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CONTENTS
Page
The Funeral
.5
.
Post-Funeral Information
.
11
Valuable Family Records and Instructions
.
17
Additional References
.
19
.
The author expresses appreciation to the Oregon Funeral Director's Association for assistance in reviewing the manuscript and to the many who gave
counsel concerning sections Pertaining to banking, social security, veteran's
benefits, taxes, and public welfare.
Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, F. E. Price, director.
Oregon State University and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating.
Printed and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.
When Death Comes
Information About Funerals
And Post-Funeral Arrangements
DOROTHY SHERRILL MILLER
Extension Home Management Specialist, OSU
(Family Finance)
There is a story undertakers tell to
one another about Pat and Mike, and
that begins with Mike stating loudly :
"I wish I knew exactly where I was
going to die."
"And why now would you want to
know a thing like that?" Pat asked.
"Because I'd never go near the place,
that's why," replied Mike.
This is a good description of many
people. In fact, most people steer clear
No one wants to think about death
coming to his family or to prepare in
advance for the bewildering array of
problems that arrive at the worst possible moment. Yet no one is immune to
the responsibilities that death brings.
Almost everyone will be called upon to
arrange at least one or two funerals
and perhaps to handle the legal and
financial problems involved in settling
an estate within the family or for
of even talking about the matter of friends. Average families are unaware
death.
of funeral costs or basic steps necesIt was Socrates who said, "No one sary to arrange for burial. They "get
knows but that death is the greatest of lost" when faced with funeral and
all good to man; yet men fear it, as if post-funeral arrangements.
they well know that it is the greatest
This bulletin is designed to help
of evils."
bring about better understanding of
And it was Jonathan Swift who the financial aspects of funerals and
more than 2,000 years later added, "It post-funeral details. It will not deal
is impossible that anything so natural,
so necessary, and so universal as death
should ever have been designed by
providence as an evil to mankind."
Yet all the soothing words of all the
philosophers through the ages do not
alter the basic fact that we who are
alive cannot fully grasp the concept of
with emotional aspects of bereavement
and the many facets of emotional adjustment after death. These are equally
important and suggest further study.
Perhaps preparation for death seems
difficult to accept at first. However, it
is really like much of the preparation
we do for many of the situations we
death. Rather than bring death into must face in life. Children are preopen discussions we often evade the pared for the shots they must get; docissue. Yet, preparation and attitudes tors spend considerable time preparing
are very important.
their patients when they must face sur3
gery. Attitude has a great deal to do matters the better. Many young cou-
with how we face these situations and ples start sharing this kind of "money
how we recover; it is also important in talk" from the beginning of their marmatters relating to death. Families riage. They find their common knowlcould ease many of the problems they edge and understanding a real asset
face by discussing the emotional and which rewards them with more satisfaction in all their financial dealings
economic factors involved.
throughout life. Surely the middle aged
Talk it over
couple will want to discuss these matThe author hopes that this bulletin ters, for it is when the children leave
will encourage husbands and wives to home that mother and father are able
talk with each other about the full
state of their financial affairs. It is
well to remember that "a man's dying
is more the survivor's affair than his
to rearrange their finances and plan
for what they hope will be a financially adequate longer life. The older
couple who has not really discussed
(Thomas Mann.) Too fre- these matters has an even more pressquently husbands hate to worry their ing need; but they are apt to find the
own."
financial matters and
wives hesitate to bring up a topic which
may seem morbid. Neither is doing the
job more difficult.
day one or the other will be left alone,
and frank discussions early in life can
that there are 45 deaths in Oregon on
an average day. Another vital fact is
that, in total, women live longer than
wives about
Start with facts
It may come as a surprise to learn
other a favor with this attitude. Some
help ease the emotional aspects of
men. Life expectancy of women is
72.5 years and of men 66.3 years. At
the business and concern of the hus- age 75, 7 out of 10 women are widband are gone. Women as well as men owed, while at age 75 only 4 out of 10
need to know about the family's life men are widowed. Seventy percent of
insurance, social security, savings and widows do not remarry. Because wominvestments, safe deposit boxes, bank- en marry younger than men, live longer
ing practices, and legal services. Wills then men, and remarry less frequently
and the kind of information presented than men, the result is a greater numin this bulletin are of primary impor- ber of widows at upper-age levels. The
average length of widowhood is 16
tance for discussion.
The earlier families talk over these years.
these talks.
The days when finances were solely
4
The Funeral
The following section is presented home. In Oregon, all funeral estabas basic information to help families lishments and all funeral directors and
give thought to funeral arrangements; embalmers must be licensed. Reputable
it is to help in pre-planning funerals. funeral directors welcome public inIt is important to remember that "pre- spection of their facilities.
planning"
is not
necessarily "pre-
paying." Families can give advance
Funeral costs
thought to funeral plans and even discuss them with a funeral director without pre-paying costs.
