FAQ Resources

"There is a difference between grief and mourning. Grief is the constellation of internal thoughts and feelings we have when someone we love dies. Mourning is when you take the grief you have on the inside and express outside yourself. In other words, mourning is grief in action." - Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.

The location of this national cemetery is located west of Elgin, Oklahoma. Notification of the cemetery is coordinated by the funeral home. Veteran's discharge documents (DD214) have to be presented. Cemetery officials coordinate the time frame for services. Spouses are allowed to be buried in the same space.

The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner is in charge of all violent and unattended deaths. The M.E. must be notified concerning all cremations and deceased that will be transferred out of state. On any accidental deaths the M.E. must also be notified. The medical examiner's offices are located in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. There are investigators that are assigned to specific counties that come to the place of death to do their investigation of the death and determine if it should be assigned to the M.E.

Cremations permits are issued by the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner. Services vary from family to family and from community to community. Information concerning cremations should be obtained from the proper establishments. Specific requests should be discussed for exact family wishes.

Memorial services can be arranged by a funeral director, a family member, clergy, or another non-professional group or individual. It can be held in any facility or residence. A casket is not present.

Funeral arrangements should be coordinated by the funeral home where the services and/or burial will take place. Transportation can be very expensive and may be regulated by rules which could be amended in the future.

Various churches and/or denominations do have the right to approve the music, video, services, and speakers that will be a part of the deceased or the family's wishes. A family member is encouraged to speak with their minister/clergy when arranging for their loved one's service.

Embalming is not required by law but there are circumstances when embalming is required based on the type of service a family decides.

Life insurances are always contestable if less than two years of issue. Life insurance information is regulated by the private policy of the company. The beneficiary and/or owner of the policy is entitled to the policy information. Death certificates are required for policies to be processed. Some insurance companies accept assignments. There is a term the right of survivorship that applies when the beneficiary is deceased. Cash value is considered when evaluating assets for assistance.

Assignments are a legal instrument which can be attached with the insurance policy claim form to pay for the final expenses.

Newspapers charges for complete obituaries are based on the length. The Daily Oklahoman does not charge for single line listings for death under the state listings.

Visitation hours are determined by community traditions. In the staterooms, flowers, pictures and memorabilia may be displayed accompanied by a guest book.

Retirement and annuities were decided by the individual at the beginning of the initial process. Information concerning these benefits along with death benefits is regulated by private policies. Beneficiaries and owners of the benefits are privy to the information.

The Social Security Administration has to be notified at the time of death. The servicing funeral home is required to notify the SS office. The surviving spouse and/or minor children need to have an actual face-to-face meeting for the explanation of benefits. The spouse of the deceased may be eligible for benefits at the age of 60.

The power of attorney and the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) are necessary documents for the majority of situations and cease upon death.

Certified Death Certificates are issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Health in the Vital Records Division. Death Certificates are considered a private document and they have a charge for each Certified Copy.

The probate of the estate has to be evaluated by each family. There are circumstances where estates do not have to go through a probate. Wills should be considered and have significant benefits for those involved.

Next-of-kin is a term which has a specific definition by the State of Oklahoma.

Prearrangements have their advantages but not all individuals need to have them totally complete. AARP does not recommend prearrangements but there are times that monies set aside in the proper instruments will benefit certain situations and if they are irrevocable you can benefit for financial assistance.

Each cemetery is allowed to have its own rules and regulations. You should receive a deed when purchasing spaces.

Disinterments must be approved by the State Department of Health.

Hospice is a term which applies to healthcare givers for the terminally ill. Hospice can be present at the home or any other residence where the patient resides.

Price Lists must be available to the public. Itemization of charges by funeral homes is required by law. Each individual service is optional with the exception of 'Basic Services and Arrangements of Funeral Director and Staff'.

Rules and regulations are available at each funeral establishment. There is an Oklahoma Funeral Board that meets monthly. The Federal Trade Commission also regulates funeral homes. Proper licenses must be displayed, and copyrights have to be honored.