Information on Cremation

*   A WORD ABOUT TRUTH IN ADVERTISING

*   HOW NOVA CREMATION SERVICE OPERATES

*   INTRODUCTION TO FUNERAL PREPLANNING

*   WHEN DEATH OCCURS

*   TYPE OF SERVICES NOVA OFFERS

*   CHOICES FOR CREMATED REMAINS

*   Healing Process

*   WHEN   NOVA   STARTED.

*   A Private Letter

A WORD ABOUT TRUTH IN ADVERTISING

You may not realize it, but you are a consumer and you need to be objective and informed about all funeral and cemetery information.

If you are checking out different funeral homes and a director quotes a $700 price tag for a cremation, you may be thinking this is the total charge and come to find out such rates are half- truths and you were misled.

We take pride in offering our services without hidden charges. We speak in whole truths. When we quote a price, you will get a list of what it includes and what other charges may occur.

HOW NOVA CREMATION SERVICE OPERATES

Upon Notification of death and receipt of all necessary forms, NOVA will correlate all arrangements and secure the remains.

Using the information supplied on the statistical information sheet and any updated information form the family we will complete the certificate of death and obtain the signature of the attending physician or deputy coroner or investigator. The completed certificate and the disposition permit is issued.

If you choose cremation, the remains are held in our cold holding facility until all legal documents are completed. The remains are placed into a utility cremation carton and transported directly to the crematory for cremation. Once the cremation is complete, the cremated remains are placed in a durable container (or urn if one was selected) and returned to NOVA or the family, shipped as directed or dissemination is scheduled.

The length of time between the date of death and the actual cremation time and return of the remains to the family varies depending on the time of day the death occurred, how long it takes to get the needed authorizations and legal documents as well as the availability of cremation equipment.  There is also the time needed to obtain the death certificate.

INTRODUCTION TO FUNERAL PREPLANNING

There comes a time for all of us when we realize our remaining years are dwindling.  Many people may think about the need to select a funeral director who will respond in time of need, but do not get much past that part. It seems we are too busy so tend to put it off till a more convenient time.

It is always difficult to sit down and decide that now is the time to decide what arrangements should be provided for one’s own death or the death of a loved one. By making prearrangements, you can avoid the confusion that often occurs when a grieving family is left to decide. With pre-authorization, you will be able to put such thoughts away knowing that the choice you have made will be carried out.

Many times I hear from people who have chosen NOVA as their funeral director, their comments are: “Now that I know everything will be taken care of, I can put it out of my mind and not worry about it any longer.”

WHEN DEATH OCCURS

Of course, there is a difference between being notified of a death and actually being there when the death occurs. There is also a difference between expecting a death to occur and having it thrust upon us unexpectedly.

If you are not using hospice, the family may need to be the ones to call the paramedics or a police officer.

Should the death occur at home, these agencies are required to notify the county’s coroner’s office. They will ask why or how the death occurred.  In this case, a deputy may be dispatched to that location and take charge of the remains until the decedent’s physician can sign the certificate of death.

If a person dies of unnatural causes or does not have a physician, or the physician does not know how the person died, the coroner may order an autopsy. An autopsy is a physical examination of the tissues and organs to determine exactly how and why death occurred.

Many county coroners offices charge for supplies, removal and storage if they take charge of the remains.

Depending on the county, this fee is paid either to the funeral director, who, in turn, will pay the coroners office or it is paid directly to the coroner’s office.  The fee may exceed $150.00.

At this time, there is no charge for an autopsy.

This charge is above and beyond the funeral director’s fees.

The coroner’s office may hold the remains up to 72 hours depending on the length of investigation.
If no paramedics or police were involved and the death was expected, you may call the funeral director first.

If for any reason there is a question regarding the death,  please CALL 911.

The funeral director will ask you a few questions such as what the person was being treated for or why death occurred or how long it has been since the person has seen the physician.

The director then may elect to call the coroners office or to respond by coming directly at that time.  Should unforeseen circumstances arise, coroner can be called later.

When prearrangements are made. We know whom we are dealing with and can respond to meet your needs more efficiently.

When a terminal patient is at home without hospice care; a simple note written on a physician’s prescription pad stating:

“IN THE EVENT OF DEATH, BARRING ANY UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, I WILL BE ABLE TO SIGN THE CERTIFICATE OF DEATH.”

This way, should the paramedics, police/sheriff or deputy coroner respond, the above note could short circuit possible delays and additional charges.

Many times, what happens is they will wish to contact the physician for verification.  Should death occur at night or weekends, or perhaps the physician is not available, this note could same time, money, and unnecessary confusion especially when crossing county lines.