Death is not only a deep emotional
blow, it is also an expense. Many fam-
Choosing a funeral director
Your primary concern in choosing a
funeral director will probably be with
ilies pay excessive funeral costs because of mistaken pride, fear of what
neighbors might think, lack of experience, or a wish to honor the dead. In
their grief, they are in no condition
his character and reputation. Comments
from relatives and friends and your
for calm, logical thinking. People who
face funeral arrangements for the first
own observation of funerals arranged time are frequently surprised and
by various directors will be especially often angered by what they consider to
helpful in your choice. In a small town be such high basic costs. And yet, what
you may know the funeral director is spent is in part a matter of personal
personally. Your clergyman, who choice. There is an adequate service
should be in on funeral planning from
the very beginning, can be helpful in
selection.
You can start making observations
and decisions in these matters long be-
available in every funeral establish-
ment for every purse and taste.
There are usually separate charges
for a funeral director's services, a
cemetery lot or mausoleum crypt, bur-
fore there is need for a funeral. You ial or cremation, and a monument,
will want to observe the funeral direc- marker, or other memorial. A funeral
tor's facilities and actions. Does his and burial will cost an average of
physical plant and staff seem adequate
to give you the kind of service you
want? Is his manner dignified, calm,
and helpful? It will be a great comfort
to the family if they like the director
you choose.
He may belong to the National Funeral Directors Association and the
$1,000 for all necessities.
The National Funeral Directors Association provides some information
about costs of a casket and standard
services for regular adult funeral services held in 1960. Twenty-two percent
of the services selected were priced be-
tween $200 and $499; 48% between
Oregon Funeral Director's Association $500 and $799; 21% between $800 and
and subscribe to these groups' code of $999; and 9% were over $1,000. These
ethics. Though membership does not figures do not include burial vaults,
guarantee reliability, it is one yardstick clothing, clergy and musician's honorof professional reputation. The direc- ariums, cemetery charges, burial, or
tor should be licensed and display an monument charges.
up-to-date certificate in his funeral
A major consideration in determin5
ing the total price of standard services
hospital or home. If the remains must
the type of casket selected. This be brought from another town, there
is
choice is made by the family or friends
will be an added charge.
of the deceased in the selection room
Preparation by embalming and
of the mortuary. There may be 12 to
25 or more caskets on display offering cosmetology for burial or cremation.
a choice of material, design, finish, Embalming is accomplished with the
color, and price. They range in price introduction of disinfectant and prefrom $250 to $1,500 or higher. The servative chemicals into the arterial
price indicates the cost of the casket system. Embalming is first and foreand the "standard services" described most a public health measure. Embalmin the next section of this bulletin. ing, along with cosmetology, restores
Funeral directors have adopted a unit the features of the deceased to a serene
pricing system largely to ease emo- and natural appearance.
tional strain and prevent confusion
which might arise if every detail had
to be decided separately.
The same standard services are usu-
Arrangement of any memorial or
religious service held at the funeral
home. However, your minister, rabbi,
or priest should have the major coun-
ally provided in a $500 standard fu- seling role. More than anyone else,
neral as in one for $1,000. The main your religious advisor can help you
difference is that the casket is more ex- plan a service that will reflect the life
pensive in the $1,000 funeral. Some and faith of the deceased.
ask if costs could be reduced considerably if an inexpensive pine box were
Provision of a hearse and a lim-
used instead of a casket. The funeral ousine for the family in the funeral
charge would be about the same as that
for the lowest priced standard service,
since basic costs and overhead for the
procession.
"standard services" are included in his
fee and which are considered optional
or additional charges. Standard serv-
included as standard services.
Preparation of various governservice account for most of the cost ment certificates. The funeral director
will file the death certificate and get
of the lowest price funerals.
Note: Prices given in this bulletin are the burial permit. He will also get a
permit if the body is being sent
meant to serve as guides and are not transit
to
another
city. While he is getting the
necessarily the exact costs which will death certificates,
ask him to get sevbe quoted in every area. Costs may eral certified copies for you. Perhaps
vary depending on total economy in
you will need six copies or more in
different areas of the state, services ofconnection with life insurance, bank
fered, etc.
accounts, savings bonds, stocks, etc. If
he gets them all at once it will simplify
What are standard services?
It is important to find out from the and speed matters for you. The cost is
funeral director you choose which $2 per copy and extra copies are not
Notification of pall bearers, if
ices generally include :
any.
1. Removal of the body to the funeral home. This means a call to the
flowers.
