By Kari Carter
•
March 24, 2025
Losing a loved one is never easy, and in those first moments, it can be difficult to know what steps to take. Whether you’re in Dayton, Kettering, Centerville, Beavercreek, Fairborn , or anywhere in the Miami Valley, Westbrock Funeral Home is here to guide you through this difficult time with compassion and care. This step-by-step guide will help you understand what to do when a loved one passes away and how Westbrock Funeral Home can assist you. Step 1: Notify the Proper Authorities The first step depends on where and how the passing occurred: If the death occurs at home (under hospice care or expected due to illness), contact the hospice provider or doctor. If the death occurs unexpectedly at home , call 911. First responders will guide you through the next steps. If the death occurs in a hospital, nursing home, or hospice , the facility staff will notify the proper authorities and assist with arrangements. Once the necessary steps are taken, the next call should be to a trusted local funeral home , such as Westbrock Funeral Home in Dayton and Kettering , to begin making arrangements. Step 2: Contact Westbrock Funeral Home Choosing a funeral home is an important decision. If your loved one had pre-planned their arrangements, check their documents for a preferred provider. At Westbrock Funeral Home , we are available 24/7 to assist families throughout Dayton, Kettering, Centerville, Beavercreek, Fairborn, and surrounding areas . Our team will: ✅ Arrange transportation of your loved one to our funeral home ✅ Handle necessary paperwork and death certificates ✅ Guide you through funeral or cremation planning For immediate assistance, please call 937-776-8428 . Step 3: Notify Family and Close Friends Once initial arrangements are in place, notify family and friends. This can be an overwhelming task, so consider asking a close friend or relative to help make calls or send messages. Many families in Dayton, Kettering, and nearby areas use text messages, group chats, or social media to notify extended relatives at once. Step 4: Gather Important Documents Having key documents on hand will help with funeral planning and legal matters. These include: ✔ Birth certificate ✔ Social Security card ✔ Marriage certificate (if applicable) ✔ Life insurance policies ✔ Will or pre-planned funeral arrangements ✔ Military discharge papers (for veterans) Westbrock Funeral Home can assist families in obtaining certified death certificates , which are often required for legal and financial matters. Step 5: Plan the Funeral or Memorial Service Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, but our team at Westbrock Funeral Home will guide you through every step. We offer: ✅ Traditional Burial & Cremation Services – Choose the option that best honors your loved one’s wishes. ✅ Funeral & Memorial Services – We help plan everything from location to music, readings, and eulogies. ✅ Personalized Touches – Whether you want a traditional service in Dayton, a graveside ceremony in Kettering, or a celebration of life in Centerville , we will help create a meaningful tribute. If your loved one pre-planned their funeral, we will ensure their wishes are honored. If not, we will help you make arrangements that reflect their life and legacy. Step 6: Notify Government Agencies and Financial Institutions To protect your loved one’s estate and prevent identity theft, notify: Social Security Administration (to stop benefits or apply for survivor benefits) Veterans Affairs (VA) (for military honors or survivor benefits) Insurance companies (life and health policies) Banks and financial institutions (to handle accounts) Credit bureaus (to prevent fraudulent activity) If you’re unsure how to begin this process, Westbrock Funeral Home can help connect you with resources in Dayton, Kettering, and surrounding areas . Step 7: Seek Support for Yourself and Your Family Grief is a personal journey, and it’s important to take care of yourself. Consider: 💙 Speaking with a grief counselor or joining a support group 💙 Reaching out to family and friends for comfort 💙 Taking time to handle legal matters at your own pace At Westbrock Funeral Home , we offer grief support resources and connections to local counselors in Dayton, Kettering, and beyond .
