Lary Funeral Home

Below are common questions and answers that we believe will benefit you. Simply click on the question to view the answer below. Click the question again to close it, or just choose another question.

• What do Funeral Directors do?: Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators. They make arrangements for the transportation of the deceased, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body. Funeral directors are listeners, advisors, and supporters. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are trained to answer questions about grief, recognize when a person is having difficulty coping and recommend sources of professional help.
• If someone dies in a hospital, what happens next?: The hospital will notify the family once the death has occurred. Depending upon hospital policy, either the family or the hospital will contact the Lary Funeral Home.
• If someone dies unexpectedly at home, what should I do?: Call 911. Emergency personnel will assess the situation and gather information from the family. The medical personnel will then notify local law enforcement and the person’s primary care physician. The police officer will then determine whether or not further investigation into the cause of death will be needed. If no further investigation is needed, the medical personnel will contact the Lary Funeral Home.
• If someone dies at home and is under hospice care, what should I do?: The family will notify hospice once the death has occurred. A hospice nurse will then come to the home and make sure that all legal requirements are taken care of, such as contacting the doctor. The hospice nurse will then contact the Lary Funeral Home. The hospice nurse will help guiding the funeral director in the timing of the removal if more time is needed for family and friends to say good-bye to their loved one.
• If someone dies out of state or out of town, can my local funeral home help?: Yes. Call 207-564-3391. The Lary Funeral Home will contact a funeral home in the area where the death has occurred to aid in the removal, preparation, securing the death certificate and transportation to our facility. By having us manage these arrangements, we can often save families time and money. We will need your help in gathering information needed for the completion of the death certificate. This information will then be faxed to the aiding funeral home in order to bring your loved one home as quickly as possible.
• If a death occurs in the middle of the night, on a weekend or a holiday, can I call my funeral director?: Yes. A funeral director at the Lary Funeral Home is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
• If I don’t belong to a particular religious group, can a minister, priest or rabbi still perform the services?: Yes. A family member may be able to suggest one they are familiar with, and, if not, our funeral director will be able to suggest and contact an officiate to perform the service.
• Can I pre-plan my own funeral?: Many people want to relieve their families from the burden of having to make big decisions during such a stressful time. Pre-planning your funeral may help alleviate some stress by letting family members know what kind of funeral goods and services you desire. It is also a good idea to put monies aside for such an event. Prices for services and merchandise selected may be guaranteed for the life of the contract if prepaid in full.
• What other options besides burial for final disposition are available?: Three major choices for final disposition would be burial, entombment or cremation. Entombment is placement of the human remains in an above ground housing unit, such as a crypt or mausoleum. Cremation is the process of turning the human remains into a fine powder by the introduction of high temperatures and the pulverization of the solid substances left behind. The cremated remains of a loved one, depending on faith, could be placed in an urn, scattered, buried, incorporated into jewelry or a multitude of other creative options.
• I want to be cremated, but want to give my family a chance to say good-bye. Is a viewing possible?: Yes, a viewing and even a service at the funeral home or a church is possible. Once visitation and services are over, our staff will arrange for the cremation to take place.
• What other options are available if I decide to go with cremation?: Cremation doesn’t have to be a quick and private process. Along with the option of having a viewing and funeral service, memorial services and visitations are becoming increasingly popular. A memorial service is a funeral service that is held after the cremation process has been completed. The service may be held in the funeral home, church or gathering place, with or without the urn present.
• Can I have a viewing if I am an organ donor?: Absolutely. Organ donation does not hinder the preparation of human remains. Once an organ procurement group has completed their organ recovery procedures, the Lary Funeral Home will be notified as the funeral home of choice.
• What are some ways I can personalize a funeral service?: Personalization can be achieved in many ways. The deceased person’s favorite music can be played during calling hours or incorporated into the service. Memorabilia such as a favorite fishing pole, golf club, or stuffed animal, as well as crafts such as quilts, doilies, clothing or other hand made items can be displayed. A memory board to display family photos is available at the funeral home. A photo can be added to the obituary in the newspaper. A person’s favorite cologne or perfume and makeup can be used by the funeral director during preparation. Bagpipers and military personnel can also be contacted to participate in a service.
• What is the purpose of embalming?: There are three reasons why we embalm. Embalming provides a means of sanitation of the human remains and protects the general viewing public from disease and illness. It also provides a means of preserving the human remains, so that there may be delay between the time of death and final disposition for viewing and service purposes. Last, embalming helps restore the appearance of a body that may have been disfigured by a traumatic death or illness.
• Do I have to be embalmed?: No, although some states do require embalming when death is caused by a contagious disease, when remains are to be transported from one state to another by common carrier, or if final disposition is not to be made within a prescribed number of hours.
• Do I have to have a vault?: Vaults are not required by law, but most cemeteries require vaults to be used to preserve the cemetery landscape and protect caskets from damage that heavy machinery, such as machinery used for digging the graves, may cause.