6
Arrangement for the handling of
What services are optional?
etery by the person arranging the fuThere are usually added charges if neral. However, the funeral director
may pay these fees and add them to
the funeral director :
Provides flowers.
Provides an additional limousine.
Provides burial clothing.
Provides musicians or soloists.
Inserts death notices in newspapers at the family's request.
Sends the body to another city for
burial or cremation.
Makes long distance telephone calls
or sends telegrams.
You are under no obligation to order
any of these extra services unless you
really need them. The ethical funeral
director will provide them if you wish,
but will not urge them on you.
Are any extras actually required?
Usually at least one extra is re-
his costs so that the person arranging
the funeral has only one total item of
expense to pay. He is not obligated to
advance this money but does it as an
extra service to the family. He derives
no benefit from providing this service.
Advertised complete funerals
How about advertisements for "complete funerals as low as $250"? It has
been the experience of Better Business Bureau investigators, that these
low-price funeral advertisements are
usually misleading. Such claims are
meaningless without specification of
what the advertiser means by a "complete funeral." The funeral probably
does not include many of the standard
services which then become expensive
quired. Most cemeteries require that extras. Of course, costs of cemetery
caskets be placed within receptacles lots and burial and cremation fees are
known as vaults. These are used to not included.
prevent grave cave-ins, which would
The code of ethics of the National
mean additional maintenance costs for Funeral Directors Association and the
cemeteries. These vaults, usually made state association frowns on advertiseof metal or concrete, are sold by fu- ments of any prices, and many funeral
neral directors for from $75 to $2,000.
directors conscientiously abide by this
However, many cemeteries that re- standard.
quire vaults permit the use, instead, of
concrete-section outer boxes, which sell
for about $40. Some also permit
wooden outer boxes costing about $25.
Are funeral and burial costs too
high?
Some facts will help provide an anHowever, permission to use wooden swer to this question. The National
boxes is becoming less common, be- Funeral Directors Association gives
cause they frequently collapse and pertinent information in a recent reallow graves to sink in.
port of funeral service facts and figures. The "average profit margin" per
What about actual burial costs ?
funeral of all services conducted in
Burial costs are a separate charge. 1960, even including vault and clothOpening and closing the grave and ing sales, was $54. This is an "avercompletion of necessary official papers age" figure, and funeral directors say
are covered by interment and record- that, consequently, they provide some
ing fees. They usually total between funerals at a loss. Salaries were the
$35 and $50 in Oregon. These fees
largest item of funeral home expense.
are ordinarily paid directly to the cem- Other major expenses were mainte7
nance of buildings and furnishings,
Cemetery lots
merchandise costs, automotive equipment, and taxes.
on location and the services provided
Cost of cemetery lots depends mainly
In the year 1960 the investment by the cemetery. Prices generally
range per funeral home was from range from $50 to $300 or more per
$67,724 for those conducting an aver-
individual grave space. It is customary
age of 57 services to $366,579 for
for families to buy either a two- or
those that averaged 538 funerals.
Funeral establishments have heavy
labor costs because of the tremendous
ups and downs in their work load. For
example, one of Oregon's major mor-
four-grave lot.
But it
to consider the
is important
size of the family
and where the individual members
may wish to be buried. Particularly in
these days of great mobility, it is en-
tirely possible that family members
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sat- may wish to be buried in the location
urday of a particular week. On Sun- of their most recent home, rather than
day, this mortuary had one call, and in the town "where they grew up."
tuaries did not have a single call on
on Monday, 14 calls. The plant had a
payroll all week, but no work load. On
Monday, with 14 calls, it was necessary to hire extra equipment and extra
men which removed any chance of
According to the National Association of Cemeteries, about half of the
lots sold today are bought in advance
of need. They recommend that lots be
purchased in advance whenever possi-
ble, and that the whole family be alConsideration of costs to the funeral lowed to help decide. Surely it is im-
profit.
director, prices received by him, overhead, work load conditions, and total
investment in facilities will help to
answer our question, "Are funeral
costs too high?"
Perhaps the greatest mutual satisfaction between funeral directors and
individuals needing their services will
come when we learn more about the
basic steps necessary to arange a funeral and our part in making choices
for the type of funeral we desire. The
person arranging a funeral should feel
free to ask as many questions as he
portant to give serious thought to
such a purchase, realizing that you are
purchasing something which you may
normally expect to have longer than
your car, your home, or anything else
you own or ever will own. But weigh
all the factors in your particular situation; as in the case of other real estate, you may have a resale problem
if you find it necessary or desirable to
dispose of the property. However, if
a family expects to live permanently
in a community, and particularly if
some members are advancing in years,
authorities agree that the purchase of
should not be left
costs involved, so that there will be a last resting place
until
time
of
need,
when
a hasty defull understanding of all details. The
cision
may
be
unavoidable.
funeral director in his effort to ease
the burden may try to spare some de- Appraising cemetery lots
tails; however, he will surely discuss
A check-list of points to consider
details with the person who asks for
them. Again, the best solution would when selecting a lot should be helpful
seem to be to seek information before in making a wise selection in this imwould like about services provided and
the need arises.
