Local Resources

Funeral Options During the Pandemic

Our funeral home is committed to helping families honor their loved ones in meaningful ways, while ensuring the safety of family and friends. If you’re unable to hold a funeral for your loved one, or if attendance is limited to immediate family, you do have options that can be explored with your funeral director.

1. Have a private viewing for only immediate family.

2. Delay the funeral and hold it at a later date. Speak with our staff about your options regarding casket burial or cremation if you choose this option.

3. Have a private viewing for only immediate family and have a memorial service at a later date.

4. A graveside service allows for additional social distancing while having a service outdoors.

If you are able to have a funeral, even if it’s on a smaller scale, note that your funeral director will need to follow very specific guidance regarding the number of attendees and social distancing as required by the local, state and/or federal government. While it may be difficult to accept these limitations, know that your funeral director is working hard to ensure your safety, the safety of any guests and the safety of the funeral home staff while still providing family and friends with the opportunity to say goodbye. These guidelines may include:

Social Distancing

Social distancing guidelines apply, regardless of the setting or circumstances. As such, seating for a service will be adjusted accordingly so guests are a safe distance from each other. Also, keep in mind that guests will likely be hesitant to hug each other or the family of the deceased. While it’s often our natural instinct to offer condolences through physical interaction, it’s important to be respectful of guests’ decision if they choose not to do so. Remember, it’s for the safety of everyone in attendance.

Gathering Limits

There are limits for the number of people who may gather for an event, based on local, state and/or federal guidelines. In order to follow these guidelines, your funeral director may have to limit the number of guests who are in the funeral home at one time. Rest assured, he or she will work to ensure each guest has the opportunity to be in the funeral home to pay their respects; however, this will require patience on behalf of you guests. Speak with your funeral director about gathering limits in your community.

If You Aren't Able to Have a Funeral for a Loved One

If you’re unable to have a funeral for your loved one, or if it will be delayed, it may be difficult to accept that you will be limited in your ability to invite others to pay their respects and support you in your time of loss. There are, however, some things you can do to practice self-care and stay connected with family and friends while you begin the grief journey.

•  Post notice of your loved one’s death on social media and invite your friends and family to post a memory and/or photo.
•  Write a letter about your loved one and memories you have, make copies and mail them out to friends and family. Invite them to reply to you with memories of their own.
•  Reach out to family and friends by phone. They’ll enjoy hearing from you and it’s an opportunity for you to share a memory of your loved one and for them to do the same.
•  Keep a journal. As you are inspired to do so, write about memories of your loved one and how you are feeling about your grief. Share those memories with others as you are comfortable in doing so.

Supporting Friends & Family When a Funeral Isn't Possible 

As you can imagine, not having the opportunity to hold a traditional funeral or memorial service can be very difficult for family and friends who would benefit from gathering and receiving the support of others as they begin the grief journey. Fortunately, there are still ways you can support them.

•  Check in with grieving family members and friends often by phone. Invite them to tell you stories about their loved one and share stories of your own. Making personal connections with people who have recently experienced a loss is very beneficial as they begin to adjust to a world without their loved one. In addition, under normal circumstances, grief can be a very isolating experience. It is even more so now, given social distancing guidelines and people choosing to isolate themselves. Staying connected can make all the difference in the world to someone who is grieving.
•  Sign the guest book on the funeral home’s website if there is one. Include a fond memory.
•  Make a donation in the individual’s name and write a personal note to the family about your donation.
  
•  Send a card and include a handwritten note about a memory you have of the individual or how that individual had an impact on your life.
  
•  Make an offer to have the family or friends of the loved one over for dinner once social distancing is no longer required. Make sure you remember to follow through on your offer, even if it is months from now.
  
•  Offer to have food delivered to their home or pick up a meal from a restaurant offering takeout food and deliver it to their home (if this option is available in your community).
  
•  Fill a jar with memories of the loved one and mail it to the family. Family members can read the memories at their leisure and be reminded of special times.

The following resources are companies and organizations that we use and which can provide families and friends with additional assistance in their time of need.

• Montana Funeral Directors Association
• National Funeral Directors Association
• Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce
• Bitterroot Casket Co.
• World War II Memorial Registry
• Printable Death Certificate Information Form (The Adobe Reader is necessary for this form. Download Here.)
• Wilbert Vaults
• Madelyn Keepsakes and Jewelry
• Memorial Monuments Inc -Headstones
  
• Thumbies Keepsake Jewelry