benefits and how do I apply?

The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can apply for

assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot

or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial.

You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s

burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance.

You can apply online at https://www.va.gov/burials-

andmemorials/ application/530/introduction or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530.

A veteran who received an honorable discharge or a

service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet certain requirements.

To find out if your deceased loved one qualifies,

visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ memorialitems/headstonesmarkers- medallions/

The Department of Veteran Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of an eligible deceased

veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave

marker, or niche marker, fill out the VA Form 10-1330 and send to:

Department of Veteran Affairs 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-3903

For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-

memorials/ or contact the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.

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Why Plan Ahead Why it makes sense to make choices about your future funeral now.

There’s a lot that goes into planning a funeral, but making those arrangements beforehand gives you

time to consider all of your options and make sure that

you’re covering all of the necessary details. Still feeling unsure? Here are some of the most important reasons why planning ahead may be the best option.

It’s Easy Fill out a form or meet with a member of our staff to put your plan in place. Anyone can create a plan, at any stage in their life, and you always can make changes if you wish.

You Decide Preplanning lets you create your own unique life celebration. Including your family in the planning process can help them feel connected to you both in life and

in death, knowing that your arrangements reflect your desires.

Relieve Your Family’s Burden Preplanning relieves your family of that burden and

gives them more time and energy to focus on healing and remembrance.

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You Can Prepay Prepayment generally means that you save money by being protected from inflation and price changes. We deposit all prepayments into an insurance policy where

it remains until needed. Prepaying also provides peace of mind for your family, who won’t have to figure out your funeral expenses when the time comes.

What If I Move?

We keep a record of your preplanned arrangements

and any prepayments, and they’re easily transferable to any funeral home in the United States.

Where Do I Start?

First, check out our preplanning checklist on the next page to help you consider all your possibilities. Then

you can preplan online or use our publication to create your personalized arrangements or you can schedule

a time to meet with our staff to discuss your options and make a plan.

Pre-planning Checklist The following checklist will help you create your personalized plan.

Ways to Plan Ahead: General •

Gather personal information for your obituary.

•

Choose a charity to direct donations to, if desired.

•

Choose a funeral home.

•

Make note of any instructions for your services and final disposition.

Funeral Service

Final Disposition •

Choose a cemetery.

•

Select a burial plot or mausoleum.

•

Select a memorial or grave marker and

•

Decide who will keep your urn.

•

Decide who will scatter your cremated remains

inscription.

and where.

Information You’ll Need Personal Information •

Your father’s name

•

Your mother’s maiden name

•

Your level of education

•

Your social security number

•

Choose burial or cremation.

Affiliations

•

Select a casket or cremation container.

•

Fraternal organizations

•

Choose locations and types of services.

•

Service organizations

•

Choose floral arrangements.

•

Union memberships

•

Select which photographs and memorabilia

•

Any special recognitions you have

you’d like to display.

Military Service Information

•

Consider any customs, traditions, or religious rites

•

Branch and rank

•

Choose the clothing you’d like to be dressed in.

•

Date of enlistment

•

Select music and hymns, if desired.

•

Date of discharge

•

Choose whether to use a limousine or family cars

•

Name(s) of war/conflict(s) toured

•

Serial number

•

Have DD-214 or other record of Military Service

•

Decide if you will want honors rendered at the

that are important to you and your family.

to services and final resting place.

Participants

available

•

Choose a clergy member or officiator to preside

•

Select any musicians whose talents you’d like to employ.

Remember...

•

Select pallbearers.

There’s no need to make all the decisions right

•

Choose friends or family members to perform the

over the service.

eulogy, read scripture, or prepare a speech.

funeral home, church, or cemetery

away. For personalized assistance in creating your plan, contact one of our experts to schedule a one-on-one meeting.

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To my Family and Loved Ones I wished to spare you as much anxiety, doubt and

The booklet also includes more personal material for

this booklet I have suggested some arrangements

as advice and guidance on other important issues

confusion as possible at the time of my death, so in in advance.

eulogies, obituaries and other remembrances as well you may come across.

This booklet includes vital statistics, funeral service

Please accept these arrangements in the spirit they

important to share with the funeral director while

help you to remember the times we shared.

guidelines and cemetery requests, which are all assisting you to plan my service.

are given: with love, hoping to give you comfort and

Signature ................................................................................................................ Date ...........................................................................................................

Witness ..................................................................................................................... Date ...........................................................................................................

Person to be notified first upon my death: Name ......................................................................................................................... Notes ........................................................................................................

Relationship ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Address ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Telephone ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Information for Obituary Place of death ..................................................................................................... Date of death.......................................................................................

