Cremation Services
Cremation is when the body is subject to high temperatures of heat (1400°F- 2200°F) and is reduced to bone fragments or cremains. The bone fragments are then swept into a pulverizer (cremulator) which reduces them to powder (often called ash, which is why some call the cremains ashes).
There are many reasons to choose cremation, some of them being simplicity, financial restraints or flexibility for the ceremonies. The final disposition choices are burial, permanent possession or scattering. Prices effective January 1, 2009.
Services:
Services of Funeral Director, Staff and Overhead
For $2,085.00, our services include: conducting the arrangements conference, planning the funeral, consulting with family and clergy, shelter of remains, preparing and filing of necessary notices, obtaining necessary permits and authorizations, coordinating with the cemetery, crematory, or other third parties. In addition, this fee includes a proportionate share of our basic overhead costs. This fee for our basic services and overhead will be added to the total cost of the funeral arrangements you select. (This fee is already included in our charges for direct cremations, immediate burials and forwarding or receiving remains.)
Direct Cremation Package
Our $2,870.00 charge for direct cremation (without ceremony) includes basic services of funeral director and staff, a proportionate share of overhead costs, care of remains, transportation of remains to the crematory, and return of the cremated remains to the funeral home for return to the family. Our fee also includes a one hour private family identification viewing allowing the family to pay their final respects in the privacy of the funeral home. Also included in in the package is our basic cremation container, preparation of the remains for the ID viewing, crematory fee and three types of urns available in this package.
If you do not wish to have one of those earns, you will receive a credit of $83. If you wish to provide a cremation container, you may deduct $415 from the above price, however the container must be combustible material which is approved by the operator of the retort and sturdy enough to bear the weight of human remains during transport. This package is discounted off the regular GPL itemization.
Direct Cremation with Consumer Provided Container
Our $2,455.00 charge is for cremation services with consumer provided container. If such a container is provided, it must be properly combustible, of a material approved by the operator of the retort and sturdy enough to bear the weight of human remains during transport.
Transfer of Remains to Funeral Home
Cost for transferring is $300.00. We transfer the remains within a 50 mile radius. Beyond this we charge $3.50 per mile one way. This covers fuel expense, tolls, use of the vehicle and expenses of the driver.
Other Preparation of Body
This $225.00 fee includes: dressing and casketing remains, washing and disinfecting remains, cosmetics, restorative work, and beautician or barber. This charge applies to disinfection and preparation of a body for identification viewing and cremation.
Forwarding of Remains to Another Funeral Home
Our $2,085.00 charge includes basic services of funeral director and staff, a proportionate share of overhead costs, care of remains, removal of remains, embalming, or other preparation of remains, if relevant, and local transportation. (Includes shipping tray but not airfare).
Receiving Remains from Another Funeral Home
Our $2,085.00 charge includes basic services of funeral director and staff, a proportionate share of overhead costs, care of remains, transportation of remains to funeral home and to cemetery or crematory.
Use of Facilities and Staff for Viewing at Funeral Home
Our $450.00 charge is per day for a 2 hour viewing night prior to funeral service. Additional fee of $100.00 if viewing exceeds 2 hours.
Refrigeration Charges (Per Day)
This $45.00 charge is a daily fee for sheltering remains on a long term basis. Three days of refrigeration are included in our basic service charge.
Fee for Services of Funeral Director (Per Hour)
This $75.00 charge is by the hour for services of a funeral director in situations not covered above, such as assisting with disinterment or other duties with do required the presence of a funeral director.
Crematory Fee
This $385.00 charge is already included in the direct cremation package.
Use of Facilities and Staff for a Funeral Ceremony
This $575.00 charge is admitted for the use of Facilities and Staff for a Funeral Ceremony at the Funeral Home or Church.
Use of Facilities and Staff for a Memorial Service
This $575.00 charge is admitted for the use of Facilities and Staff for a Memorial Service at the Funeral Home.
Payment Policy
Payment is due at the time of services, unless other arrangements are made. Watson Funeral Home accepts checks, cash, credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) and insurance assignments.
In the case of tiling insurance assignments, there are no charges from Watson Funeral Home for this service. We will carry the balance until the assignment is paid, at no interest upon verification of the Insurance policy.
However, a deposit will be required to be paid by check, cash or credit card for the amount of the "cash advance items" which are not Watson Funeral Home charges, therefore we are not able to carry a balance for these items as they must be paid to our outside providers promptly.
Financing is available for those who qualify, allowing for monthly installment payments. If you wish to inquire about this program, please consult with the funeral director.
Special packages are available in case of financial hardship. If you are in need of assistance, please discuss this with the funeral director at the time of your arrangement conference.
Accounts that are in arrears for more than 45 days will be filed with the estate of the deceased in accordance with policies of the Register of Wills Office for payment.
