874728-penttilas-chapel-by-the-sea-fh

Flag Retirement Program at Penttila's

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 22:22:05 GMT

Flag Retirement Program at Penttila's

Most people are not sure of what to do with a flag that has seen better days. Some continue to fly their aged flag or have purchased a new flag while holding onto their old one.

At Penttila's Chapel by the Sea, we are collecting those worn, tattered or torn American flags that are no longer suitable for display and are no longer fit to serve the nation.

To honor our veterans, and if a family wishes, we will provide one of the aged retired flags donated to be cremated alongside their veteran. The flag collected will drape over the veteran’s cremation receptacle prior to cremation and will stay with them during the cremation process. This gives the flag one last great duty of honoring your loved one.

In accordance to The United States Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8k states-“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
https://www.flagsusa.com/flag-retirement/

Stop by Penttila's Chapel at 1515 Pacific Ave S, Long Beach- across from McDonald's- and we will gladly accept those flags.

Please make sure all flags provided have been shown the care and dignity they deserve.

“We salute all those service men, woman and their families who have served promoting the freedom that we are fortunate to have today.” - Eric Anderson, owner

Veterans

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 17:03:56 GMT

Veteran's Benefits and How to Receive Them

What I have learned in my 20 years of funeral service is that our Veteran's are not cared for as they deserve to be, including in death.

This is what the military offers to our deceased Veterans.

If you’re a veteran and your discharge was not dishonorable, you are probably eligible for burial in a national veterans cemetery.

If you’re buried in a private cemetery, your family may be entitled to a veteran’s burial allowance. ($2000)

You can receive military funeral honors and memorial items whether you’re interred in a veterans cemetery or a private one.

Who is Eligible for Interment?

Eligibility for interment in the Washington State Veterans Cemetery mirrors National Veterans Cemetery eligibility requirements.

In general:

• All U.S. Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable;

• Spouses;

• Dependent Children.

The Washington State Veterans Cemetery serves veterans and other eligible individuals from Washington and other States.

More information on the National Veterans Cemetery Eligibility Requirements is available at: http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/bbene/eligible.asp or by contacting a WDVA Benefits Specialist directly at 1- 800-562-2308.

What is the Application for Interment?

The “Application for Interment” form is submitted when the decedent (Veteran or eligible Spouse/Dependent Child) is to be interred in the Veterans Cemetery. This form provides the Cemetery with the necessary contact information required to schedule interment. If not already pre-registered, a Form DD-214 or equivalent discharge document must accompany the application form to establish eligibility. Likewise, if not already pre-registered, spousal interments require a Marriage Certificate and Dependent Child interments require proof of dependency. If the family is unsure if the Veteran or eligible spouse has been pre-registered, please call the Cemetery Office.

Please be aware that the Cemetery cannot proceed with interment scheduling without proof of eligibility.

For assistance in determining eligibility, please call 509-299-6280 extension 0.

What is the Cost for Burial in the State Veterans Cemetery?

Interment fees for eligible veterans are paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

$300 will be collected for interment of eligible spouses or eligible dependent children.

Veterans who are eligible for interment are also eligible for a Federal VA Plot Allowance.

The State Veterans Cemetery Office applies for and collects this plot allowance.

Neither the State nor the Federal VA pay for other funeral expenses, such as preparation.

These fees are paid by the Veteran’s family or estate.

Some Veterans or their widows/widowers are eligible for Federal VA benefits in addition to the plot allowance.

To determine whether the veteran or family member is eligible for additional benefits, please call 1-800-562-2308.

What Type of Interment Sites and Markers are Available?

The State Veterans Cemetery provides for in-ground casket burial sites and cremation interments.

For cremation interments the following options are available:

A columbarium niche that includes an inscribed, granite marker;

An in-ground cremation inurnment that includes an upright inscribed, granite marker;

A scattering garden with a flush-to-ground inscribed granite memorial marker.

Can I Select my Own Interment Site?

No. Families may choose the interment type; however grave/columbarium site selection is made by the Cemetery.

Normally, the grave/columbarium sites are assigned chronologically.

What is the cost for a Headstone or Marker?

The Veterans Cemetery secures headstones and markers from the Federal VA.

There is no cost to the family.

“In Memory of” markers are also available in most instances to Veterans whose ashes have been scattered elsewhere and have yet to be memorialized in a cemetery.

For individuals interred in private cemeteries funeral homes typically assist with the ordering of Veteran headstones and markers.

How do I Schedule an Interment and Service?

Interments and services are scheduled through the Cemetery Office or by calling 509-299-6280.

Committal services are conducted Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Services are held in the Committal Shelter. (Veterans Cemeteries do not have a chapel.) The Committal Shelter will be designed to provide a place of respectful remembrance. The Shelter provides limited protection from inclement weather, seating for the immediate family and ample standing room for others. (Because of safety concerns, the Cemetery does not permit graveside services.)

Can I Pre-Register?

