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What To Do When Death Occurs |
| If a death should occur in
your family and you are unsure what to do, please call the funeral chapel for
assistance at (541) 367-2891. We are available day and night to help you
coordinate arrangements and notify the appropriate authorities. |
| | | Collect information for the Death Certificate: full
name and middle initial of the deceased; date and place of birth; social security
number; education; military record; marital status; father's name; mother's name;
and mother's maiden name. | | | | Make
a list of immediate family, close friends, and colleagues, and then notify each
by phone. | | | | Decide on an appropriate
memorial to which gifts may be made (church, hospice, library, charity, or school). |
| | | Gather information for an obituary: age, place
of birth, cause of death, occupation, college degrees, memberships held, military
service, outstanding achievements, photograph, list of survivors in immediate
family, and the time and place of funeral or memorial services. The caring professionals
at the funeral chapel can write the article and submit it to newspapers and other
appropriate media sources. If a photograph is included, it can be returned intact. |
| | | Arrange for members of the family or close friends
to take turns answering the door or phone, keeping a careful record of calls. |
| | | Arrange for child care, if necessary. |
| | | Check promptly on all debts and installment payments,
including credit cards. Some may carry insurance clauses that will cancel them.
If there is to be a delay in meeting payments, consult with creditors and ask
for more time before payments are due. | | |
| Notify relevant organizations: life insurance companies; bank or credit
union; trade union; fraternal organizations; military organizations; Internal
Revenue Service; and any financial representatives such as a broker (brokers and
the IRS will both require a copy of the death certificate). |
| | | The funeral director will prepare Social Security
Form SSA 721. Contact the Social
Security Administration (800-772-1213) to ensure the social security number
is retired and to pursue any benefits for the survivors. | | |
| Contact the Veteran's
Administration (503-373-2095), if appropriate. They will request military
discharge information. If you are the spouse of a veteran, contact your County
Assessor's office. There may be a reduction in taxes. | |
