Since 1928, the Thompson-Smith Funeral Home has provided
families in Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania with
dedicated service when they need it most. We specialize
in funeral pre-arrangements. You will receive personal,
quality service with an experience-licensed funeral director.
During our longstanding service to the community we’ve
seen, time and time again, the confusion and the heartache
that can occur when no plans have been made. We’ve
also witnessed the peace of mind thoughtful preparation
can bring not only to the one making the plans, but also
to those left behind.
While preplanning is a thoughtful gesture, it is also practical.
It allows you to make informed decisions while your emotions
are at rest. Advance planning also allows you to choose
a reasonable budget and gives you the option to set aside
the funds over a period of time. Funds set aside against
future cost are held at state-approved trust account or
top-rated insurance company until needed. There is no charge
for making pre-arrangements, and many families simply prefer
to record this vital information for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do people pre-plan? Although there are many reasons
to consider planning in advance, most pre-plan to save
surviving family members needless doubt, confusions, grief,
and indecision that occur when a death occurs…. To
answer those questions that can arise when considering
whether or not to plan ahead:
• Did I make the right decision?
• Did I overlook anything
• Did I spend too much or too little?
• How will I pay the cost of my funeral?
Pre-planning gives the planner the opportunity to relieve
the burden of decision-making for their family, and in
doing so, helps to put private concerns in order. We understand
that some people have definite preferences about their
funeral, and planning now eliminates emotional overspending.
And it is a sound financial decision when it is considered
as a part of estate and retirement planning. In short,
it is a wonderful way to provide peace of mind for yourself
and your family.
What is involved in pre-planning? Generally, there is
an initial consultation with one of our licensed funeral
directors. The process of pre-planning involves the recording
of vital statistics information, which is necessary for
various documents. There is a discussion of funeral services,
costs, and different options; a general price list is provided
to help you choose funeral service options. You may select
merchandise, such as a casket, burial vault, or a cremation
package. There is also the opportunity to discuss cash
advanced items, and funding options for the pre-arrangement.
Because we have three licensed funeral directors, you can
be assured that we can help you through every step of the
process.
Why do people prepay? There are a number of benefits associated
with pre-paying, such as:
• Relieving the burden of payment from survivors
• Assuring you of adequate funds for your funeral
• Knowing your investment is secure
• Protecting you investment from the impact of rising costs
• Having your investment accumulate, tax-free
• Requiring no physical examination
• Guaranteed issue application to Monumental Life Insurance
Pre-planning Conserves Insurance-Life insurance is for
the living, not the deceased. Most life insurance is purchased
to allow a family time to adjust to the loss of income
that a death causes. If prearrangements are not made, a
large amount of insurance proceeds can be spent on cemetery
and funeral items adding financial burdens to loved ones
left behind.
“ I live alone and wanted to spare my children
the unnecessary burden of making my arrangements at a
difficult
time. The Funeral homes kind advice was really helpful.
Prepaying my arrangements also spares an additional burden
on my family. I have the peace of mind that my special
wishes carried out.”
Marge H. (Conneaut, Ohio)
If you are ready to begin the pre-planning process, give
us a call at 440-599-8106
