Helpful Resources
Making arrangements for a loved one often falls on family members who are not prepared for the myriad decisions that must be made during a time of great shock, stress and sadness. Feeling overwhelmed is common but remember: you are not alone. Our professional staff will guide you through the process.
Where to Start
Use the following list, based on more than 70 years of service in our community, to help guide you through the steps to take when a death has occurred. Our Funeral Director will help coordinate all the details.
1. Contact Hooper & Weaver at 530-265-2429. We’re available 24/7/365.
Following are some questions that we may ask when you call:
- What is the full name of the deceased?
- What is the location of the deceased? This may be a hospital, nursing facility or residence. When a family member dies away from home, we can also assist in arranging for services elsewhere.
- What is your name, address and telephone number?
- What is the name, address and phone number of the next-of-kin?
- Is there a pre-arranged funeral plan? (If yes, what is the plan name or number?)
We will then set an appointment for you to come to the funeral home to complete the details of the arrangement. We will ask you to bring in some items and information that will be necessary to complete the arrangement, including:
- Clothing for the deceased
- Social security number of the deceased
- The deceased’s birth date and city and state of birth
- The deceased’s parents’ names, including mother’s maiden name
- Information about the deceased’s education
- Marital status of the deceased
- Veteran’s discharge papers or claim number
- A recent photograph of the deceased
- Pre-arrangement paperwork (if applicable)
- Cemetery lot information (if applicable)
2. Contact your clergy
Once you’ve made initial arrangements with Hooper & Weaver, your clergy can coordinate any aspects of the service that correspond to your loved one’s faith community. We can provide recommendations if you don’t have a family clergy preference.
3. Obtain copies of the death certificate
Our funeral counselors will assist you in determining the number of copies of the death certificate that you will need and will order them for you.
4. Gather obituary information
- Including a photo, age, place of birth, cause of death, occupation, college degrees, memberships held, military service, outstanding work and a list of survivors in the immediate family.
- Include the time and place of the funeral services.
- Our staff is very experienced in helping families write an obituary and can submit it to the local media.
5. Carefully check all life and casualty insurance and death benefits
- Including Social Security, credit union, trade union, fraternal and military.
- Check on possible income for survivors from these sources.
- Our staff can assist with the claims.
6. Notify Social Security
Our Funeral Director will notify the necessary Social Security office of the death.