Yes. Pre-registration allows a Veteran, Spouse or Dependent Child to establish in advance, eligibility for interment in the Washington State Veterans Cemetery. Documentation such as a Form DD-214 for veterans and a marriage license for spouses is required during the pre-registration process. If the veteran is deceased and the surviving spouse is preregistering, the death certificate of the veteran is required. Individuals who pre-register are provided with a letter confirming their eligibility and are advised to file it with their other important documents. The letter includes a confirmation number which allows the Cemetery Office to easily access the eligibility file. Pre-registering offers a way for a veteran or family member to make final arrangements; however we understand that circumstances may change and pre-registering does not override other decisions made as a result of estate planning or Next-of-Kin authorizations. The actual Application for Interment is not submitted until the eligible Veteran, Spouse, or Dependent Child is to be interred.

How do I Request Military Honors?

The Cemetery Office coordinates all Military Honors for those Veterans interred in the Cemetery. Honors include the playing of Taps, folding of the flag, and its presentation to the next-of-kin. An Honor Guard detail of at least two members of the Armed Services are provided for the interment service of the eligible Veteran. For Veterans who retired from the military, a rifle volley may also be provided. Where Can I Request a Flag? Flags for presentation to the Next-of-Kin during services at the Veterans Cemetery should be provided by the Funeral Home. Flags can also be secured from designated US Post Offices or VA Regional Offices by filling out VA Form 21-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes.

This form is available at: http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/burial_flags.asp or by calling 1-800-562-2308.

How Social Security Can Help You After A Family Member Dies

chapelbytheseafh@gmail.com (Penttila Admin) — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 16:45:40 GMT

How Social Security Can Help You After A Family Member Dies- Everything you need to know.

The first step is to get the Social Security number to the funeral director as they report the person’s death to Social Security.

Some of the deceased’s family members may be able to receive Social Security benefits if the deceased person worked long enough in jobs insured under Social Security to qualify for benefits.

Spouses, minor children, and disabled children may qualify for benefits after death.

Please read the following information carefully to learn what benefits may be available.

Social Security sadly pays a one-time payment of $255 to the surviving spouse IF they were living with the deceased. If living apart from the deceased and eligible for certain Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record, the surviving spouse may still be able to get this one-time payment.

If there’s no surviving spouse, a child who’s eligible for benefits on the deceased’s record in the month of death can get this payment.

Certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits, including:

A widow or widower age 60 or older (age 50 or older if disabled).
A widow or widower of any age caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled.
An unmarried child of the deceased who is either:
Younger than age 18 (or up to age 19 if they’re a full-time student in an elementary or secondary school).
Age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22.
A step-child, grandchild, step-grandchild, or adopted child under certain circumstances.
Parents, age 62 or older, who were dependent on the deceased for at least half of their support.
A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances.

SOCIAL SECURITY PULLING MONEY OUT OF YOUR ACCOUNT AFTER A DEATH:

If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death and any later months. This will usually be drafted out of the account a month or 2 after the death, when SS finally catches up with their own paperwork. For example, if the person dies in July, you must return the benefit paid in August. If paid by check, do not cash any checks received for the month the person dies or later. Return the checks to Social Security as soon as possible. Keep in mind that eligible family members may be able to receive death benefits for the month the beneficiary died. Contacting Social Security The most convenient way to do business with them from anywhere, on any device, is to visit www.ssa.gov.

There are several things you can do online: apply for benefits; get useful information; find publications; and get answers to frequently asked questions. Or, you can call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or at 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) if you’re deaf or hard of hearing. They can answer your call from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. You can also use the automated services via telephone, 24 hours a day.

The following information is direct from the Social Security website:

_____________________________________________________________________________

Social Security survivors benefits are paid to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. This benefit is particularly important for young families with children.

This page provides detailed information about survivors benefits and can help you understand what to expect from Social Security when you or a loved one dies.

The Basics:

family members may receive survivors benefits if you die . If you are working and paying into Social Security, some of those taxes you pay are for survivors benefits. Your spouse, children, and parents could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings.

You may receive survivors benefits when a family member dies . You and your family could be eligible for benefits based on the earnings of a worker who died. The deceased person must have worked long enough to qualify for benefits.

How to Apply:

You should notify us immediately when a person dies. However, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online.

In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death to us. You should give the funeral home the deceased person’s Social Security number if you want them to make the report.

If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can find the phone number for your local office by using our Social Security Office Locator and looking under Social Security Office Information. The toll-free “Office” number is your local office.

If you are not getting benefits

If you are not getting benefits, you should apply for survivors benefits promptly because, in some cases, benefits may not be retroactive.

If you are getting benefits

If you are getting benefits on your spouse's or parent's record:

You generally will not need to file an application for survivors benefits.
We'll automatically change any monthly benefits you receive to survivors benefits after we receive the report of death.
We may be able to pay the Special Lump-Sum Death Payment automatically.

If you are getting retirement or disability benefits on your own record:

You will need to apply for the survivors benefits.
We will check to see whether you can get a higher benefit as a widow or widower.

Documents you Need to Begin the Application Process:

Please select the benefit you will be applying for from the list below to see what information and documents you may need when you apply:

Widows/Widowers or Surviving Divorced Spouse's Benefits .
Child's Benefits .
Mother's or Father's Benefits (You must have a child under age 16 or disabled in your care.)
Lump-Sum Death Payment.
Parent's Benefits (You must have been dependent on your child at the time of his or her death.)

If you don't have all the documents you need, don't delay applying for Social Security benefits.

In many cases, your local Social Security office can contact your state Bureau of Vital Statistics and verify your information online at no cost to you. If we can't verify your information online, we can still help you get the information you need.

