|
|
MEMORIAL SERVICES AND BURIALSWe feel it is useful from time to time to restate and reinforce the traditional Friends' testimony of simplicity. In the matter of funeral practices, the pressures of society seem especially strong. When a family is face with the stress of bereavement, they find it hard not to do that which they are led to believe their neighbors expect of them. We feel, therefore, that Friends should set down in time of health their wishes as to the disposition of their bodies after death, and the sort of ceremony at which they would like to be remembered. We feel it would be especially useful for families to make these plans together, so that all may be sure of the wishes of others. Since this is a tender area, and a matter which people find easy to put off doing, we recommend that a committee meet with members and offer such help as may be needed. For those members who are willing, the committee should keep a file of funeral plans, in order to be ready to serve. The attention of Friends is directed to the desirability of a called Meeting for Worship as a memorial service, which may be an alternative to the more traditional funeral. At a memorial service, attention is focused not upon a lifeless form, but on a living spirit and a radiant faith. Friends are advised to conform to true simplicity in all funeral arrangements, avoiding elaborate and expensive floral decorations. May funeral and memorial services be times when life of the deceased may be deeply felt and the presence of God may bring comfort and hope to those bereaved. Funeral committees or Ministry and Oversight committees are urged to ask individuals to fill out questionnaires (sample on page 75) and file them with the committee. The duties of the funeral committee are to call promptly on the bereaved family to offer any needed assistance, such as notifying relatives and friends, assisting with the service, and checking off items on the questionnaire. Under Iowa law (Code of Iowa, 1973, Sections 144.26-.35), a death certificate must be filed with the local registrar of the district in which death occurred within three days after death, and prior to final disposition. All information including the certifying physician's name is to be typewritten. In the case of fetal deaths (after 20 weeks or more), a fetal death certificate must be filed with the local registrar of the district in which delivery occurred, within three days after delivery and prior to the final disposition. The funeral director who first assumes custody of a body must file the death certificate, after obtaining data from the next of kin or best qualified person, and medical certification of the cause of death. When a person other than a funeral director assumes custody of a dead body or fetus, that person will be responsible for carrying out the provisions of the law. The medical certificate must be completed and signed within 24 hours after death by the physician in charge. If inquiry should be required by the county medical examiner, he completes the certificate within 24 hours after taking charge. Burial-transit permits are required, and must be applied for within 72 hours of death; such permits from another state constitute authority for final disposition in Iowa. Embalming is required only (1) if death resulted from a communicable disease, or (2) if burial will be more than 48 hours after death, or (3) if a body is to be shipped by a common carrier or taken across state lines.
(For use by appropriate Monthly Meeting Committees) To be filled out by individuals who may wish Friends to assist in the event of death. Indicates information you want the Meeting to have. Date _____________________________ Names of members of family and relationship: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Others______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Who should be contacted in regard to plans? ________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ What are the plans for body disposal? 1. Donated to medical school? _____ Whole? _____ Parts? ______ Where? ______________________________________________________ Whom to contact _____________________________________________ 2. Burial: Cremation _____ Embalming _____ Burial plot _____ Where _______________________________________________________ 3. Is there a burial association? Where? _______________________ Do you wish a service after the manner of Friends? _____Other? _____ What are your wishes regarding memorial gifts, flowers, other? Is there a will? _____ Where located? ______________________________ Is there insurance? _____ Life? _____ Burial? _____ Where are policies located? ________________________________________
Signature ________________________________________ |