Losing a loved one is always a challenging experience. While dealing with your own grief, you may need to make funeral arrangements or plan a memorial service. During this difficult time, families in the Ranson, WV, area turn to Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home. These compassionate funeral directors guide clients through the planning process and help them cope with their loss. 

Before you begin the funeral planning process, you will need to become familiar with these four commonly used terms.

Memorial Service

A memorial service is an event honoring and celebrating the deceased’s life. This type of service does not include a casket or a viewing of the body. In fact, memorial services can be planned well after a loved one dies and may be in a location that was significant to the person. 

Cremation

Cremation is a method of disposing of human remains. High heat is used to incinerate a body, turning it into ashes. Typically these ashes are kept in a cremation urn, but they may also be buried or sprinkled in a meaningful location. 

Eulogy

It’s traditional for a member of the deceased’s immediate family to say a few words at the funeral service. This speech, commonly referred to as the eulogy, is meant to celebrate the life of the person who has passed and the impact they have had on those around them. 

Obituary

An obituary, on the other hand, is a public notice announcing someone’s passing, typically in a newspaper or online publication. An obituary will include biographical details about the deceased as well as the funeral service date and location. 

When you need a compassionate, experienced funeral home, call Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home at (304) 725-7068 to speak with a member of their staff. For more information about how these professionals can assist with planning funeral services, visit their website.