Mailing Your Documents

If you mail any documents to us, you must include the Social Security number so that we can match them with the correct application. Do not write anything on the original documents. Please write the Social Security number on a separate sheet of paper and include it in the mailing envelope along with the documents.

For Same Sex Partners:

On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, holding that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all states and have their marriage recognized by other states. This decision made it possible for more same-sex couples and their families to benefit from our programs.

Benefits for Same-Sex Couples

Your marital status is important in determining your entitlement to retirement , survivors , Medicare , and disability benefits. You or your spouse could be entitled to benefits, or a higher benefit amount, based on your marital relationship. Your children or stepchildren could also be entitled to benefits. For some surviving spouses, divorced spouses, and adults who developed a qualifying disability during childhood, benefits could end if they marry. Marriage may also affect your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility or payment amount.

In some cases, people who are in non-marital legal relationships like civil unions or domestic partnerships may also be entitled to benefits as a married person.

To get more information about benefits for same-sex couples read What Same-Sex Couples Need to Know .

Survivors Benefits for Same-Sex Partners

More surviving same-sex partners may now qualify for Social Security survivors benefits. If you were in a same-sex relationship with a partner who passed away, you may qualify for Social Security survivors benefits based on your partner’s record.

You may qualify for survivors benefits if either of the following are true:

You would have been married at the time of your partner’s death if unconstitutional state laws hadn’t prevented you from doing so.
You would have been married longer if not for unconstitutional state laws that prevented you from marrying earlier.

If you think you may qualify based on the categories above, please contact us to apply. Even if you were previously denied survivors benefits because you did not meet the marriage requirement due to unconstitutional laws, you can ask us to reopen, or take another look at, your claim. If you were previously denied and we find that you qualify for benefits, you may be due retroactive benefits. For more information, visit Survivors Benefits for Same-Sex Partners and Spouses .

Inform Us of Changes

If you already receive Social Security benefits or SSI, you must tell us if you get married, enter a non-marital legal relationship, or divorce. These changes could affect your entitlement to Social Security benefits or your SSI eligibility or payment amount.

Whenever you change your name, be sure to report the change to us. Otherwise, your earnings may not be recorded properly, and you may not receive all the benefits you are due. We will provide you with an updated Social Security card. For more information read Your Social Security Number and Card .

Also, if you are paying a higher Medicare premium for Part B and Part D, you could be eligible for a new initial determination based on a life-changing event of marriage. If you amended your tax return and changed the income we used to determine your premium, let us know. We call the additional premium amount the “income-related monthly adjustment amount” (IRMAA). To report these changes in your income, use the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount – Life-Changing Event form.

Additional Information

If you and your same-sex partner have a child, we can place both parents’ names on your child’s Social Security number record. You will need to provide proof that you are the legal parents of the child. For more information read Social Security Numbers for Children . When you are ready to apply for an SSN for your child, contact us .

If you have a personal my Social Security account, you can get an estimate of your personal retirement benefits and see the effects of different retirement age scenarios. If you don’t have a personal my Social Security account, create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount .

How to Apply

When you are ready to apply for benefits, you can:

Apply online (retirement, spouse’s, Medicare, disability, SSI).

Apply by phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contacting your local Social Security office .

How Long Does it Take to Get a Death Certificate?

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 07:12:54 GMT

Funeral Directors KNOW You Need a Death Certificate, and we are on top of it every step of the way.

This is how long you can expect to wait for a death certificate in the state of Washington.

First, the Funeral Director needs to collect the vital statistics information from the next of kin or person helping make arrangements. This information includes name, social security number, date and place of birth, parents names, military and career affiliations and more. The sooner you can get this information to us, the faster we can begin the death record.

This can take as little as a few hours or a few days to get.

Once we have entered in all the data, we will print a Working Copy of the Death Certificate to proof read with next of kin or most responsible party. When they sign off on the proof, they have assured us there are no errors, and we can place the order....

IF the doctor has signed the death record. When the funeral home brings your person into their care, they will find out the name of the doctor, coroner, or medical examiner responsible for signing the record, as well as the pronounced time of death for the record, which may be different that the physical time of death. They immediately digitally assign this person to the death record. Once proofreading has been approved by the responsible party, and the death record has been filled in and electronically signed by the doctor/coroner/medical examiner, then the funeral director will give it a final authorization and send it electronically over to the county registrar.

The doctors have 5 business days to sign, but we are usually calling them sooner than that as a reminder that the family and disposition is waiting on them.

The county registrar, if in the office, will usually complete their end in 2 business days, and then the permits for burial or cremation can be secured.

It is at this point, the Certified Death Certificates can be ordered by the Funeral Director. We then have to email the order to the Registrar, then they will print the certified copies of the death certificates out and mail them to the funeral home for the family to pick up.

This process start to finish can take 7 to 14 business days, as there are many key individuals and steps involved.

Green Burial, Natural Burial

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 08:11:52 GMT

What is a Green or Natural Burial?

Death planning is a deeply personal and often unpleasant topic, so reasons for choosing one type of burial over another are as varied as you can imagine. But for many people who opt for a green burial, it can come down to cost, environmental impact and legacy.

