The Value of a Funeral
As a licensed funeral director of 25 years, a phrase I often hear repeated is, “Just throw me in a pine box and bury me in the backyard!”
I’ve heard this phrase too many times to count, especially from men. But when we engage in further conversation, I find that what the person really means is “I’m not worth the expense and fuss of a traditional funeral.”
When our loved one dies, they deserve our recognition. Family and friends have the opportunity to gather together, view the deceased, share memories, and proceed together to the cemetery for burial. For many people, these are important elements in a ritual that should not be neglected or disregarded.
There is value in holding a funeral or other type of service and in taking the time to remember and celebrate the unique life of the deceased. In my opinion, we should be careful not to contribute to the degradation of the worth of a funeral in our society.
Funerals do not have to be expensive to be meaningful. Services can be simple or elaborate, religious or secular, traditional or contemporary. Options abound with funerals and memorial services, and we’re here to help you make the right choices for you and your family.
In the words of William E. Gladstone, “Show me the manner in which a nation or a community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender sympathies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals.”
Contact us today at (435) 986-2085 to begin the pre-planning process for yourself or for a loved one.
Serenity Funeral Home is located just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, (435) 986-2085. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SerenityFuneralSTG.
Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Licensed Funeral Director/Owner
Photo courtesy of Batesville Casket Company