• Do I need to purchase an urn?: No. The purchase of an urn is entirely up to the family. Cremated remains will return from the crematory in a temporary container.
• Can I be viewed in my own clothing?: Of course you can. Almost any type of clothing is acceptable, whether it is a suit or dress or pajamas or a favorite sports jersey and jeans. All clothing should be accompanied by undergarments as well, just as the person would have worn during their life. Clothing such as a variety of dresses for women and suits for men are also available for purchase at the Lary Funeral Home.
• Who is responsible for composing the obituary?: Funeral directors, with the help and guidance of family members, are usually responsible for composing the obituary, but the family is more than welcome to compose the entire obituary if desired.
• How do I go about ordering certified copies of the death certificate?: The staff at the Lary Funeral Home can aid in ordering the certified copies of the death certificate.
• How do I go about ordering more certified copies of the death certificates if I need to?: Just call the Lary Funeral Home at 207-564-3391. The staff will be able to assist you with ordering as many certified copies of the death certificate that you need.
• What government agencies give benefits?: Some agencies that may provide financial assistance would be Social Security, Veterans Administration, and retirement agencies. The staff at Lary Funeral Home will be able to aid you in filing for such assistance or help in finding the answers to questions you may have about such agencies.
• Once a death has occurred, how do I get veteran’s benefits?: With a photocopy of the veteran’s honorable discharge or his/her DD-214 and a certified copy of the death certificate, the Lary Funeral Home staff can complete the paperwork necessary for benefits, such as a United States flag, a military grave marker, and possibly a monetary compensation. Veterans are also eligible for military honors, which would include 2 military personnel folding and presenting the flag to the next of kin while playing a recording of "Taps".
• If I have lost the Honorable Discharge needed for Veteran’s Benefits, how do I go about getting one?: Through a series of general questions about the deceased veteran, such as date of birth and social security number, the Lary Funeral Home will be able to assist you in obtaining a copy of the discharge.
• What purpose does a funeral serve and why should I have a public viewing?: A funeral is the customary way to recognize death and its finality. It is a ritual for the living to show honor and respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grief process. Public viewings are part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved, and the community as well, recognize the reality of death.
• Should children be allowed to attend viewings?: Viewing is encouraged for children, but it is ultimately left to the parent’s decision. The child should also be given the choice of whether to attend or not. The child should be properly prepared for what he/she will see and how adults around will act. There are children’s books that may be helpful in explaining the process.


	Below are common questions and answers that we believe will benefit you. Simply click on the question to view the answer below. Click the question again to close it, or just choose another question. • What do Funeral Directors do? Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators. They make arrangements for the transportation of the deceased, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body. Funeral directors are listeners, advisors, and supporters. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are trained to answer questions about grief, recognize when a person is having difficulty coping and recommend sources of professional help. • If someone dies in a hospital, what happens next? The hospital will notify the family once the death has occurred. Depending upon hospital policy, either the family or the hospital will contact the Lary Funeral Home. • If someone dies unexpectedly at home, what should I do? Call 911. Emergency personnel will assess the situation and gather information from the family. The medical personnel will then notify local law enforcement and the person’s primary care physician. The police officer will then determine whether or not further investigation into the cause of death will be needed. If no further investigation is needed, the medical personnel will contact the Lary Funeral Home. • If someone dies at home and is under hospice care, what should I do? The family will notify hospice once the death has occurred. A hospice nurse will then come to the home and make sure that all legal requirements are taken care of, such as contacting the doctor. The hospice nurse will then contact the Lary Funeral Home. The hospice nurse will help guiding the funeral director in the timing of the removal if more time is needed for family and friends to say good-bye to their loved one. • If someone dies out of state or out of town, can my local funeral home help? Yes. Call 207-564-3391. The Lary Funeral Home will contact a funeral home in the area where the death has occurred to aid in the removal, preparation, securing the death certificate and transportation to our facility. By having us manage these arrangements, we can often save families time and money. We will need your help in gathering information needed for the completion of the death certificate. This information will then be faxed to the aiding funeral home in order to bring your loved one home as quickly as possible. • If a death occurs in the middle of the night, on a weekend or a holiday, can I call my funeral director? Yes. A funeral director at the Lary Funeral Home is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. • If I don’t belong to a particular religious group, can a minister, priest or rabbi still perform the services? Yes. A family member may be able to suggest one they are familiar with, and, if not, our funeral director will be able to suggest and contact an officiate to perform the service. • Can I pre-plan my own funeral? Many people want to relieve their families from the burden of having to make big decisions during such a stressful time. Pre-planning your funeral may help alleviate some stress by letting family members know what kind of funeral goods and services you desire. It is also a good idea to put monies aside for such an event. Prices for services and merchandise selected may be guaranteed