The reason others choose green burial is right in the name: It’s environmentally friendly. Green burials do away with both the embalming chemicals and the extraneous cement, steel or other non-biodegradable materials conventional burials put into the earth, and lack the carbon footprint of cremation, which has been calculated to be the equivalent of a 500 mile journey by gas powered car.

Perhaps the most personal reason of all is one where the idea of green burial simply speaks to someone. They might find comfort in their body “returning to nature,” or want to take part in a conservation burial where burial fees are also used to cover land protection, restoration and management. Even existing cemeteries can offer a "Shades of Green" burial by inverting required liners or vaults, and allowing for shrouded burials as well.

But I thought we had to embalm bodies? Generally speaking, no. Embalming — the preservation of human remains for public display through the use of a chemical mixture that delays decomposition and makes the body “look natural” — is more of a cosmetic procedure than a public health safeguard. We have on site refrigeration in a temperature and moisture controlled environment, so no worries there.

We simply bathe the body with a natural soap, like Dr. Bronners, dry them, and then shroud, dress, or casket. Nothing invasive. Not to you, not to the earth.

Here is what Americans put in the ground each year through traditional burials: 20 million feet of wood, 4.3 million gallons of embalming fluids, 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete, 17,000 tons of copper and bronze, and 64,500 tons of steel, according to the Green Burial Council .

Green burials eliminate much of this waste by leaving out almost all of those materials; most bodies are simply wrapped in shrouds made from a biodegradable material like cotton and placed in the ground. And although cremations often have the reputation as being an eco-friendly option, they have a sizeable carbon footprint, unless performed by Water.

Is a green burial your choice? We can help. Call our director at 3 60.642.8885

Keepsake Ideas for a Lock of Hair

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 08:06:14 GMT

Some ideas for your consideration...

When loved ones die, it is often helpful to have mementos in honor of their memory. These things become a beloved treasure that’s passed down for years to come. One common keepsake when it comes to a deceased relative is hair. While it might sound unusual at first, humans have used hair as a type of keepsake for hundreds of years. When you think about it, many people have locks of hair from their first haircut as a baby- seems fitting we offer this keepsake option in house.

Because hair doesn’t decompose like other parts of the body, it’s become a symbol of eternal life and legacy. In Victorian times, hair was a common medium for creating unique works of art.

Glass Vial

The easiest way to keep a lock of hair is in a glass vial. It allows you to still see and admire the colors, while keeping it safe. We create a keepsake like the one pictured above.

Hair Memorial Diamond

If you have a deceased loved one's lock of hair, you can send it in to be turned into a memorial diamond. After several months, you'll have a custom diamond that you can get set on a ring, necklace, or other jewelry. Eterneva creates lab-grown diamonds with about a half a cup of hair and allow you to pick from several cuts and colors for your gemstone. Even if you don't have enough hair to make a diamond, you can add other personal items that contain carbon, like personal notes, tissues, hair from a hairbrush, or cremated remains.

Hair Necklace

A hair necklace uses either metal or resin to seal the hair inside a medallion. This medallion is then used as part of a necklace, creating a stunning statement piece that always reminds you of your deceased loved one. My favorite, local artisan actually lives in Olympia. Her name is Angela, and she creates beautiful works of art as Wisp Adornments.

Glass Domed Ring or Necklace

A more subtle option is to opt for a ring. Whether the hair is within the band or in a small focal point, a ring is a simple way to share your love. When combined with flowers, designs, and gems, this is a stunning work of art. Again, my favorite, local artisan actually lives in Olympia. Her name is Angela, and she creates beautiful works of art as Wisp Adornments.

Use a Picture Frame

If you have a picture frame, with a clear glass, you can use this to secure the hair and display it somewhere special. Place it next to a beloved photo or on its own with a lace background. Bubble frames are also a very interesting look.

Keepsake box

Last but not least, store the hair of someone special in a keepsake box. This can be a box that only has the lock of hair, or you can include other mementos that matter to you or your loved one. Some other things to add to the keepsake box are photographs, the funeral card, handwritten letters, and poems your loved one liked. Invite other family members to add to the box as well. This is a great way to create something that pays tribute to their memory.

What to Do After a Death...

chapelbytheseafh@gmail.com (Penttila Admin) — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 08:02:54 GMT

Our Best Advice on What to do Next...

To Do Immediately After Someone Dies

Get a legal pronouncement of death

If your loved one died in a hospital or nursing home where a doctor was present, the staff will handle this. An official declaration of death is the first step to getting a death certificate, a critical piece of paperwork. But if your relative died at home, especially if it was unexpected, you’ll need to get a medical professional to declare her dead. To do this, call 911 soon after she passes and have her transported to an emergency room where she can be declared dead and moved to a funeral home. If your family member died at home under hospice care, a hospice nurse can declare him dead. Without a declaration of death, you can’t plan a funeral, much less handle the deceased’s legal affairs.

Tell friends and family

Send out a group text or mass email, or make individual phone calls, to let people know their loved one has died. To track down all those who need to know, go through the deceased’s email and phone contacts. Inform coworkers and the members of any social groups or church the person belonged to. Ask the recipients to spread the word by notifying others connected to the deceased. Put a post about the death on social media, both on your account and the deceased person’s accounts, if you have access.

