Funerals

As the passing of a loved one is observed, a visitation/ viewing provides an opportunity for friends and family to pay their respects. Also allowing a time to reflect on a life lived and memories remembered.

A visitation may involve the presence of the loved one in an open or closed casket, with members of the immediate family present to greet those who come to offer condolences. A viewing also allows friends to pay their respects to your loved one, but may not include any family members in attendance.

Traditionally, the funeral will be a Complete Funeral Service. This includes a family or public viewing of the deceased. Following this will be a service, typically in the church or at the funeral home. This would be followed by the earth or above ground burial of the casketed remains. Caskets selected may cost from several hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars depending on the material the casket is constructed of. Many cemeteries require that a minimum grave liner be used to encase the casket when earth buried. These minimum liners are constructed of concrete and are designed to hold the weight of the earth, maintaining the cemetery property. A sealed vault may also be used. The vaults are also constructed of concrete and are designed to not only protect the gravesite, but are manufactured with inner liners that not only restrict the entrance of graveside elements (water and earth) but increase the strength of the vault.

The Graveside Service can be another selection. This many times would follow a time of viewing/visitation at the funeral home. The casketed remains would then be transferred to the cemetery where a graveside ceremony could take place followed by the burial.

At Burns Mortuary, we encourage families to create very personalized services. We know that every family we serve is unique, and we strive to make each service a personal tribute to the life that has been lived. We provide a wide variety of choices that will help fulfill a family's wishes, from a traditional funeral to a personalized service that celebrates a loved one's hobbies, interests and life.

The following are ideas that you may use to personalize a service:

• photographic collages
• displays of personal memorabilia, such as awards, trophies, or favorite pastime items, such as garden tools
• the writing of personal notes by family and friends during the service
• service folders & registry books that reflect personal style and interests
• music selections from our extensive library
• live musicians
• special customs particular to different faiths, ethnic groups, and fraternal organizations
• displays of uniforms and equipment for government employees
• have motorcycles in the procession for a motorcycle enthusiast or have a cowboy's horse lead the procession for a cowboy

Our funeral directors are committed to helping you create a special tribute to your loved one that will honor a life well-lived. We encourage you to share your ideas, customs and wishes with us.

When a death occurs, your primary responsibility is to yourself and the ones you love. There are a number of things that require attention simultaneously. Regardless of the day or hour, Burns Mortuary of Pendleton is always prepared to respond to your needs quickly and competently. The funeral director's main function is to assist you with the necessary details of the funeral process. Among the services funeral directors provide are:

• Arranging funeral plans
• Securing necessary permits and death certificates
• Care and custody of the body
• Coordinating all details with the clergy
• Arranging the music you have selected
• Placing obituary and funeral notices in newspapers
• Assisting in arranging for burial or cremation
• Assisting in arrangements for cemetery space, grave opening and closing, flowers and monuments
• Arranging transportation for you and the members of your family prior to, during, and after the funeral
• Supervision of the funeral or memorial service
• All necessary arrangements for transportation, funeral service, and burial if the deceased is to be sent to a distant location
• Notify Social Security Administration
• Veteran’s Benefits

For more information about our Professional Services, please contact us by e-mail or call at (541) 276-2331. We're here to help