Use the form above to find your loved one. You can search using the name of your loved one, or any family name for current or past services entrusted to our firm.
Ordering flowers from our site ensures that your order will reach us or the family in a timely manner, and your gesture of support will remain acknowledged in the Book of Memories for future generations. We only work with local florists so we can maintain the sense of urgency and quality of your selections. We thank you for helping to support the family during their time of need, and will fondly remember your kind gesture.
If you have immediate need of our services, we're available for you 24 hours a day.
Fear Not!
Funeral industry research indicates that families that go to a mortuary to make funeral arrangements for the first time have three fears: 1) “Seeing a dead body”, 2) Being taken advantage of , and 3) Entering the casket room. The mortuary you choose should be mindful of these concerns and conduct business in such a way as to greatly reduce or alleviate these fears. Let’s explore this further.
“Seeing a dead body” is certainly upsetting to most people. When you arrive at the mortuary to make arrangements you will be escorted to a family conference room. You should not be taken into any room where there is a deceased person. When the mortuary takes a decedent into their care, they are placed in the embalming room or in a thermal reduction (refrigeration) unit. These facilities are usually in locked areas that are out of site of the public. If a deceased person is being viewed on the day you go to the mortuary, the viewing takes place in a slumber room or chapel . You should not encounter a “dead body” unexpectedly.
The media has depicted Funeral Directors comically and, or as crooks for many years. There are unscrupulous people in every industry, but funeral directors by and large, serve their community with integrity, sincerity and compassion. If you are not familiar with a mortuary, ask a neighbor or long time resident of the community about the reputation of the funeral home. People do business with people they know and trust.
The mortuary staff is there to give you guidance in making decisions, and not to take advantage of you. You should be informed of your choices, options, legal requirements, etc… and then left to make your selections. It is your loved one, and your decision to plan the type of funeral service you desire and are comfortable with. People are understandably emotional, sad, anxious, etc… when they make funeral arrangements . So it is a good idea to bring family members or friends to give you support. You can also call in advance to ask questions about the funeral planning process, options, costs, etc… and address any concerns or fears out front.
Selecting a casket for a loved one is far from a pleasant experience. You can avoid “entering the casket room” to do so, by looking at pictures in a book or online. But a newer trend in merchandising addresses this fear. We at Woods-Valentine, as well as other mortuaries, no longer have full caskets on display. We now have sections of caskets(quarter cuts) arranged in a good, better, best fashion, so you can clearly see the design, quality, special features and cost. A picture of the full casket and a sample of the interior material is also displayed. Feedback from families is unanimous. It is alot less stressful to select from the sectional models than from full caskets.
Fear not! The staff at Woods-Valentine Mortuary and of other mortuaries, know your concerns and fears. We make every effort to make you comfortable and to assure you that we are here to serve you, according to your needs and wishes. It is our aim to be worthy of your confidence.
It's hard to know what to say when someone experiences loss. Our free weekly newsletter provides insights, quotes and messages on how to help during the first year.
