A traditional service for burial, entombment or cremation, is usually the service of choice. At Merritt Funeral Home we believe in the traditional funeral, because it best serves the needs of family and friends.

The traditional funeral service may be the following:

• Casket
• Transfer of the deceased to the funeral home
• Embalming
• Dressing, cosmetology and other care of the deceased
• Professional support and administrative staff assistance
• Use of visitation rooms
• General use of the facilities for the service and arrangements
• Funeral service
• Use of funeral coach
• Limousine
• Utility car
• Register book
• Acknowledgment cards
• Memorial folders or prayer cards

The traditional service is a meaningful expression for the family, and it gives friends and associates an opportunity to offer their tributes in the way of flowers or memorials to churches or organizations.

Generally, a member of the clergy or other person chosen by the family conducts a service of remembrance. We encourage the active participation of the family in helping plan this part of the service. Many times family members take part by giving a reading, singing or assisting the clergy.

If the ceremony is held in a church, there is no additional charge. Nor is there an additional charge for arranging and conducting fraternal services.

Direct Burial

The body is buried shortly after death, usually in a simple container. No viewing or visitation is involved, so no embalming is necessary. A memorial service may be held at the graveside or later. Direct burial usually costs less than the "traditional," full-service funeral. Costs include the funeral home's basic services fee, as well as transportation and care of the body, the purchase of a casket or burial container and a cemetery plot or crypt. If the family chooses to be at the cemetery for the burial, the funeral home often charges an additional fee for a graveside service.