Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the frequently asked questions we receive. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us. We’re here to answer any question you have.

What purpose does a funeral serve?

The funeral ceremony is a customary way to recognize death and its finality. Funerals are recognized rituals for the living to show respect for the deceased and to help survivors begin the grief process.

Sometimes funerals bring a sense of closure, and other times they serve a purpose entirely left for you to decide. Funerals are very personal, so what you get out of the service might be unique to you and different for someone else.

What do funeral directors do?

Funeral directors are listeners, advisors, supporters, caregivers, and administrators. They make the arrangements for transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are trained to answer questions about grief, recognize when a person is having difficulty coping, and recommend sources of professional help. Funeral directors also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community.

Do you have to have a funeral director to bury the dead?

In most states, family members may bury their own dead, although regulations vary. However, most people find it very trying to be solely responsible for arranging the details and legal matters surrounding death. It can be a struggle handling matters after a loss, so having a funeral director on hand is very useful.

Why have a public viewing?

Viewing the body is a part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Several grief specialists believe that seeing the body aids the grief process by helping the survivors recognize the reality and finality of death. It also expunges the possibility of regretting not having a viewing when everything is said and done.

Viewing is encouraged for children as well, as long as the process is explained to them and they are not forced.

What is the purpose of embalming?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. It also helps to better the appearance of a person who passed due to traumatic injury or illness. Embalming also slows the decomposition process, which allows for more time between death and funeral services. This would give you and your family more time to make arrangements that best fit your wants and needs.

Does a dead body have to be embalmed, according to law?

Ohio Law does not require embalming. However, most states require embalming when death was caused by a contagious disease, if remains are to be transported from one state to another by common carrier, or if final disposition is set to take place a certain length of time after death has occurred. 

What Happens if Death Occurs Away from Home?

If your loved one dies out of town or out of state and you wish to have services here, we will make arrangements to receive the body. Likewise, if your loved one dies locally and you wish to have services out of town or out of state, we will make the arrangements with another funeral home to transport the body promptly.

We understand that an unexpected death away from home can be very traumatic, so we’re here to take care of the arrangements for you.

Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?

No, cremation is a form of disposition. Cremation can be used as an alternative to burial or entombment, and can take place after traditional services with a viewing.   

Why are funerals so expensive?

When compared to other major life events like weddings and births, funerals are not expensive. According to the Better Business Bureau, the average wedding in Columbus, Ohio is roughly $27,000, but because weddings are happy events, the price is rarely criticized.

A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, hearses, limousines, reception hall, etc.). These expenses must be factored into the cost of a funeral. Furthermore, the cost of a funeral also includes the services provided by the director and staff in making the arrangements, filing the appropriate forms, dealing with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others, and seeing to all the necessary details. Our funeral homes are independently owned and operated with a modest profit margin.

What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?

A funeral director is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—please feel free to call us any time.

Will someone come right away?

If you request immediate assistance, yes. If you wish to spend a short time with the deceased to say goodbye, we can wait. Just call us when you’re ready.

If a loved one dies out of state, can Anthony Funeral Homes still help?

Yes, we can assist you with out-of-state arrangements, either to transfer the remains to another state or from another state.

So, I've decided on cremation. Can I still have a funeral or a viewing?

Yes, quite often some sort of viewing precedes the actual cremation. If you’d like a viewing before cremation, we can prepare the body utilizing our rental casket.

You can also have a funeral after cremation has taken place.

What government agencies help defray final expenses?

Usually, funeral directors will help gather the necessary information to apply for financial assistance from Social Security, Veterans, retirements and any others.