Spouse ......................................................................................................................Married for number of years .....................................................

Children, their spouses and their places of residence ................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Siblings, their spouses and their places of residence ..................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Education .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Special interests, hobbies and pets ............................................................................................................................................................................

Clubs & Lodges ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Memorial Donations ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Vital Information About Me Full Name (First, Middle, Last) ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

Address ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ City..............................................................................................................

County ......................................................................................................................Zip Code ..................................................................................................

Social Security Number ........................................................................................................................................................................................................

Date of Birth .......................................................................................................... Gender ....................................................................................................

Place off Birth (City, State) .................................................................................................................................................................................................

Occupation ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Industry ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Military Service/Branch .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

Marital Status ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Maiden Name ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Name of Spouses (inc Maiden Name) ......................................................................................................................................................................

Father’s Name .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mother’s Name (inc Maiden Name) ............................................................................................................................................................................

Notes .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

My Preference for the location of the service or Celebration of Life: Funeral Home

o

Outside Venue

o

Place of Worship

o

Other

o

Address of venue, place of worship or other location .................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Notes .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Preferences For My Service Pallbearers: 1. .................................................................................................................................. 2. ..............................................................................................................................

3................................................................................................................................... 4. ..............................................................................................................................

5, ................................................................................................................................ 6. ..............................................................................................................................

7. ................................................................................................................................. 8 ...............................................................................................................................

Honorary Pallbearers: 1. .................................................................................................................................. 2. ..............................................................................................................................

3................................................................................................................................... 4. ..............................................................................................................................

5, ................................................................................................................................ 6. ..............................................................................................................................

7. ................................................................................................................................. 8 ...............................................................................................................................

Officiating ............................................................................................................ Family Prayer ..................................................................................................

Organist ................................................................................................................ Chorister ............................................................................................................

Opening Song .................................................................................................. Opening Prayer .............................................................................................

Life Sketch ........................................................................................................... Speaker ...............................................................................................................

Musical Selection ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Speaker ................................................................................................................. Concluding Remarks ................................................................................. ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Closing Song ..................................................................................................... Closing Prayer ................................................................................................

Graveside Services Cemetery ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Dedication of the Grave .................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Personal Life Review Community Organizations or Clubs that may participate ................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Some significant accomplishments in my life ............................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

One of my fondest memories .................................................................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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I would like the following religious beliefs expressed: ............................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Favorite poem, verse or scripture ........................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

If I could live my life over again, I would change .......................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Favorite places .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Favorite color flower, food, etc ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

I want my family to remember me for ................................................................................................................................................................................

A message to my family and friends ................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The following are my wishes regarding my final resting place Name of cemetery .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Address ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

City/Town/County ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

o No o

Property, Crypt or Niche Owned? Yes

If yes, specify location written on cemetery purchase agreement ................................................................................................................ ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Final Resting Place

Burial

o Mausoleum o Interment following cremation o Niche o

Other ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Marker or Monument Purchased? Yes

o No o

Monument company name.........................................................................................................................................................................................................

Inscription Instructions ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Reception Location:

Funeral Home

o Outside Venue o Place of Service o Other o

Details ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Notes

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Legal Issues Wills, probate, joint property, estate taxes, selecting

Most intestacy statutes distribute a deceased person’s

and other issues may appear somewhat intimidating

or to only the children if there is not a spouse.

estate trustees/attorneys for property and personal care at first.

Fortunately, with a little guidance and preparation, dealing with such matters does not have to be so

overwhelming. Planning ahead and revising your plan

often will help avoid unnecessary grief and confusion in the end.

Estate Planning includes all of the following issues and documents.

Wills A Last Will and Testament is one of the most important

legal documents a person can create during his or her lifetime. If a person dies without a Will they are said to

have died “intestate” and state laws will determine how and to whom the person’s assets will be distributed.

assets between a surviving spouse and their children

If there are no surviving children the assets then are generally distributed to extended family members.

Powers of Attorney Power of attorney (POA) is a legal document granting

authority to a trusted person to act on your behalf. That individual, called an attorney in fact, is empowered to

manage your financial, business and legal affairs. Power of attorney can be broad or limited to specific matters.

Depending on the terms, that person could: •

Pay bills • Manage banking and investments

•

Sign documents • Make business decisions

•

Sell property • Hire professional help

Powers of attorney can be granted at any time if you

If a person dies without a Will the beneficiaries can not

are ready to turn over the reins, or it can be set up to

under the intestacy laws. Even if that person expressed

manage your own affairs. A durable power of attorney

control the distribution. With a valid Will, a person can

you either recover or pass away.

dispute the court’s distribution of that person’s estate

“spring” at a future point if and when you can no longer

different wishes verbally during their lifetime the statutes

means that the powers endure after incapacity until

legally determine how their property will be distributed… and to whom.

