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Q.
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What should I do if the death
occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?
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A.
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Our staff of professionals is
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, please, just call. We'll make the
necessary arrangements and notify the proper authorities.
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Q.
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Will someone come right away?
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A.
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If you request immediate
assistance, yes. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the
deceased to say good bye, it's acceptable. We'll come when your time is right.
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Q.
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If our loved one dies
outside Benton Harbor, can you help us?
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A.
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Yes, we serve Benton Harbor,
as well as all surrounding communities. We can also assist you with
out-of-state arrangements, either to transfer the remains to another state
or from another state.
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Q.
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I've never made final
arrangements before. How will I know what needs to happen and when?
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A.
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Providing you with information
is our job. We'll explain every aspect of the process, outline your options
and review the costs so you'll have all the information you need to make
clear decisions.
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Q.
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How much will arrangements cost?
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A.
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Our prices are itemized (please see our 'Services' page).
You are shown each price with full disclosure and are charged only for items you select. We also
offer packaged services that are simple and include discounts.
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Q.
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Can Robbins Brothers Funeral
Home help me with cremation?
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A.
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Yes, Robbins Brothers
has arranged cremation services for many, many years.
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Q.
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So, I've decided on cremation.
Can I still have a funeral or a viewing?
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A.
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Yes, quite often some sort of
viewing precedes the actual cremation. We will also assist you with the
necessary information for a funeral with a cremation following or a memorial
service.
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Q.
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We don't have a church affiliation.
Can we still have a service there?
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A.
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Yes, we have a very nice chapel
available in the funeral home with plenty of seating room.
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Q.
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What is the purpose of embalming?
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A.
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Embalming sanitizes and preserves
the body, retards the decomposition process, and enhances
the appearance of a body disfigured by traumatic death or illness. Embalming makes it
possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing
family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting
to them. It is not required by law, but is common practice when a viewing is planned.
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Q.
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How many types of caskets
exist, and why are some more expensive than others?
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A.
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Caskets are made of either metal
(bronze, copper or steel) or wood. Prices vary, depending on the exterior
and interior materials used. Bronze, a semi-precious metal, is more expensive
than steel. Mahogany, a rare hardwood, is more expensive than the readily
available softwood pine.
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Q.
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What if we can't afford the
cost of the funeral?
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A.
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Robbins Brothers is family owned.
We pride ourselves on treating our customers like our own family members. Because
you are dealing directly with the us, the owners, we have the ability to be
flexible and find a workable solution.
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Q.
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What government agencies help
defray final expenses?
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A.
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As you funeral directors, we
will gather the necessary information to apply for financial assistance
from Social Security, Veteran's, retirements and any others.
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