Dougherty Funeral Home staff is committed to helping families through the difficult process of
arranging a funeral for a loved one. We do so with the highest degree of integrity and caring
professionalism. We understand the significance of this life event so attending to every detail
is of our utmost importance. We believe every family is unique and, therefore, we will provide
personalized services to meet your individual needs.
It is important to remember the funeral service is for the living. It is a meaningful way to
support the living in their search for acceptance of death. It is an opportunity for family
and friends to gather and share their grief as well as their memories. It is the beginning
of the journey of learning to live without a loved one. There is no right or wrong way to
have a funeral service. Our licensed funeral directors will guide you through the process of
planning the type of service that best fits and celebrates the life of your loved one.
A traditional funeral service includes a visitation, either the evening before
the service or an hour prior to the service (or both), and a formal funeral ceremony held at a
church, the funeral home or another location. The service usually includes an officiant, music,
a memorial book, and folders, and display of floral arrangements and picture boards. A procession
to the cemetery usually follows the service. A lunch may be served either immediately after the
service or upon return from the cemetery.
A memorial service is a ceremony usually held when the deceased has been cremated.
An urn with the deceased cremated remains may or may not be displayed along with family favorite
photos. The service may include many of the same elements of a traditional service. It may be as
formal or simple as the family desires.
A graveside service is a very simple service held at the place of burial. This
may be a private or public service. The family may choose to go in procession from the funeral
home to the cemetery or meet directly at the grave.
Cremation is an alternative to the traditional earth burial of the body in a casket.
A memorial service is the option if cremation is immediate. However, cremation can also follow
a traditional visitation and service. The remains may be buried at a cemetery or held or scattered
by the family.