8
portant purchase.
Select a lot in a cemetery which is suggest waiting several months or even
managed by a reputable person or a few years before buying markers or
group. Avoid cemeteries where sales
practices are questionable or where
there are unusually low "bargains" or
monuments.
"giveaways."
the grave is leveled.
Be sure that perpetual- or endowedcare is spelled out to your satisfaction.
Aside
from emotional
strain, there is also the practical need
for waiting until the ground settles and
Find out what type of marker will
be permitted by the cemetery. TradiAre the perpetual- or endowed-care tional cemeteries usually allow almost
funds adequately guarded and have any kind of monument. Memorial
suitable amounts been allocated for parks ordinarily permit only markers
this reserve?
Inspect the property to know exactly
where your lot is located. Don't be
guided solely by beautiful drawings
and fancy brochures.
Compare prices in various cemeteries
and prices of lots within the cemeteries. Charges range from $50 to $300
or more per grave for two-, four-, and
six-grave lots.
Observe whether the cemetery uses
traditional monuments or whether it is
a memorial park cemetery using grave
markers flush with the ground. Choose
the type most pleasing to you and your
family.
Be sure that the use of the cemetery
is authorized by your religion.
which can be set flush with the ground.
Avoid memorials of cement, artificial stone, composition, wood, tin, or
iron. Only first quality granite, marble,
or other natural material will give the
lasting quality you want.
Markers are available at a wide va-
riety of costs. Bronze markers are
sold for about $75 to $300. Granite
markers can be bought for prices starting at about $85. The cost of a monument can be thousands of dollars, depending on size, material, design, and
craftsmanship. Compare prices and
choose one that is fitting and within
your means.
Mausoleums
Find out about charges made for
A mausoleum is usually an impresopening and closing graves and for sive, almost church-like building that
setting monuments. Sometimes a ceme-
contains a series of vaults called crypts
tery that sells lots cheaply will make or niches and rooms for the entombup the difference by adding high fees ment of bodies.
for such services.
When crypts or niches are arranged
Inquire whether the management has on a wall, the ones higher on the wall
membership in either the American are the least expensive.
Cemetery Association, the National
Oregonians will find a wide variety
Cemetery Association, or the Oregon of selections, some of which are comInterment Association. All of these as- parable in price to outdoor cemetery
sociations attempt to keep high stand- lots. They may range from $350 to
ards among their members.
$850
Choosing a monument or marker
Cremation
It is well to wait until the first sting
of death eases before selecting a marker. It is easy to make a poor decision
expensive than earth burial. It often
is, but it could cost as much or even
or more.
Some people ask if cremation is less
at a time of emotional upset. Some more than usual burial procedures.
9
Although a cemetery lot or vault is
not necessary, many people bury cremated remains.
A casket is used in cremation in the
same manner and for the same purpose
as in any other funeral service. It is
used for esthetic purposes and is also
required by state health laws for health
reasons. The body and casket are cremated together. Depending on choice,
the casket may be as elaborate as any
in an earth burial.
A funeral director also provides his
standard services for cremation, and
the charge generally will be the same
whether or not all services are used.
Cremation alone costs between $40
chase of an extra ticket. In Oregon,
funeral directors have access to airlines which provide special services
that may prove especially helpful to
the family of the deceased.
Pre-arranged funerals
Any person who desires may talk
with a funeral director and arrange his
own funeral in advance of need. He
may wish to relieve his survivors of
this responsibility later. Or he may
tell his family about his wishes for
burial or write them in a letter of last
instructions. However, it is well to remember that, under common law, the
surviving spouse or next of kin has the
and $100. An urn ($40 to $300) is duty to bury; with that duty comes the
used for the cremated remains, and a right to determine where and in what
storage space is needed for the urn. manner. There is no real assurance
The urn may be placed in a colum- that the funeral will be conducted exbarium (a building or niches of vari- actly in the manner outlined, except in
ous sizes and types) or in a mausoleum or it may be buried. Some crematoriums provide permanent storage for
urns in a large vault for $35. But if an
individual glass-front niche is desired,
the word given by the surviving spouse
or next of kin.
Pre-financed funerals
If advance payments are involved
under a contract, there is legal reason
the cost ranges from $50 to $350 or to follow the arranged plan. Oregonmore. Earth burial of urns in un- ians are fortunate to have a state law
marked areas costs as little as $10.
which requires that whenever a preAnother possible charge is involved.