Anytime a patient is admitted to a care facility, they usually will ask you in the event of death, which funeral director do you wish to be called.  Many times this will spark initial inquiry into different services.

Most convalescent homes do not have cold holding facilities and need to know who to respond. Having this information ahead of time is best for everyone involved. Especially if you wish to see your loved one upon the death. This is very true if a direct cremation has been ordered.

TYPE OF SERVICES NOVA OFFERS

• Traditional Services.(embalming, viewing and casket with burial)
• Burial without embalming (direct burial, no viewing)
• Direct cremation (no viewing or services)
• Authorizing remains to be bathed, features set and dressed in clothing provided by family for brief viewing.
• Viewing remains on display equipment for brief viewing. (can purchase or rent a casket (cremation only) for viewing rather than use display equipment)
• Authorizing remains to be embalmed for temporary preservation and disinfection for viewing regardless of disposition.
• Memorial service without remains present.
• Traditional funeral service from our chapel or your church.

CHOICES FOR CREMATED REMAINS

• You may have the cremated remains returned to the family to hold or scatter on your property. You may wish to hold until you have decided what to do with the cremated remains.
• You may scatter the cremated remains on other’s property with their permission.
• You may scatter the cremated remains at sea, or inland navigable waters exclusive of lakes and streams. Certain areas are prohibited such as shoreline, bridge or pier.
• You may purchase cemetery space for the size of the cremated remains.
• You may wish to arrange gardens for dissemination of the cremated remains.
• You may wish to arrange for burial for the cremated remains in the existing grave of a family member. The cemetery does not actually open the interred casket, but rather sells a small outer container and buries into the same location. A marker maybe redone to reflect names.

Healing Process

Think back to a time when you were notified of the death of someone you loved; and for a moment, capture that feeling.

Persons react differently depending on how the exact circumstances were presented to you and how you as an individual usually process these emotions.

Many would first feel denial. Some may feel guilt for what ever reason. Some may even feel a sense of rejection while others may feel outright anger. Regardless how you felt or what steps you went through, eventually acceptance was obtained.

Most of us want to know exactly how we can help each other at this time of crisis. Perhaps, just being there is one of the best possible things that could have been done.

It is true that time does in fact heal all wounds. But what would you say knowing that your family will face these same steps and feel the same emotions. What could be done to help lessen the impact when your time has come?

The answer IS family involvement. To share your innermost thoughts and ideas. To bestow your good will and bring to mind your accomplishments or treasured memories that had brought great joy to life. Your hopes for  tomorrow and let us not forget to instill our undying love.

Remember, the true purpose of the funeral service is not for the person who had died, but rather for the family and friends that gather to help each other through this transition. Regardless, if it is a traditional type of funeral service with a spiritual speaker,  or just a simple gathering in someone's home with thoughts and stories of good times shared.  It also helps others to face their own mortality.

My grandmother had a hand in my upbringing and we where very close. One sleepless night I wondered how I would handle her death when her time had come. I found myself that night pretending that she had passed away. I had tears, remembered pleasant thoughts, words  of wisdom given. I carried out until I obtained an inner peace telling  myself that it was just foolishness, she was alive and well. The next time I saw her, I made a point of expressing my love and gratitude for her unselfish ways.

When the call came one night that she had in fact passed away, I felt a peaceful release. All my tears had been spent and I was at peace with myself.

The healing process can begin with love and understanding long before death occurs. I suppose, the final point is, if you have something to say or do, now is the time to take care of it.

What about the death of a spouse? Someone you have been with so many years.  Perhaps it is not the actual passing that can be so intimidating, but the after hours alone.

It would be most important to call upon the emotional strength of family and friends to help us through this transition. And remember, If someone offers to help in some small way, let them. You may find that you need the comfort or companionship and that person will feel better also.

However, when a death occurs, regardless if a spouse or someone who shared your life, when and family are notified and come to be with you and give you the emotional strength; usually these family members will be going home back to their own lives. This may leave you alone. This quite adjustment time is needed as part of your own healing process.

You may of course feel the emotions discussed earlier.   It is important not to feel sorry for yourself. You must go on. This is part of life's little trials that may not seem fair,  it just the way it is. The emotional healing is greatly dependent on a positive attitude. Just as in life, if you think  "I'm getting sick, I don't feel good, then chances are you're in for a ill spell.  However, if you fight it off, you still might become sick, but not as bad as otherwise.

Believe that you can be emotional strong. This is the way that "Loved one" would have wanted it. Not for you to feel sick, or cheated, or emotional depleted.  Remember, death and dying  is as much as part of life as birth itself.  Whatever it takes for you to overcome, then seek it out and do it.  While not living in the past, you can certainly remember the good times you had been blessed with and to count each and everyone.