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Probate What is Probate?

Information Gathering

When a person dies, their assets are distributed in the

Upon death, one of the first things to do is to gather as

process of administration of estates of deceased persons,

gather any Wills, deeds, financial documents, notes and

probate process. Probate is a general term for the entire including those without wills, with court supervision. If a person dies with a will, a petition to probate the will

is filed with the probate court in the county where the deceased resided at the time of death, asking for letters testamentary to be issued, giving the executor authority

to handle the estate affairs. If a person dies with a valid

will, an executor is named to handle the distribution of the estate. If the person dies without a valid will, the court

appoints an administrator to distribute the decedent’s assets according to the state’s laws of intestacy.

The court will issue letters of administration, also called

letters testamentary, to the administrator, giving the

authority to handle the affairs of the deceased. An heirship affidavit may also be used to conduct estate affairs when

a small estate is involved. In cases where the decedent

didn’t own property valued at more than a certain amount,

which varies by state, the estate may go through a small

estate administration process, rather than the formal probate process.

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much information as possible. It is important to look for and

insurance policies that the deceased may have. Before estate matters can be pursued (i.e transferring a house

or automobile, other legal matters), a copy of the death certificate is also required. Speak to the funeral home

about obtaining certified copies of the death certificate (as some agencies will not accept photocopies).

Estate Planning Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. Planning what you want to happen to your property and money when you die can give anyone peace of mind.

Understanding the Basics See what you need to know to take action.

Making plans for your property and loved ones after

you die can feel intimidating. But it can be a huge help

to your loved ones after you are gone. This page will

walk you through some common estate planning tools and questions.

Step 1 – Appoint a Health Care Agent A health care agent is an individual who acts on

behalf of the estate owner (a.k.a. the principal) and

communicates their medical preferences when they’re unable to make competent decisions. Selecting a health

care agent can be achieved by completing a Power of Attorney document. The appointed agent will have the capacity to make decisions concerning life support,

Step 4 – Decide Who the Beneficiaries Are Next, the principal will need to nominate the recipients

of their assets. These individuals are known as the

“beneficiaries” and will inherit specific property following the death of the principal.

Usually, the beneficiaries will be the principal’s spouse,

children, siblings, or other related family members.

However, if no such individuals are available, the principal can leave their assets for a charity or close friend.

prolonging treatments.

Step 5 – Make an Estate Distribution Form

Step 2 – Appoint a Financial Agent

The next step requires the principal to create a document

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and other life-

The principal will need to nominate someone to serve as their financial agent. This individual will be responsible

for maintaining the principal’s finances while they are mentally incapacitated or disabled. The agent’s

duties may vary but will generally involve paying bills, conducting business transactions, managing real property, and overseeing financial accounts.

Step 3 – Create a List of Current Assets

that states how their assets will be distributed following

their death. This document will be used to identify the beneficiaries and provide a description of the assets that each party is entitled to inherit.

Step 6 – Find a Secure Location to Store the Estate Documents The final step in the process will be to store the estate planning documents in a safe place that can be

Before making efforts to draft a Will or Living Trust,

accessed quickly in the event of a medical emergency

currently part of their estate. The report should include a

Power of Attorney forms can be kept with the appointed

insurance plans, household property, financial accounts,

should be retained by the principal’s attorney, spouse, or

the principal can use the Current Assets List and include

documents to a licensed attorney so that they can be

the principal should create a report of the assets

or upon the principal’s death. Original copies of the

description of the principal’s real estate, motor vehicles,

agents. The Last Will and Testament and/or Living Trust

and other items under their ownership. For this purpose,

children. The principal may wish to submit the completed

it with their estate planning documents once completed.

reviewed.

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Grief Support

Every person must cope with the loss of a loved one on his or her own terms.

Allow A Search For Meaning

Accepting A Loss

You may find yourself asking, “Why did he/she die?”

For each of us - rich or poor, young or old - there are

is another normal part of the healing process. Some

personal losses along with the pain and sorrow they

“Why this way?” “Why now?” This search for meaning questions have answers, some do not. Actually, the healing occurs in the opportunity to pose the questions,

not necessarily in answering them. Find a supportive

friend who will listen responsively as you search for meaning.

times in our lives when we must face and deal with cause. Examples that come easily to mind are the death of a parent, spouse, child, or other close family member

or friend. Many other events and transitions also bring with them sadness and a need to grieve: •

Being told you have a serious, possibly terminal

•

Having to give up interests and activities that have

make you laugh or cry. In either case, they are a lasting

•

Seeing serious decline in the mental or physical

person in your life.

