What to Include in an Obituary

Learn how Westbrock Funeral Home helps families in Dayton and Kettering apply for Social Security death benefits after the loss of a loved one. Compassionate guidance and support through every step.

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 .

Losing a loved one is never easy, and knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. This step-by-step guide from Westbrock Funeral Home walks you through the immediate steps to take, from notifying authorities to planning a meaningful service. Serving families in Dayton, Kettering, Centerville, Beavercreek, and Fairborn, we’re here to support you 24/7. Read more to find guidance during this difficult time.

Westbrock Funeral Home helps families navigate VA burial benefits and military funeral honors to ensure veterans receive the recognition they deserve.

For over a century, Westbrock Funeral Home has been a cornerstone of compassionate service in Dayton, Ohio . Established in 1892 by Ben Westbrock , the funeral home has grown from a modest establishment on Wayne Avenue to a trusted name for families seeking meaningful ways to honor their loved ones. Today, the third and fourth generations of the Westbrock family proudly continue this legacy, offering personalized services rooted in care, respect, and personal connection. Our Legacy: A Rich History of Service Westbrock Funeral Home is more than just a funeral home; it is a piece of Dayton’s history . Founded by Ben Westbrock, who trained as an undertaker following the Civil War , the business began at the corner of Wayne Avenue and Pearl Street in 1892. Ten years later, Ben purchased his former employer’s establishment, solidifying his place in the community. In 1923, Ben acquired an elegant 1865 Italianate/Second Empire-style residence, originally built by Samuel D. Edgar as a wedding gift for his daughter. This historic home, perched atop a hill at 1712 Wayne Avenue, became the first modern funeral home in Dayton and remains a cherished landmark. In 1988, it was honored with placement on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. In 1992, Westbrock Funeral Home expanded with a second location in Kettering, extending its reach to serve even more families. With over 130 years of tradition, Westbrock Funeral Home stands as Dayton’s first funeral home, deeply woven into the fabric of the community. Traditional Funeral Services Designed for You At Westbrock Funeral Home, we understand the importance of providing a personalized and meaningful farewell. Our traditional services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each family, ensuring every detail reflects the life and legacy of your loved one. Visitation A visitation provides a time for family and friends to come together, share memories, and find comfort in one another’s presence. Our dedicated team works closely with families to personalize these gatherings, incorporating tribute videos, photographs, and mementos that capture the essence of your loved one’s life. This reflective time fosters healing and connection. Funeral Service Funeral services can be held at our historic chapel, a church, or any venue that is meaningful to your family. Whether your preferences include religious traditions, secular ceremonies, or celebrations of life, we collaborate with you to create a service that honors your loved one’s journey. For those seeking a non-religious service, our experienced life celebrants can craft and lead a meaningful tribute. Graveside Service A graveside or committal service offers an intimate setting for final goodbyes. These ceremonies can be part of a larger service or a private farewell, tailored to your wishes. At Westbrock Funeral Home, we are dedicated to ensuring this moment is respectful, heartfelt, and aligned with your family's traditions. A Legacy of Compassionate Care With two locations in Dayton and Kettering, Westbrock Funeral Home remains committed to serving families with dignity, care, and compassion. As a family-owned and operated business for four generations, we take pride in providing personalized attention during life's most challenging moments. The heritage of Westbrock Funeral Home reflects our dedication to the families we serve. From our historic Wayne Avenue location to our modern facility in Kettering, every service is designed to provide a comforting and meaningful experience. For more information about our traditional funeral services or to discuss how we can help honor your loved one’s memory, please visit Westbrock Funeral Home or contact us directly. Let us guide you in creating a tribute that celebrates a life well-lived.

Get to know the compassionate team behind Westbrock Funeral Home. Meet the Westbrock family and staff dedicated to serving Dayton and Kettering with care and professionalism.

Discover how Westbrock Funeral Home in Dayton and Kettering helps families honor their loved ones with personalized services, including photos, videos, artwork, music, and literature. Learn more about our commitment to creating meaningful and unique ceremonies.

Discover how Westbrock Funeral Home’s Kettering location provides compassionate, personalized funeral services to honor loved ones. Learn about our commitment to the Kettering community and how we support families during their most difficult times.