A traditional funeral generally depicts a service where the deceased is embalmed, dressed and placed in the casket the family selects and placed in a visitation room for a period of usually two days where family and friends may come and view the body and pay their respects and sign a memorial book.

The funeral service itself takes place either in the funeral home chapel or in a church or other location of the family’s choosing, followed by burial in a cemetery. This is still the most selected choice of funeral options today. This gives the family and friends the most opportunity to view the deceased and share their grief and memories of the loved one. It also allows for a great deal of personalization. For example, interests of the deceased such as hobbies can be displayed in the visitation room for those visiting. The family may select a time period in which they would also be at the viewing to greet friends. The funeral service itself may include a video of photos of the deceased accompanied by their favorite music. When it comes to personalization you can let your creativity blossom.Also, some families have selected to have a private graveside service and from that point go to a church or funeral home chapel and have a memorial service for the family and friends. Basically, they do the Traditional service in reverse. This allows for more time to visit with friends after the service.  

Some families will choose to have a service at the grave site. This is selected for a variety of reasons such as, the deceased has been ill for a long period of time, has resided in a nursing home or is very aged and has not very many friends left to attend a service.

This still allows for viewing of the body and for some type of personalization but the service is much simpler and brief.

If you or your loved one was a member of the military, we can help your family obtain all the veteran benefits to which you are entitled from the government. Our staff at Matthews Funeral Home, is experienced in notifying the Veteran’s Administration Office on your behalf and facilitating communication between you and them.

Veterans are entitled to an American Flag, and military honors. Be cautious of advertisements that offer free or discounted caskets. Call us at 405-341-2787 with your questions and concerns.

From the Va.Gov Website

Service-related Death

The VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001. If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

Non-service-related Death

The VA will pay up to $747 toward burial and funeral expenses for deaths on or after October 1, 2015 (if hospitalized by VA at time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by VA at time of death), and a $747 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery). For deaths on or after December 1, 2001, but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-interment allowance. For deaths on or after April 1, 1988 but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (for Veterans hospitalized by the VA at the time of death).

Please see our Cremation page.

We get an assortment of pictures from the family and put them in a video format set to the family’s favorite music to be played at the funeral or memorial service. 

We have found that around 50 pictures make about a five minute video which is ample in length.  

We have the most up-to-date equipment for live-streaming and can provide a link for those who wish to watch the service live. We have the capability to add the video (stored privately on Vimeo), on your loved one’s obituary if you wish.

Please ask about this service.

Some families have opted to place other items on the casket instead of flowers such as quilts, saddles, boots, crafts, pictures or hobbies of the deceased.

One family had the funeral home pass out sticks of gum to all those attending because that is what the deceased did every Sunday at church services for all the children. Having a member of the family or a close friend speak is very comforting for the family and friends.

Anything that reflects the life celebrated is appropriate and helpful to those dealing with their grief and makes the service personal and a tribute.

Some families have chosen to have a private graveside service and from that point go to a church or funeral home chapel and have a memorial service for the family and friends. Basically, they do the Traditional service in reverse. This allows for more time to visit with friends after the service. We feel it’s important to celebrate and remember the life of the loved one.

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