Funeral FAQ

FAQ: Burial Services

  • What does it cost to bury a person in a cemetery?

    Each cemetery sets their own price schedule.  There is the purchase price of the "right to use" the burial plot.  Next there is a fee for the "opening and closing" of the gravesite; and any fees required to obtain the necessary permits and to maintain cemetery files and records. 

    There's also the headstone or grave marker installation fee, and a one-time "perpetual care" (sometimes called "endowment care") fee paid to ensure your loved one's burial site is well-maintained.  It is best to the call the cemetery, or us, to find the current fees charged by the cemetery.

  • How much will a casket cost?

    The Board of Funeral Service states that average casket costs around $2,000.  We have many that cost less, and many that cost more, and are here to advise you on the most appropriate casket for your family.


  • What is a burial vault, and why do I need to buy one?

    A burial vault protects the casket from the weight of the earth above it, as well as the weight of machinery that is used in cemeteries today.   This stops graves from settling (sinking), and maintains the respectful appearance of the cemetery.  It also ensures the grave remains undisturbed when other  graves in the area are opened or work is being done, providing dignity and respect for all buried in the cemetery. 

  • Do I have to buy a headstone or grave marker?

    The cemetery will put a temporary identification marker on your loved one's grave, but it is only intended as a placeholder until a permanent headstone or grave marker is set in place. Without one, your loved one's burial site will, when this temporary marker becomes illegible or is somehow removed, appear "unmarked".  There is no rush or time-limit to purchase a headstone or marker.

  • What is "direct burial"?

    A 'direct burial' is the burial without a funeral or memorial service ahead of time. We provide the physical care of the deceased (dressing and casketing), and all arrangements with the cemetery, and then escort the casket to the cemetery for burial.  Family members usually attend at the graveside, but are not required to.  

  • Is direct burial right for our situation?

    It's very hard to know without having the opportunity to speak with you. Direct burial works well when there are few mourners or if your loved one's wishes were for a simple interment. It's done quickly and professionally, without ceremony of any kind. With that said, what do you think? Does direct burial feel like the right course of action for you? Speak with a funeral professional to further explore the idea.

  • What is a graveside service?

    Rather than having a service in a church or funeral home chapel, and then adjourning to the cemetery for the burial; some families choose to gather solely at the cemetery to lay their loved one to rest. There, they are led through a ceremony prepared by a clergy person or celebrant and witness the in-ground committal of their loved one's casket. If the idea of a graveside service appeals to you, speak with your funeral director about your options.

  • When do I pay for a funeral service?

    The Eaton Funeral Home will provide you with a contract so you know what to expect for funeral costs, but there is no need to leave a deposit or pay  before the funeral services can occur.   We understand that estates can take time to settle.

  • Who will write my loved one's obituary?

    We're tempted to answer this with another question: who would you like to write it? Perhaps you'd like to ask a friend or family member to do so; maybe you're thinking it's something you would like to do. Or perhaps you'd rather turn the duty over to your funeral director. He or she is experienced in obituary writing, and would be delighted to relieve you of the task; so don't hesitate to ask them to craft a suitable obituary.

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