There are only about 200 crematoriums in the United States, and they are
not located in every state and commu-
nity. It might be necessary to trans-
need service is sold, all money paid in
advance for funeral merchandise and
services must be placed in trust by the
individual or organization selling the
pre-need program. It is well for the
port a body several hundred miles for person purchasing the plan to undercremation.
stand that he has the legal right to
Shipping a body
withdraw the funds or to change the
person to whom the funds are to be
If a member of the family dies at a
distant place and the body is to be
shipped home, you should investigate
both railroad and plane fare for such
transportation. Railroads require the
purchase of two tickets, whether or not
the body is accompanied. At the present time, airlines do not ask the pur10
paid if he desires.
The Better Business Bureau outlines
some questions to consider in prefinancing a funeral. Might your future
change to the point where pre-arrangements would not be suitable ? Can you
be sure that the exact funeral service
purchased, including merchandise, serv-
ices, and the funeral home designated
will be available when the need arises?
Will there be added charges? Will the
service be carried out as arranged, or
will the survivors be encouraged to
care you would in making a wise purchase of any insurance policy.
Public welfare burial assistance
The state specifies standards and
purchase "something better"? Will the procedures and provides allowances for
contracting funeral home meet the burial assistance for those deceased
wishes of the survivors at some future persons whose eligibility on a need
date? Consider all of these questions in basis has been established.
Specifications are considered by the
the light of your particular needs when
you are appraising the suitability of a State Public Welfare Commission to
constitute the minimum requirements
pre-financed funeral plan.
Funeral insurance
for a decent and respectable burial.
They cover funeral service and cemeFuneral insurance is a life insurance tery burial or cremation.
policy with proceeds earmarked for
As a contribution to the welfare of
the payment of funeral bills. Compa- the state, Oregon funeral directors conies operate according to the laws reg- operate to provide appropriate burial
ulating legal reserve life insurance for the allowances that are provided in
companies. If you are considering a
policy of this type, it is well to compare "funeral insurance" with any life
insurance policy providing the same
benefits. Shop around, using the same
the regulations.
Additional information regarding eligibility and procedures can be secured
from county public welfare departments.
Post-Funeral Information
In addition to the things which have
just been said about funerals and actual burial, the family will have other
concerns. Some of these are discussed
in the following section.
file the will in probate court, see
it
through the process of being admitted
to probate, represent the survivors, and
make out and file any necessary legal
documents ; these may be many.
Even though the executor starts the
petition for probate in most cases
where there is a will, the petition may
be handled by anyone interested in the
Wills
If you don't know whether there is
a will or not, you may have to check
with the family lawyer or banker or estate.
with friends who might have been enFor more details about wills, refer
trusted with the document ; or look to A Will of Your Own listed in the
into a safe deposit box, or even go references at the end of this bulletin.
through a cluttered desk. Before much
of anything can be done you will have
to prove the existence of a will or the
lack of it.
Bank accounts
If a bank account is held solely by
the deceased, the account is closed at
If there is a will and an executor time of death and becomes a part of
has been named, he is the person to his estate. The bank has no way of
11
knowing to whom these funds belong.
This decision is handled in probate
court.
Bank accounts held in the names of
tive of the state treasurer to be present
to inventory contents.
It will expedite matters if the sur-
vivor will notify the bank or the repre-
two people, payable to either or the sentative of the state treasurer of the
survivor, go solely to the survivor name of the person who will handle
upon the death of one of the parties. the estate (executor or attorney).
However, there may be a short delay Savings bonds
before the survivor can have access to
If owned solely by the deceased,
the money. The bank is required by law
to freeze joint accounts at time of
savings bonds go to his estate.
death when the balance exceeds $1,000;
If bonds are held in co-ownership
only a few hours or a day or two before an official representative appears
to clear the account so the bank can
dies. The bonds may be cashed immediately with no questions asked.
then it must notify the state treasurer title of registration reading "John
that it has an account. It is usually A. Doe or Mary E. Doe"they go to
the survivor as sole owner when either
If a beneficiary is named on a
bondtitle of registration reading
tionally possible, the survivor should "John A. Doe, payable on death to
become to the bank and change the name Mary E. Doe"the beneficiary
the death
comes
the
sole
owner
upon
on the bank account to show only the
name of the survivor. The bank has of the registered owner. Upon the
of John A. Doe, Mary E. Doe
no authority to do this on its own. death
becomes the owner and the money will
release the funds.