Find out about existing funeral and burial plans

Ideally, you had the opportunity to talk with your loved one about their wishes for funeral or burial, but it you didn't, it's best to look for a letter of instruction in the deceased's papers or call a family meeting to have the first conversation about what the funeral will look like. This is critical if they left no instructions. You need to discuss what the person wanted in terms of their final disposition, what you can afford, and what the family wants.

Within a Few Days of Death

Make funeral, burial or cremation arrangements
Time to decide on specifics, like where the service will be, whether to cremate with water or flame, where the body or ashes will be interred, what type of tombstone or urn to order. .. your director will guide you.
If your person was in the military or belonged to a fraternal or religious group, contact the Veterans Administration or the specific organization to see if it offers services.
Get help with the funeral.
Line up relatives and friends to be pallbearers, to eulogize, to plan the service, to keep a list of well-wishers, to write thank-you notes and to arrange the post-funeral gathering.
Get a friend or relative who is a wordsmith to write an obituary.
Secure the property
Lock up the deceased's home and vehicle.
Water the plants, get the mail and throw out the food in the refrigerator.
If there are valuables, such as jewelry or cash in the home, lock them up.
Provide care for pets
Make sure pets have caretakers until there’s a permanent plan for them.
Send them to stay with a relative who likes animals or board them at a kennel.
The pet will be grieving, so be sure they’re with someone who can comfort them.
Forward mail
Go to the post office and put in a forwarding order to send the mail to yourself or whoever is working with you to see to the immediate affairs. You don’t want mail piling up at the deceased’s home, telegraphing to the world that the property is empty. This is also the first step in finding out what subscriptions, creditors and other accounts will need to be canceled or paid.
Notify your family member's employer
Ask for information about benefits and any paychecks that may be due.
Also inquire about whether there is a company-wide life insurance policy.

Two Weeks After Death

Secure certified copies of death certificates
How many you need will vary... You’re going to need death certificates to close bank and brokerage accounts, file insurance claims and register the death with government agencies, among other things. We can get copies on your behalf, or you can order them from the vital statistics office in the state in which the person died.
Find the will and the executor
Your loved one’s survivors need to know where any money, property or belongings will go. Ideally, you talked with your relative before they died and they told you where they kept their will. If not, look for the document in a desk, a safe-deposit box, or wherever they kept important papers.
People usually name an executor (the person who will manage the settling of the estate) in their will. The executor needs to be involved in most of the steps going forward.
If there isn’t a will, the probate court judge will name an administrator in place of an executor.
Meet with a trusts and estates attorney
While you don’t need an attorney to settle an estate, having one makes things easier. If the estate is worth more than $50,000, we suggests that you hire a lawyer to help navigate the process and distribute assets. The executor should pick the attorney.
Contact a CPA
If your loved one had a CPA, contact them; if not, hire one. The estate may have to file a tax return, and a final tax return will need to be filed on the deceased’s behalf.
Take the will to probate
Probate is the legal process of executing a will. You’ll need to do this at a county or city probate court office. Probate court makes sure that the person’s debts and liabilities are paid and that the remaining assets are transferred to the beneficiaries.
Make an inventory of all assets
Laws vary by state, but the probate process usually starts with an inventory of all assets (bank accounts, house, car, brokerage account, personal property, furniture, jewelry, etc.), which will need to be filed in the court.
Track down assets
Part of the work of making that inventory of assets is finding them all. The task, called marshaling the assets, can be a big job. There are search firms that will help you track down assets in exchange for a cut. We recommend a DIY approach: Comb your family member’s tax returns, mail, email, brokerage and bank accounts, deeds and titles to find assets. Don’t leave any safe-deposit box or filing cabinet unopened.
Make a list of bills
Share the list with the executor so that important expenses like the mortgage, taxes and utilities are taken care of while the estate is settled.
Cancel services no longer needed
These include cellphone, streaming services, cable and internet.
Decide what to do with the passport
You have a couple of options on how to deal with your family member’s passport. You do not have to return it; you can keep it as a memento, with the stamps on its pages reminding you of past adventures. If you’re worried about the possibility of identity theft, mail the passport to the federal government along with a copy of the death certificate and have it officially canceled. If you want the canceled passport returned, include a letter requesting that be done. You can also request the government destroy the passport after it’s canceled.

Notify the following of your loved one's death:

• The Social Security Administration: If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you need to stop the checks. Some family members may be eligible for death benefits from Social Security. Generally, funeral directors report deaths to the Social Security Administration, but, ultimately, it’s the survivors’ responsibility to tell the SSA. Contact your local SSA office to do so. The agency will let Medicare know that your loved one died.

• Life insurance companies: You’ll need a death certificate and policy numbers to make claims on any policies the deceased had.

• Banks, financial institutions: If you share a joint account with your deceased loved one, you’ll need to notify the bank they’ve died. Most bank accounts carry automatic rights of survivorship, which means if your name is on the account, you have full access to the funds when your loved one dies. You become the sole owner on the date of your relative’s death. Most banks will require a death certificate to remove the relative from the account.

If the deceased person was the sole owner of a bank account, the bank will release funds to the person named beneficiary once it learns of the account holder’s death. Many banks let their customers name a beneficiary or set the account as Payable on Death (POD) or Transferable on Death (TOD) to another person. You’ll need to show the bank a death certificate to get the funds released. If the owner of the account didn’t name a beneficiary or POD, things get more complicated. The executor will be responsible for getting the funds to repay creditors, pay bills and divide funds according to the dead person’s will.