for the life of the contract if prepaid in full. • What other options besides burial for final disposition are available? Three major choices for final disposition would be burial, entombment or cremation. Entombment is placement of the human remains in an above ground housing unit, such as a crypt or mausoleum. Cremation is the process of turning the human remains into a fine powder by the introduction of high temperatures and the pulverization of the solid substances left behind. The cremated remains of a loved one, depending on faith, could be placed in an urn, scattered, buried, incorporated into jewelry or a multitude of other creative options. • I want to be cremated, but want to give my family a chance to say good-bye. Is a viewing possible? Yes, a viewing and even a service at the funeral home or a church is possible. Once visitation and services are over, our staff will arrange for the cremation to take place. • What other options are available if I decide to go with cremation? Cremation doesn’t have to be a quick and private process. Along with the option of having a viewing and funeral service, memorial services and visitations are becoming increasingly popular. A memorial service is a funeral service that is held after the cremation process has been completed. The service may be held in the funeral home, church or gathering place, with or without the urn present. • Can I have a viewing if I am an organ donor? Absolutely. Organ donation does not hinder the preparation of human remains. Once an organ procurement group has completed their organ recovery procedures, the Lary Funeral Home will be notified as the funeral home of choice. • What are some ways I can personalize a funeral service? Personalization can be achieved in many ways. The deceased person’s favorite music can be played during calling hours or incorporated into the service. Memorabilia such as a favorite fishing pole, golf club, or stuffed animal, as well as crafts such as quilts, doilies, clothing or other hand made items can be displayed. A memory board to display family photos is available at the funeral home. A photo can be added to the obituary in the newspaper. A person’s favorite cologne or perfume and makeup can be used by the funeral director during preparation. Bagpipers and military personnel can also be contacted to participate in a service. • What is the purpose of embalming? There are three reasons why we embalm. Embalming provides a means of sanitation of the human remains and protects the general viewing public from disease and illness. It also provides a means of preserving the human remains, so that there may be delay between the time of death and final disposition for viewing and service purposes. Last, embalming helps restore the appearance of a body that may have been disfigured by a traumatic death or illness. • Do I have to be embalmed? No, although some states do require embalming when death is caused by a contagious disease, when remains are to be transported from one state to another by common carrier, or if final disposition is not to be made within a prescribed number of hours. • Do I have to have a vault? Vaults are not required by law, but most cemeteries require vaults to be used to preserve the cemetery landscape and protect caskets from damage that heavy machinery, such as machinery used for digging the graves, may cause. • Do I need to purchase an urn? No. The purchase of an urn is entirely up to the family. Cremated remains will return from the crematory in a temporary container. • Can I be viewed in my own clothing? Of course you can. Almost any type of clothing is acceptable, whether it is a suit or dress or pajamas or a favorite sports jersey and jeans. All clothing should be accompanied by undergarments as well, just as the person would have worn during their life. Clothing such as a variety of dresses for women and suits for men are also available for purchase at the Lary Funeral Home. • Who is responsible for composing the obituary? Funeral directors, with the help and guidance of family members, are usually responsible for composing the obituary, but the family is more than welcome to compose the entire obituary if desired. • How do I go about ordering certified copies of the death certificate? The staff at the Lary Funeral Home can aid in ordering the certified copies of the death certificate. • How do I go about ordering more certified copies of the death certificates if I need to? Just call the Lary Funeral Home at 207-564-3391. The staff will be able to assist you with ordering as many certified copies of the death certificate that you need. • What government agencies give benefits? Some agencies that may provide financial assistance would be Social Security, Veterans Administration, and retirement agencies. The staff at Lary Funeral Home will be able to aid you in filing for such assistance or help in finding the answers to questions you may have about such agencies. • Once a death has occurred, how do I get veteran’s benefits? With a photocopy of the veteran’s honorable discharge or his/her DD-214 and a certified copy of the death certificate, the Lary Funeral Home staff can complete the paperwork necessary for benefits, such as a United States flag, a military grave marker, and possibly a monetary compensation. Veterans are also eligible for military honors, which would include 2 military personnel folding and presenting the flag to the next of kin while playing a recording of "Taps". • If I have lost the Honorable Discharge needed for Veteran’s Benefits, how do I go about getting one? Through a series of general questions about the deceased veteran, such as date of birth and social security number, the Lary Funeral Home will be able to assist you in obtaining a copy of the discharge. • What purpose does a funeral serve and why should I have a public viewing? A funeral is the customary way to recognize death and its finality. It is a ritual for the living to show honor and respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grief process. Public viewings are part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved, and the community as well, recognize the reality of death. • Should children be allowed to attend viewings? Viewing is encouraged for children, but it is ultimately left to the parent’s decision. The child should also be given the choice of whether to attend or not. The child should be properly prepared for what he/she will see and how adults around will act. There are children’s books that may be helpful in explaining the process.