NOVA Cremation Service was founded in 1982 by David Wm. Loper. Mr. Loper had received his education in the traditional funeral industry and became an embalmer in 1972. Today, with his wife Colleen, The Loper family provides the simple alternative in-ground burial and funeral expenses.

The arrangement portion of the business is run in their own home. In this way, the families are served can beassured that low cost and high quality, professional service is offered. We are small enough to provide concerned care for each family and large enough to provide an efficient, low cost service.

Mr. Loper can provide any type of service you may require. Please feel free to call with your needs or questions. We are here to help. When asked why so much effort is made to provide such an informative brochure instead of just simply mailing a General Price List,  Mr. Loper replied that when anyone loses the life of someone special,  the loss is so traumatic, that feeling can devastate a family.

He continued by stating that he was amazed to find so many people fear death and avoid the subject until they  are forced to deal with it.

If the brochure can help enlighten someone, to put them more at ease and to help educate those who wish to learn, then the effort made to present a caring  business may lead that family to entrust us with the care of a loved member of their family, or for themselves.

Of course it is a business.  However, the personal satisfaction and rewards is echoed by the families we serve. The caring of the remains is important in the readjustment  the family must make.  If we can assist by alleviating that worry, then perhaps the healing can begin. (559) 266-9400

A Private Letter SOME TIME AGO, I had a medical problem.  I will share my uttermost thoughts.  Part of it reveals my own beliefs.  Please understand, it was a private letter and please do not judge me.

If this where the DAY I died, would it make a difference?  Would I be surprised, elated, sorrowful, or would I look foreward face to face with my eternity. 

Would I have changed my day spending time with friends, or perhaps spending the day on my knees with prayer.  Perhaps I enhastley my affairs and entrusted to whom such.

Would I find that I am indispensable and cry out to the almighty for elegancy for my work was not done.  Would I cry out foregiveness for any and all sins.  Would I pray for my family and entrust that all will be guided that I am gone.

Would I remember of all my dreams and how I spent my life making a positive worth time and helped my fellow man.  Did I mention how happy being as a Christian and perhaps encourage others to be with Jesus.

The other day, and months previous thought above,  My physician requested an echo of my heart.  This would provide information for best medications and prognosis.  As I watched the monitor with valves moving with persuasion and purpose.  I realized just now vulnerable I am.

I deal with families with different attitudes.  It is children that have lived seeing their parents and instilled their thoughts.

The ideal is to live productive beings and stay healthy both physically and mentally until my days numbered.

Don't ever be afraid of the dark and thank God and trust in his love.

I remember one night in a convalescent hospital making a removal.  The other patient laid in the bed praying "Oh Lord, let me die.  I cannot take the pain. Oh Lord, hear me. I'm ready, please Lord.......... " The personnel, "Oh, she is just out of it.  That's all she does".

I do not know the time of my demise.  But at times, I become tired.  And my prayers are more often and purpose.  All I can say is,  Thank God because Jesus cares.

The dark side, that evil demon, does not sleep and probably knows more about us.  Undermines, destroys, lies.  Places traps, evil planning.  Plays our weekness.  Destroy family values and dysfunctional accord.

I cannot do all without prayer and without the blood of Jesus Christ.

Yes, I do become discourages.  It is very difficult to stay UP when there is so much down.  How naive how I used to believe I could do all without Jesus.  Now, it seems I can not move without a prayer in my song.  Thank you Jesus.

I am going to the cardiologist appointment to see my options.  I trust it's not immediate expiration.  Please remember my needed prayers and for you likewise.  As Always, LOVE.

WELL, this is the day of my surgery.  Needless to say, it is a little scary not knowing of the outcome.  I do believe that God is not finished with me.  Many friends are praying for a successful job and speedy recovery.

I do want to tell YOU, that I Do Love You.  You have always been there when I needed.  Thank you for the many things that you have done for me and our Family. As Always, LOVE.

WELL wasn't that fun?  It's live being a carved Turkey.  They come off with; well if the patient survives the surgery can be of something else; like kidney failure, or bacteria, or pneumonia.  Perhaps another stroke.  Very encouraging, if I expire, then they will wave the surgeon's fee.

Used three veins for tri coronary by-pass.  That's fun by itself.

It's now ten days after my surgery. [Surgery was 03/15/2005]

I will probably live until I'm eighty nine years old.  Long before everyone else long gone not allowing to die.  I'm sure it's for the amusement of GOD.      As Always, LOVE,            David.