• Financial advisers, stockbrokers: Determine the beneficiary listed on accounts. Depending on the type of asset, the beneficiary may get access to the account or benefit simply by filling out appropriate forms and providing a copy of the death certificate (no executor needed). While access to the money is straightforward, there are tax consequences to keep in mind. You will be responsible for paying any taxes earned by the account once your loved one dies. Keep in mind, the tax burden could be significant on a well-funded investment account.

• Credit agencies: To prevent identity theft, send copies of the death certificate to one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. You only need to tell one of them, and it will tell the others.

Cancel driver's license

This removes the deceased’s name from the records of the department of motor vehicles and prevents identity theft. Contact the agency for specific instructions, but you’ll need a copy of the death certificate. Keep a copy of the canceled driver’s license in your records. You may need it to close or access accounts that belonged to the deceased.

Close credit card accounts

Contact customer service and tell the representative that you’re closing the account on behalf of a deceased relative who had a sole account. You’ll need a copy of the death certificate to do this, too. Keep records of accounts you close and inform the executor of any outstanding balances on the cards. Credit bureaus, as part of their regular reporting process, will also send card issuers an alert that your relative has died. But if you want credit accounts notified faster, contact them directly. Be sure to cut up your dead loved one’s credit cards so they aren’t lost or stolen.

If the credit card account is shared with another person who intends to keep using it, keep the account open but notify the issuing bank your relative has died so the deceased’s name can be removed from the account. Destroy any cards with their name on them to prevent theft and identity fraud.

Terminate insurance policies

Contact providers to end coverage for the deceased on home, auto and health insurance policies, and ask that any unused premium be returned.

Delete or memorialize social media accounts

You can delete social media accounts, but some survivors choose to turn them into a memorial for their loved one instead. Twitter, Facebook and Instagram all allow a deceased person’s profile to remain online, marked as a memorial account. On Facebook, a memorialized profile stays up with the word “Remembering” in front of the deceased’s name. Friends will be able to post on the timeline. Whether you choose to delete or memorialize, you’ll need to contact the companies with copies of the death certificate. TikTok does not offer a memorial option for a deceased user’s account.

Close email accounts

To prevent identity theft and fraud, shut down the deceased’s email account. If the person set up a funeral plan or a will, she may have included log-in information so you can do this yourself. If not, you’ll need copies of the death certificate to cancel an email account. The specifics vary by email provider, but most require a death certificate and verification that you are a relative or the estate executor.

Update voter registration

Contact your state or county directly to find out how to remove your dead relative from the voting rolls. Here’s a state-by-state contact list. The rules vary by state. Some states get notifications from state and local agencies and will remove your dead relative from voter registration rolls automatically. States will also remove voters if a relative notifies them of the death. Depending on where your loved one was registered to vote, you may need to give notice of the death in writing, by affidavit or with a death certificate.

Where to Scatter Ashes in Washington State

chapelbytheseafh@gmail.com (Penttila Admin) — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 07:46:45 GMT

A few things you might want to know if you would like to scatter cremated remains in Washington State.

If you’ve seen The Big Lebowski, you know that scattering Donny’s ashes were quite the event. Our first bit of advice, know which ways the wind blows.

Many families will choose to do an ash scattering at a place that has special meaning, or another beautiful outdoors location. There are many locations where people scatter ashes of a loved one - below we describe some of the most common ones.

Scattering Gardens - a number of memorial parks, cemeteries, and churches throughout Washington now have designated areas on their property where people can scatter ashes (typically called a ‘scattering garden’). If this is of interest, a quick internet search can typically provide multiple options nearby where you live.

Private Property - As with many other states, Washington has no state laws restricting scattering ashes in your yard or on other property that you own. However, be sure to get permission If you’re looking to scatter ashes on a property owned by another person or organization.

Public Land - With its beautiful coastline and pristine mountains, Washington is home to some of the most amazing natural landscapes in the country. When scattering on public land in Washington, many families will simply proceed as they wish using their best judgement. In addition, the Washington State Department of Licensing permits ashes to be scattered on state trust uplands if you receive permission first.

Federal Land - Many people will decide to do an ash scattering of a loved one in a National Park or on other federally owned land. Almost all of our National Parks allow people to scatter in designated areas and with their permission. As each National Park has their own rules and regulations related to scattering, it’s a good idea to reach out to the park where you plan on scattering before the event date.

In the Pacific - With Washington’s long and beautiful coast, scattering ashes at sea is extremely common. There many different boating services that can do this for you – a simple internet search will pull up multiple options at each port in Washington. Before scattering at sea, it’s important to keep in mind that U.S. federal law requires that cremated ashes are scattered at least three nautical miles from shore. Furthermore, the U.S. EPA needs to be notified within 30 days of doing a scattering at sea – a quick internet search can find the necessary forms for this.

On Waterways - Washington’s State Department of Licensing states that cremated ashes can be scattered on “public navigable waters under state control, including Puget Sound… rivers, streams, and lakes.”

From an Airplane - In Washington, as with most of the other states, no state laws exist that restrict scattering ashes from the sky. However, whoever performs the scattering from above needs to hang on to the urn or other receptacle used to hold the ashes for the scattering - federal aviation law doesn’t allow any objects to be dropped from the sky that could potentially cause harm on people or property.