•

Retiring from career or voluntary activity that has

•

Losing a significant part of your independence and

Treasure Your Memories Memories are one of the best legacies that exist after someone dies. Treasure them. Share them with your

family and friends. Recognise that your memories may

part of the relationship that you had with a very special

Move Toward Your Grief And Heal The capacity to love requires the necessity to grieve

when someone you love dies. You can’t heal unless you

health of someone you love.

helped shape who you are and what you stand for. mobility; even giving up driving can be significant

•

Moving out of your home.

that grief is a process, not an event.

•

Saying goodbye to a favorite pet.

Be patient and tolerant with yourself. Never forget that

Losses such as these are simply part of life. Like their

not that you won’t be happy again; it’s simply that you

- the birth of a child or grandchild, a celebration of

death.

what it means to share in the human experience. The

Reconciling your grief will not happen quickly. Remember

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been a major part of your life.

loss for many people.

openly express your grief. Denying your grief will only

make it become more confusing and overwhelming.

illness.

the death of a loved one changes your life forever. It’s

counterparts among the joyful occasions in our lifetime

will never be exactly the same as you were before the

marriage, an enduring friendship - they are part of

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emotions they create in us are part of living, as well.

Domani for Grief

Our funeral home is proud to partner

with Domani for Grief to provide the best resources and information to you during this period of grief and healing.

Domani for Grief provides expert grief

support, honest conversation, and heartfelt community.

info@thedomanigroup.com 801-655-5039

Crisis, Grief and Healing

Webhealing.com, the first interactive

grief website on the internet, offers The emotional upheaval these trying times can cause is

discussion boards, articles, book

and family may not help relieve the amount of sadness and

women working through every aspect

home, we work closely with area hospice organizations and

LCSW, has provided book excerpts and

best fit your needs.

healing from loss.

sometimes so overwhelming that even the support of friends

suggestions, and advice for men and

grief you feel. If you prefer a grief support group closer to

of grief. The site’s founder, Tom Golden

grief support groups. We can refer you to the resources that

contact information to help those

GriefNet

webhealing.com

GriefNet is an Internet community of persons dealing with grief, death, and major loss. They have many email support groups.

Their integrated approach to online grief support provides help to people working through loss and grief issues.

Call us at (717) 653-5441 if you have any questions.

Grief and Loss

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) website contains a Grief & Loss section with grief-related articles and information.

www.aarp.org/relationships/griefloss/

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

The National Hospice and Palliative

Care Organization’s website provides a host of information and resources

for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury and their caregivers.

703-837-1500

www.nhpco.org

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Our Business Partners BUSINESS TYPE - NAME - CONTACT Financial Advisors - Corma Deo Advisors - (717) 969-3004 Real Estate - Berkshire Hathaway Home Services - (717) 575-8626 / (717) 475-3885 Auctions - Hess Auction Group - (717) 664-5238

Notes

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Notes

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When someone passes away, it can be quite overwhelming trying to get all of their affairs in order.

THE FERNE SILBERMAN TEAM We can help relieve some of this burden when it comes to any real estate concerns. As SRES® and certified probate designee’s, we offer a deeper knowledge of real estate and bring a unique approach to each transaction and interaction with our clients.

We both recognize the emotional and financial complexities associated with transitioning and selling a beloved family property and approach clients and family members with patience, compassion and empathy. www.realestatelancastercounty.com

Ferne Silberman REALTOR®, CRS, SRES, SFR (717) 575-8626 fernesilberman@comcast.net

Rose Madar REALTOR®, CRS, SRES (717) 475-3885 rmadar@homesale.com

HERE TO HELP WITH ALL YOUR AUCTION NEEDS Hess Auction Group has built a reputation for dependable and honest service, whether you need an Estate Auction including Personal Property and/or Real Estate or an appraisal.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

REAL ESTATE

PREMIER ASSETS

WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT HESS AUCTION GROUP CAN PROVIDE THE BEST SERVICE FOR YOUR AUCTION NEEDS FROM PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST. 768 Graystone Rd. Manheim, PA 17545 717-664-5238 contact@hessauctiongroup.com • www.hessauctiongroup.com

Appropriate, Meaningful & Affordable Johnathan Sheetz, Supervisor Andrew Dieck, Funeral Director Joshua A. Keith, Funeral Director

16 E Main St Mount Joy, PA 17552 (717) 653-5441 www.sheetzfuneralhome.com