Bankers request that as soon as emo-
Hence direct mail continues to go to
the deceased, and this can be an emo-
be paid to her upon presentation of a
certified copy of the death certificate
tional burden to the survivor.
along with the bond. Do not take the
Safe deposit box
death certificate itself ; the copy you
If held in joint ownership, a safe take will stay on file with the federal
deposit box can be opened by the sur- reserve bank.
vivor in the case of death of one of the
owners. However, it can be opened
Collection and payment on savings
bonds usually takes about 10 days.
only in the presence of the representa-
tive of the state treasurer who will Social security
Two types of payment may be made
take an inventory. There is usually
only a few hours or a day or two before the representative comes.
If held as sole owner, a safe deposit
box cannot be opened except by the
administrator or executor (the person
named to settle the estate). If the sur-
after the death of an insured person :
A lump sum death payment.
A survivors' monthly benefit.
It is important to remember that no
:
benefits will be paid unless they are ap-
vivors do not know who has been
plied for. Also there is a time limit in
which application for payment must
named executor and the will is in the
safe deposit box, a bank or court official may open the box soon after the
benefits. The lump sum death payment
death to search for a will. In either
case it is necessary for a representa12
be made. If the survivor delays too
long there is a possibility of loss of
must be applied for within two years
of the time of death. Monthly pay-
ments must be applied for within 12
months of the time of death or some
benefits may be lost. Monthly benefits
can not be retroactive for more than 12
months. It is important that the sur-
vivor make application before these
deadlines. Frequently the funeral director notifies the Social Security Administration of the death, but the survivor
will need to complete social security
papers before the account is processed.
When the survivor goes to the Social Security office, certain proofs will
be needed. He should take along a social security card or the social security
number of the insured. He should also
take a record of earnings for the prior
year (withholding slip), a birth certifi-
It is important that the beneficiary
study these options carefully or get an
informed person to help him make
sure the choice is the best possible
method for the situation. In case you
do not wish to make a final decision
immediately, it is possible to choose
the interest option and later change to
one of the other three as a permanent
option.
Check to see if the deceased was covered by life insurance in his job,
through a fraternal organization, or
through some other group.
Veteran's benefits
Veteran's families need to take a
special look at the benefits which may
cate for each child under 18, and a be available in the event of the death
marriage certificate.
The Social Security representative
in your area can provide additional
information.
Life insurance
Contact the agent or the insurance
company to assist you with life insur-
of a veteran.
A veteran's service officer is stationed in most Oregon counties. He
can give details about benefits. If you
do not know where he is located, check
with the post office. When you visit
with the officer, take along a copy of
the veteran's discharge papers.
Some of the types of benefits which
ance payments. There will be forms
for the survivor to sign. No charges may be available include :
:
are involved for this service.
One of the decisions the beneficiary
Pensions to widows and children
sum
ice. A death pension may be pay-
and dependent parents for servicewill have to make regards settlement connected death. The amount
depends
options. There are usually four options on military rank and length of servto the lump sum settlement. Lump
means that the beneficiary takes the
entire face value of the policy in one
payment. The options are as follows
:
Interest optionmoney is left at
interest until the family asks for it.
Time optiona monthly income to
last as many years as you wish.
Amount optiona regular income
of as much money as you desire until
the money and interest are gone.
Life-time income optiona regu-
lar income guaranteed for the beneficiary's lifetime.
able when death after discharge is not
due to service.
Educational aid for surviving
children of veterans of World War I,
World War II, and the Korean Emergency, where death of the parent was
service connected.
Burial allowance at death (usually
applied for by the funeral director and
subtracted from the funeral bill).
Burial flaga United States flag
suitable for display on national holidays is presented to the next of kin.
13
Burial in a national cemetery Missing papers
the veteran may be buried in a national
cemetery and also reservation may be
made by the widow and minor children
Often, the person responsible for
closing an estate may come across evi-
to be buried in the same plot when
they die. Many do not realize that if
a veteran's wife dies first she can be
buried in a national cemetery if the
may be a list of E bond serial numbers
without the bonds, correspondence
dence of assets without proof. There
about insurance without the policy,
notations about real estate holdings
veteran signs papers saying he will be without deeds. If that should happen
buried at her side.
to you, you must turn part detective.
Headstone or grave markera
If it is government bonds you are
granite, white marble, or bronze mar- looking for, send all the information
ker is available for servicemen or vet- you haveseries, date of issue, serial
erans buried in private cemeteries.
number, and name and address of the
necessary if burial is in a national cemetery.)
Debt, Division of Loans and Currency,
Payment cannot be made in lieu of registered ownerto the U. S. Treasgovernment stone. (No application is ury Department, Bureau of Public
536 South Clark Street, Chicago 5,
InsuranceU. S. government life Illinois.
Of course, write to the insurance
insurance (World War I) and national
service life insurance (World War II companies involved if you believe there
are policies for which you can find no
and later).
$7,500 state papers. The agent of the deceased perTax exemption
property tax exemption. Application son will help you.