Diamonds from Ashes & Hair

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 07:43:44 GMT

Shine Bright You Beautiful Diamond- Why We Chose Eterneva

Did you know Hair or Cremated Remains can become a beautiful memorial diamond ?

Over my 20 years in death care, I have known a few different labs that could create memorial diamonds from carbon, but the reason I chose Eterneva was personal, as I strive to build relationships with trusted partners.

I met Adele, the founder of Eterneva , when filming a documentary on alternative end-of-life options. Through the years, meeting companies and entrepreneurs entering the "death space", I have seen many in the industry angling toward profiting from loss. In meeting Adele, it was immediate that she was one of the special few. Her story touched me. She didn't begin her lab in search of money, she did it through a conscious heart — as a lasting memorial to someone she loved and admired.

Memorial Diamonds and the journey to receiving yours is exactly that... a journey. And Eterneva is there every step of the way. Through a collaborative and surprisingly uplifting process, Eterneva helps families and friends honor the bright moments of a life, be it pet or person.

To create its diamonds, Eternev a requires one cup of cremated remains (flame or water) or hair/fur for those that choose burial or still have a living counterpart . Some of this material you send in is stored as a backup, while the rest is sent to the lab in Austin, Texas, which applies hundreds of thousands of pounds per square inch of pressure over time to create your unique memorial diamond.

Once the rough diamond is formed, it is sent to one of several cutters they work with to create your perfect stone. Eterneva keeps its customers updated throughout, with each client being assigned one contact person to see the process through from start to finish. Emails, videos, and photos are sent to you along this journey. When the time comes to deliver the finished product, they'll arrange for hand delivery of your beloved stone to you, leaving a beautiful final memory on their journey back to you.

Personally, I know I want to have a memorial diamond made from Kermit the Dog. He has heterochromia, and his blue eye reminds me of the blue memorial diamonds Eterneva can create. I can't fathom not having him by my side every day, and already the thought of carrying his essence with me forever as a beautiful memorial diamond to hallmark our journey on earth together makes me want to cry. I know I would trust Adele and the team at Eterneva to memorialize my good boy best.

If this is an option you are considering for someone dear to you, I hope you know you can reach out to me for guidance with this decision anytime. And if this is a journey you decide to make, I hope you share the outcome with me someday. <3

You can visit Eterneva on their website here or by clicking the link below.

Flame Cremations vs Water Cremation

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 07:38:44 GMT

There are a few similarities between Water Cremation �� and Flame Cremation ��, but there are a number of key differences.

Similarities Between Water Cremation �� and Flame Cremation ��:

Both types of cremation require about the same amount of time (2-3 hours).
Similar to flame-based cremation, there is no DNA to link back to the person at the end of water cremation.
The only solid remains are the bones, which are then pulverized and returned to the family as cremains.

Differences Between Water Cremation �� and Flame Cremation ��:

Water cremation uses one-seventh of the energy it takes for cremation with fire.
Flame Cremation requires the heat of around 1800 degrees. Only about 300 degrees are necessary for water cremation.
While flame cremation produces carbon dioxide equivalent to a 1,000-mile car ride, water cremation does not release any airborne toxins.
Mercury vapors aren’t released during water cremation either.
Plastic and metal objects like breast implants and artificial hips, aren’t destroyed during water cremation. They are separated out from the remaining bones.

Call our director on staff today to learn more 360.642.8885

What is Water Cremation?

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 07:34:53 GMT

Water cremation is an eco-friendly disposition service that’s recognized as a greener option in comparison to flame. Keep reading to learn more about this state of the art process available thru Penttila's Chapel by the Sea.

Also known as Alkaline Hydrolysis, Water Cremation is an eco friendly version of cremation now accessible to our client families! It has been in the medical donor community for over 25 years and was recently legalized in Washington. We are proud to be on the forefront of this technology and have it available.

Water cremation is known by many names; Alkaline Hydrolysis, Aquamation, Green Cremation, or Resomation. No matter what you call it, the process is gentler on the environment from start to finish.

What Happens at a Water Cremation?

Your person will be wrapped in a material made of natural fiber, before being placed in the chamber. Once inside the chamber, it’s filled with approximately 80 gallons of water and an alkali solution that’s 5% potassium mix and 95% water. You can even request an essential oil, like lavendar, which I personally will anoint your person with, so we can consider this their "final spa day".

During the cremation, the alkali solution is heated to 300 – 350 degrees Fahrenheit and the pressure is increased. The temperature is high enough to kill bacteria. It also dissolves the soft tissue of the body leaving only the bones and medical implants, looking as fresh as the day they were installed (you absolutely can ask for these back if you want them!)

This solution is completely safe for people and the environment. Despite objections and the personal opinion of opponents (the usual suspects that like to tell us what to do with our bodies), the leftover solution after water cremation is safe enough to pour down the sink. In fact, the ingredients of the alkali solution can be found in liquid soap. And the liquid from the soft tissue is nontoxic and natural. It consists of mostly water, amino acids, salts peptides, soap and sugars. It resembles urine.

The bone fragments that are left behind are soft and very white, much more so than the bones that remain after flame cremation. These bones are made into a fine powder, and that is the cremains that the next of kin will receive. What’s left after the process is a pure white ‘ash’, fine particles of sterile bone. Water cremation results in slightly more powdered remains than flame cremation, which are given to loved ones in an urn as well. Nothing of your "person" goes "up in flames."

