Dealing with the death of a loved one can be hard enough, but it can be even more challenging if your loved one has made no funeral arrangements. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made — such as whether they should be buried or cremated, where to place their remains, and whether or not to make the service religious. You want to make sure you honor them in a way they would like, so the following will guide you on how to proceed. 

Who Has the Right to Make Funeral Decisions? 

Typically, the next of kin will oversee the funeral arrangements if no plan has been left. If they did not leave a notice in their will naming who they would like to be making these decisions, the task would normally be left to their spouse. If not, the hierarchy of kinship leaves the planning to the children, if they are 18 years of age or older, then the parents, siblings, or extended family members.

What Is the Best Way to Honor Your Loved One’s Memory?

While you have the opportunity, talk to your loved one about funeral pre-planning. Even an unofficial conversation will give you an idea of what kind of funeral arrangements they would like.

However, if you don’t have the opportunity for this conversation, the next best option is to speak with friends and family about what they think their loved one would have liked. They may have slightly different opinions, but by gathering a variety of thoughts from people close to them, you can create a ceremony that honors a bit of every role your loved one played for the important people in their lives. 

Willow Funeral Home in Willow Springs, MO, has been helping families and friends come together to honor their loved ones for over 100 years. From burial services to grief support, their compassionate, knowledgeable staff will help you plan funeral services that celebrate the individuality and spirit of the deceased. Whether you’re planning a memorial service, a cremation, or a burial, they can walk you through the difficult decision-making process. For more information or to set up a consultation, call (417) 469-3141 or visit them online today.