| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q: Is Bailey-Kirk owned by one of the funeral corporations? |
| A: No. Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home has been an independent, family-owned funeral home in Mercer County for nearly 70 years. |
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Q: What is a funeral? |
| A: A funeral is a ceremony of proven worth and value to those who mourn. It provides an opportunity for the survivors and others who share in the loss to express their love, respect and grief. |
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Q: Can I personalize my funeral service? |
| A: Absolutely. The funeral is a celebration of life. We are happy to discuss all options and ensure your funeral is tailored to your wishes. It may be personalized by playing favorite music, by donations in lieu of flowers, bringing in photos and mementos or having close friends say a few words during the service. |
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Q: Why have a public viewing? |
| A: Viewing is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity voluntary. |
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Q: Do I have to have a funeral? |
| A: No. Disposition of the body may occur without any service. |
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Q: Is a burial vault required by law? |
| A: A vault is not required by law. However, certain cemeteries have requirements in regard to outer burial containers. |
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Q: How much does a funeral cost? |
| A: Costs are dependent upon the type of service desired and the type of casket, vault or other funeral products selected. We offer a wide selection to suit the needs of the entire community. |
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Q: Why have an obituary notice? |
| A: It is helpful to friends and the community to have an obituary noticed published announcing the death and type of service to be held. |
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Q: What should I do if death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend? |
| A: We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
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Q: What if death occurs while away from home? |
| A: We can assist you if a death occurs anywhere on the globe. Contact us immediately and we will assume responsibility and coordinate the arrangements for the return of the deceased. |
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Q: What is embalming? |
| A: Embalming is the use of chemicals, internally and externally, to disinfect and temporarily preserve human remains. Embalming retards the decomposition process and enhances the appearance of a body for open casket viewing and/or for the removal of the body to distant destinations. |
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Q: Is embalming required by law? |
| A: No. West Virginia law does not require embalming at any time. Sometimes it is a matter of practical necessity to embalm a body if there will be an open casket public viewing. If you do not want embalming, you have the right to select an alternative arrangement such as immediate burial or direct cremation. |
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Q: What is cremation? |
| A: Very simply, cremation is the process of reducing the body to bone fragments through the application of intense heat. |
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Q: May I have a visitation period and funeral service if cremation is chosen? |
| A: Yes. Cremation does not preclude having a visitation period and a funeral service. Cremation is simply one option for final disposition of the body. |
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Q: What is done with cremated remains? |
| A: Cremated remains may be disposed of in a number of ways: privately scattered, interred in a cemetery, placed in a niche or kept by the family in their home. |
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Q: What is pre-arrangement? |
| A: Pre-arrangement is the selection of funeral services and merchandise in advance of need. Some choose to lock in the cost of a service at today’s price by funding in advance. |
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Q: If I choose to pre-fund, where does my money go? |
| A: A deposit fund is established with a financial institution or preneed insurance company approved by the State of West Virginia. In addition, a Guarantee Fund is in reserve by the Attorney General of West Virginia. |
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BAILEY-KIRK FUNERAL HOME