Although akin to traditional cremation and with the legacy of ashes, Water Cremation ultimately does what nature, unhindered, sets to work on when we die. Our bodies, made up of around 60 per cent water, are broken down by the water solution into their basic building blocks. Liquids which would seep into the soil after a burial, are sterilized through Water Cremation and drained away to be recycled.

How is the Remaining Solution Disposed?

Because the remaining solution is sterile it can be safely disposed of by pouring it down the drain into the sewage system. It’s this part of the process that many people object to. It’s hard for people to stomach the fact the dissolved tissue is in the water that’s processed at wastewater plants. Ironically, this procedure is actually the same way blood and fluids are disposed of during the embalming process before most traditional burials, so as an alternative, we have sod farmer's pick up the many gallons of effluent for dispersion on farms! It's excellent for plants!

Benefits of Alkaline Hydrolysis

Many of the benefits of water cremation are the same or similar to those of a regular cremation.

Water Cremation is the most environmentally friendly method of cremation available. It offers several environmental advantages �� over traditional burial or flame-based cremation services.

Overall, the end-to-end process uses 90% less energy than traditional flame cremation.
Few to no harmful toxins are released into the atmosphere.
No toxins, metals or embalming fluid is put in the ground.
Medical implants are removed after cremation. They can be returned to the family or medically recycled, ensuring the mercury they contain is never released into the air.
Water cremation is safer for the operator and the community due to the lack of flames.
Helps solve the problem of overcrowded cemeteries and lack of burial plots.
Land is conserved by choosing water cremation.
Water cremation produces around 30% more cremains than flame-based cremation.

As the “third true method” of final disposition, the deciding factor for many people may simply be whether or not they love the idea of this alternative cremation, too. Perhaps a connection with the elements will play its part in the decision-making; earth, fire or water.

Call Melissa at Penttila's for more information.

Traditional Flame Cremation: Timeless & Simple

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 07:28:28 GMT

A direct flame cremation is a service provided without a formal viewing or ceremony with the body present. You may opt to select that service as an add on if you so desire.

The cremation process begins with us taking care to transport the body as little distance as possible in order to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Once the body it is in our care, they stay there until cremation is performed on site at our crematory.

Next, we remove all medical and end-of-life plastics from the body as we prepare it for cremation. This keeps the chemicals they would have released during the burning process out of the atmosphere.

This translates into decreased environmental and human impact. For those wanting to further reduce their impact, an increasing number of people are choosing Water Cremation is an alternative to burial and flame-based cremation services.

How to: Write an Obituary

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 07:19:14 GMT

An obituary is one of the most personal things you’ll ever write for someone or yourself. It can be brief or eloquent, simple or humorous. As long as it expresses the sentiment you want, that’s all that matters.

The obituary is something that will live on forever memorializing the life of your loved one. Today, obituaries are even searchable online. With that in mind, it’s no surprise people feel anxiety at the thought of having to write an obituary. It’s a big responsibility that people take seriously. If you find yourself in that position, try to not let the anxiety get the best of you. An obituary can actually help you reduce stress by helping you communicate with numerous people at once. With the tips below writing an obituary will be easier than you imagined and maybe even a little therapeutic.

What to Include in an Obituary

The first challenge is understanding what should and shouldn’t be included in an obituary. There are no rules that must be followed, however, there are some standard best practices. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s typically included in an obituary:

The deceased’s full name and age.
Acknowledgement of the person’s passing.
(You don’t have to provide the details surrounding their death, but the obituary should first note that the individual passed.)
Date of the death.
Where the deceased resided, died, was born and grew up.
Big life, education and work accomplishments.
Military service and honors.
Hobbies and interests.
Church membership.
Names of surviving family members.
Information on donations for memorial or funeral services.
Time and location for services.
You may also want to include a photo or two that will be published alongside the obituary.

What Not to Include in an Obituary

Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people who use obituaries for their own gain. Identity thieves can use the information they find in obituaries to commit fraud, and burglars may be looking for an easy target.

There are two pieces of information you never want to include in an obituary. The first is the date of birth for the deceased. That paired with the name can be used by identity thieves. You also don’t want to include your loved one’s actual address, especially if the house is vacant. Even if it is occupied, burglars know the house would be empty during the hours of the funeral service.

The Details Are Up to You

You can provide as many or as few details as you want in the obituary. Some people choose to keep the obituary brief if publications charge by line or word, and others simply want to keep the details to themselves. However, it is best to provide the funeral service details so fewer people ask you directly for the information.

The Tone is Up to You

Obituaries don’t have to be somber, serious or sad. They can be happy, funny and celebratory. Before choosing which tone to take it could help to think about your loved one and how they would have written their obituary. Just be careful to keep the obituary respectful if you do use a lighter tone.

Write About What You Want Others to Remember

The most important reason to write an obituary is it captures the essence of your loved one’s life. What is it that you want your loved one to be remembered for? No matter what tone you take or the details you provide, readers should be left with a sense of who your loved one was and what made them special.

Get Help From the Funeral Home

We will post the obituary online, and assist you in contacting local papers.

You can email your completed obituary to us at info@penttilaschapel.com