What to do when death occurs
Remember that you have the support of others.
When a death occurs in your family, you will be faced with decision-making tasks during a very difficult time. Please call Roach Funeral Home. We can explain and help you bear the responsibility. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist you with the details and offer our guidance. We have compiled a list to help guide you. Your funeral director will help coordinate all of the details when you meet for an arrangement conference.
- After a death has occurred, notify Roach Funeral Home by calling 304-364-2231. We may ask the following when you call us:
- What is the full name of the deceased?
- What is the location of the deceased
(Hospital, Nursing Facility or Residence)? - 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?
We will then set an appointment time for you and your family to come to our funeral home to complete the arrangements. We will ask you to bring in some items and information to help us take care of your loved one’s service. These items will include:
- 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
- A recent photograph of the deceased
- Pre-arrangement paperwork
(if applicable) - Cemetery lot information
(if applicable)
- Contact your clergy. Decide on a time and place for the funeral or memorial service (the services may be held at the funeral home)
- The funeral home will assist you in determining the number of copies of the death certificates that you will need and will order them for you
- Gather obituary information, including a photo, age, place of birth, 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. The funeral home takes all of the information and usually will write the obituary and submit it to the newspaper(s). Families are also welcome to draft the obituary.
- If Social Security checks are deposited automatically, notify the bank of the death
- Notify insurance companies of the death
- Your funeral director will prepare the necessary Social Security forms