When a Death Occurs
Take a breath. Then make one phone call and we will take it from there.
If Death Occurs at Home
- If your loved one was under hospice care, call the hospice nurse first.
- If there was no hospice, call 911.
- Once the death is pronounced, call us and we will come to your home.
If Death Occurs in a Hospital or Nursing Facility
- The staff will notify the attending physician and pronounce the death.
- Tell the staff you have chosen Ward Memorial Funeral Home.
- Call us and we will coordinate the transfer directly with them.
If Death Occurs Out of State or Overseas
Call us before signing anything with a funeral home in that area. We coordinate transfers nationwide and can often reduce costs significantly. See out-of-state transfers.
Who Else to Notify
- Immediate family, close friends and clergy
- Employer or school
- Insurance agents and attorney
- Social Security Administration (see survivor benefits)
- Veterans Affairs for a veteran (see veterans benefits)
What Happens Next
We bring your loved one into our care, then meet with you to make arrangements at a time that works for your family.