A FUNERAL IS FOR THE LIVING

All too often, families discount the value of ceremony after the death of a loved one, and we certainly don’t want you to make that mistake. Coming together after a loss is a very essential part of the grieving process. It is an opportunity for family and friends to pay tribute by reflecting on the past. It is also a time to gain strength from each other. In order to facilitate this type of atmosphere, Bass & Gasper Funeral Home pays close attention to every detail. We believe that each service should be a celebration of life from the music and flowers to the personal expression of love and memories of a life just lived.

We never rush families when they are selecting the appropriate services and materials. Our staff is amongst the most caring and knowledgeable. They are considerate in presenting options that fit your financial needs.

 

We have succeeded in accomplishing our goal if we provide families with a service that truly honors the life of their loved ones and allows them to lovingly say goodbye.

 

At Bass & Gasper we provide personalized and meaningful services to meet the personal desires of hundreds of families every year. What we list below is not a complete list of services we offer, they are among several that are available:

1) Chapel Service: Floral tributes surround the casket of a simple chapel ceremony.

2) Church Service: A Religious service at your church.

3) Graveside Service: A graveside service held at the burial site is one of several service options.

4) Memorial Service: A personalized Memorial Service with floral tributes, photographs and memorabilia can be held in our funeral home chapel or at a location of choice.

5) Photo Memories DVD: A video tribute to your loved one, prepared from your photographs, placed on DVD that can be played during the Memorial Service on our Television.

 

Gathering with friends and family gives everyone the opportunity to share their memories, express their emotions, and find comforting support...the need for acknowledgment of the loss with family and friends is ever present. At Bass & Gasper Funeral Home we can help you create a unique meaningful ceremony to express the genuine individuality of your loved one.

We offer families a beautiful setting in our new chapel addition where you come together to honor your loved one. But, you may certainly choose to celebrate their life in a different setting. No matter where you decide to gather together, such a service will make a difference in the lives of all who attend.

 

Remember: You Can Never Go Back and Do it Over

 

 

Call us at (812) 591-2571 and we will gladly spend the time to discuss with you the best services available.

There's more to it than the clothes you wear. The accepted customs of dress and behavior at a funeral have changed over time, but courtesy and good taste never goes out of style.

Making the Most of a Difficult Time

Part of that compassionate attention to detail involves knowing what religious, ethnic or personal considerations you need to take into account. And the other part is being respectful of the emotions of close family members.

Here are a few things expected of you:

* Offer an expression of sympathy. Often we are at a loss for words when encountering something as final as death. Simply saying "I'm sorry for your loss" is usually enough. Be respectful and listen attentively when spoken to, and offer your own words of condolence.

* Find out the dress code. Honestly, these days almost anything goes, but only when you know it's the right thing. If you can't learn the wishes of the family, then dress conservatively.

* Give a gift. It doesn't matter if it is flowers, a donation to a charity or a commitment of service to the family at a later date; as always, "it's the thought that counts." At Bass & Gasper Funeral Home we list on our obituaries where the family requests donations be made so you already know the family's wishes in advance. Always make sure to provide the family with a signed card, so they know what gift was given, and by whom.

* Sign the register book. Include not only your name, but your relationship to the deceased: co-worker, gym buddy, or casual acquaintance from the golf club. This helps family place who you are in future.

* Keep in touch. It's sometimes awkward for you to do so, but for most people the grieving doesn't end with a funeral.

What Shouldn't You Do?

* Don't feel that you have to stay. If you make a visit during calling hours there's no reason your stay has to be a lengthy one.

* Don't be afraid to laugh. Remembering their loved one fondly can mean sharing a funny story or two. Just be mindful of the time and place; if others are sharing, then you may do so too. There is simply no good reason you shouldn't talk about the deceased in a happy, positive tone.

* Don't feel you have to view the deceased if there is an open casket. Act according to what is comfortable to you.

* Please pay attention to your children at all times. Please do not allow your children to be a disturbance. If you feel they might be, then leave them with a sitter. But, if the deceased meant something to them, it's a good idea to invite them to share in the experience.

* Don't leave your cell phone on. Switch it off or vibrate before entering the funeral home, or better yet, leave it in the car. All too often, we see people checking their cell phones for messages during the services.

* Don't neglect to step into the receiving line. Simply say how sorry you are for their loss, offer up your own name and how you knew the deceased.

* Don't be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake. Everyone does, and you can be sure that an apology may be all that's needed to mend and soothe.

When it's all over, always remember to continue to offer support and love to the bereaved. The next few months are a time when grieving friends and relatives could need you most. Let them know that your support did not end with the funeral.