Deeds are evidence of ownership of
must be filed annually on or before
property,
but not final proof. RecordApril 1 with the county assessor. Wid-
ows of war veterans are entitled to
this exemption.
Employment for survivorscivil
service preference for widow of veteran, or widowed mother of a veteran,
in federal jobs.
Free copies of recordssingle
copies of military, marriage, divorce,
death, and birth records are available
free when properly applied for, to be
used in support of claims.
Check with deceased's employer
Survivors should check to see if
there are any benefits due the family
under an employment contract, pension or profit sharing plan, annuity,
employee death benefits, widow's pension plan, unpaid wages, group insurance, or employee's medical, health and
hospitalization plan.
14
ing of a deed in the county clerk's
office is proof. If you believe there is
property on which you have no papers,
check with the clerk of the county
where the land is located to see whether
the deed is registered. A certified copy
of the deed record will fill your immediate need.
If you can't turn up stock certificates, you may find yourself in real
trouble. The business of replacing them
is complicated and expensive, but a
stock broker can be of help in guiding
you.
Taxes
Generally
speaking,
any
estate
owned singly or valued at less than
$60,000, or owned jointly and valued
at less than $120,000 is not subject to
federal estate taxes. Oregon estate
taxes are not charged on the first $15,-
Preserving your assets
000 in the estate. A tax is not necesSylvia Porter, economist and finansarily due on larger estates, however. cial writer, reports that the average esThat depends on final expenses, dis- tate of $25,000 left to women in this
tribution of the estate, and other fac- country disappears in seven years. It
tors.
disappears into the pockets of proThe rate of the state tax is smaller moters or drifts away on the winds of
than that of the federal estate tax. An ignorance. Every year, over a billion
Oregon inheritance tax report must be dollars of insurance money flows into
filed with the State Treasurer after and out of the hands of widows who
every death whether or not there is any
estate. Forms are available from the
state treasurer or an attorney.
Remember, too, that an income tax
statement should be filed for the year
in which the death occurred.
Debts
Notice of all debts of the deceased
personlarge or small, personal or
otherwise, honorable or notshould be
forwarded to the executor or adminis-
do not realize what they have, and perhaps don't know how to manage their
affairs.
Death is a shock that throws the
mind off balance. The survivor must
avoid hasty decisions. Sylvia Porter
give these three general guides for
widows to observe.
Beware of high pressure promoters and swindlers who always read the
obituary notices and gather informa-
tion on the family's financial standing.
trator. As long as there is someone They are ready to pounce on the family
charged with the duty of investigating with their crooked schemes. They will
such matters, no one else in the family come with considerable information;
should undertake to make any pay- they may be able to pose as business
friends and acquaintances; they may
ments on debts.
Check to see if any outstanding debts have impressive recommendations and
were covered by credit life insurance. intriguing schemes. Turn them away.
Be careful even of the advice given
by
personal
friends and relatives. They
Accidental death
have the best intentions. But when in
When death is accidental and occurs trouble, you need help from people
outside the individual's course of em- who have the full information and
ployment there may be a definite basis background to advise you.
for legal action. This is a highly speDon't make an investment of any
cialized field in which the family
sort until advice from an independent
should have the help of a trained and expert is obtained. This means don't
reputable lawyer.
buy securities, don't make loans, don't
When death is accidentaland in convert your insurance policies, don't
the course of employmentcontact the buy annuities, don't make any investemployer or the State Industrial Acci- ment. You have a limited amount of
dent Commission.
money. It is more important than ever
Inspect all life insurance and acci- and you need the best advice obtaindent policies carefully. The policies able before you take a step.
may provide additional benefits when
Among those you might want to condeath has been by accidental means.
sult are your banker, lawyer, invest15
ment counselor, accountant, and life in-
surance underwriter. Visiting several
of them will help you gather information. Perhaps you will want to choose
one as a major advisor after careful
consideration.
Letters of last instructions
Look for a letter of last instructions,
which is separate and apart from a
will. A thoughtful person will have
prepared such a letter. This letter, to
be opened upon death, should include :
A statement as to where the will
may be found.
Instructions as to funeral and
burial. You may wish to specify for
example, that, as a veteran, you be
buried in a certain national cemetery
rather than in the family burial plot.
Or, if you have no family burial plot,
exercising your veteran's right to burial
in a national cemetery may save your
estate some expense. You may have
other personal wishes to include about
your funeral and burial. It is best not
to place burial instructions in the safe
deposit box since frequently the box is
not opened until after the funeral.
Where your birth or baptismal
certificate, social security card, mar-
riage or divorce certificate, naturaliza-
tion and citizenship papers, and discharge papers from the armed forces
from which your estate may be entitled to receive a death benefit.
