Frequent Questions

Most Funeral Homes offer composite caskets made of lesser grade materials for an exorbitant price. McFarland Family Funeral Home includes a 20 gauge steel casket in its Standard Burial Package for just $1895*. This package includes removal of decedent from place of death (or morgue), refrigerated storage, sanitary handling and preparation for burial, transportation by hearse to cemetery and total graveside service. There is no better value in Kern, Tulare, and Kings counties.

*sales tax not included

A rental casket is available for that kind of purpose, great for families on a budget or wanting to reduce environmental impact. The body is laid in the casket in an attractively adorned and sturdy insert container, which is then removed for cremation

Viewings can be presented without embalming if the viewing can be conducted within a few days of death. However, embalming is necessary when the time between death and burial or cremation will be extended due to transport or extenuating circumstances

Caveat emptor. Some hard-sell phrases to be wary of: “Given your position in the community …,” “I’m sure you want what’s best for your mother,” and “Your mother had excellent taste. When she made arrangements for Aunt Nellie, this is what she chose.” Are some examples of “up-selling” in the Funeral industry. I advise clients to use common-sense and take emotion out of the process. Just as in any financial transaction, the consumer wants to get value for their money. It should be the same in choosing a Funeral Home. Are they upfront and honest? Do they adhere to all California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau and Public Health Department guidelines and regulations? Are their clients satisfied?

“Protective” caskets with a rubber gasket do not stop decomposition. In fact, the moisture and gases they trap inside have caused caskets to explode! Unless mummified, all organic matter eventually decays and ends up as “ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” It’s just another disingenuous selling ploy

Shop around. Prices at funeral homes vary wildly, with direct cremation costing $800 at one funeral home and $3,000 down the street. (Federal law requires that prices be provided over the phone.) These variations can apply to identical services and products!

If you are sold a package that is portrayed as “saving you money,” ask for the individual price list. Funeral Homes often offer packages that include services you don’t want or need

It is unnecessary to spend a lot of money to have a memorable service. Consider a potluck at the widow’s home or an informal ceremony at a favorite park, and ask family and friends to tell stories or read favorite poems of the deceased loved one. In the end it’s a matter of the heart, not the wallet