A list of all bank accounts, check-
ing and savings, and their locations.
A list of all stocks and bonds you
own, and where they may be found.
A statement of all real property
owned by you.
A list of all other propertypersonal, business, etc.
Instructions and directions concerning your business in the event that
your will suggests or provides that it
be continued.
A statement of reasons for actions taken in your will, such as disinheritances. It is sometimes better to
place the explanation in a separate letter available to the court, rather than
in your will, to avoid a complicated
will and expensive litigation.
A list of names of various advisors, their addresses and telephone
numbers. Such advisors would include,
among others, the executor of the estate, the lawyer who will represent it,
the life insurance underwriter, the accountant, and the investment counselor.
Your father's name and your
mother's maiden name. These will be
asked for on the death certificate and
frequently they are not known by all
family members. Other information
may be found.
needed on the death certificate includes
the full name, birthplace, and birth
Where your membership certificates in any lodges or fraternal organizations which provide death or ceme-
husband or wife, and the date and
tery benefits may be found.
A list of the locations of any
safe-deposit boxes you may have, and
where the keys may be found.
A list of your insurance policies,
and where they may be found.
A statement concerning any pen-
sion systems to which you belong and
16
date of the deceased; his occupation,
Social Security number, place of residence, length of residence, name of
place of interment.
Such a letter eliminates much uncertainty and confusion when death
occurs, for it enables the survivors to
handle financial affairs in an orderly
manner. However, it is important to
realize that this information does not
substitute for a will or serve as a will.
VALUABLE FAMILY RECORDS AND INSTRUCTIONS
This page and page 18 provide a guide for recording vital family data. This
information does not substitute for a will.
This is an inventory of valuable family records of
(name or names) prepared on
(date).
Note: Both husband and wife may record information here, but it is well to indicate clearly the person to whom each bit of information applies.
Will (location):
Birth certificates (names, dates, and location of certificates):
Social Security (names, numbers, and location of cards):
Other retirement or pension plans:
Marriage certificate (location):
Divorce papers (if divorced):
Naturalization and citizenship papers (if not native born):
Armed forces discharge papers (military serial number and location of papers):
Other valuable papers (location and important details):
Safe deposit box (location of box and key):
Checking accounts (location):
Savings accounts (location):
Insurance policies (List policies including name of insured, policy number,
amount, company, and beneficiary. Include life insurance, health and accident
insurance, and burial insurance.):
17
Advisers (List names, addresses, and telephone numbers of executor of estate,
lawyer, life insurance agent, accountant, investment counselor, etc.):
Name of husband's father:
Maiden name of husband's mother:
Name of wife's father:
Maiden name of wife's mother:
Wife's maiden name:
Property (List property owned; where located; and how title is held. Include
real property, stocks and bonds, U. S. Savings Bonds, and other personal property. If listed elsewhere, tell where information may be found.):
Burial instructions and other vital information:
18
Additional References
Facts every family should know about
funerals and interments. Association
of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. 704
Chrysler Building, New York, 1959.
Questions you should ask about cemetery lot promotions. Association of
Better Business Bureaus, Inc. 704
Chrysler Building, New York, 1955.
"A widow and her money." Changing
Times, 15:25-29, August 1961.
Frasier, Roberta C. Deatha family
crisis. Oregon Extension Service,
Corvallis, Cir. 693, 1961.
Habenstein, Robert W., and William
Peniston, D. Hugh. "The importance
of 'death education' in family life."
The Family Life Coordinator, 11:
15-18, 1962.
Sayne, Ruth Buxton. "How I faced
being left alone." Farm Journal,
85:77+, November 1961.
Sharpe, Eileen. "Suddenly a young
widow with five children to support." Ladies Home Journal, 74 :177180+, October 1957.
Smith, Barbara. "When my husband
died." Saturday Evening Post, 230:
30-31+, December 21, 1957.
M. Lamers. Funeral customs the
world over. Buffin Printers, Milwaukee, 1960. (973 pp.)
Johnson, Lucile. "Why shouldn't fuThe Social Security Administration,
nerals change?" Farm Journal,
the
Oregon Department of Veterans'
83 :72-0+, October 1959.
Affairs (County Veterans' Service ofMiller, Dorothy Sherrill. A will of ficer), county public welfare depart-
Tour ownanswers
to
questions
about your property and heirs. Ore-
gon Extension Service, Corvallis,
Bull. 807, 1963.
Parton, Margaret. "No father to turn
to." Ladies Home Journal, 78 :112115+, December 1961.
ments, banks, funeral directors, cemeteries, memorial parks, mausoleums,
and crematoriums have additional materials. A visit to any of these offices
or establishments will prove informative and helpful to those who wish details not covered in this publication.
19