A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34-35
Selecting an Urn
Selecting an urn for a loved one’s remains is a deeply personal and emotional process. It is a decision that carries great weight and significance, as it becomes the final resting place for their ashes. In this delicate time of loss and grief, it is important to choose an urn that reflects the unique essence and spirit of your loved one.
When choosing an urn, consider their personality and interests. Think about their favorite colors, hobbies, or passions. Did they have a particular style or taste that defined them? Perhaps they loved nature, and an urn adorned with intricate floral patterns or made from natural materials like wood or stone would be fitting. An urn that reflects their love for the ocean, with its calming blue hues, may be the perfect choice for someone who cherished the sea.
Size is also an important factor to consider. The urn should be large enough to hold all the ashes comfortably, while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing shape and size. Some urns even offer the option to divide the ashes into smaller compartments or keepsakes, allowing family members to have a reminder of their loved one close by.
Above all, remember that there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to selecting an urn. The most important thing is to choose one that resonates with you and feels like a fitting tribute to your loved one. Trust your instincts and allow your heart to guide you in this emotional process.
Below is a photo album showing just a smattering of the many styles, designs and materials urns are available in today.
Introducing
Amy Wallace, Funeral Director, Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena.
Amy Wallace is a native Montanan, born and raised in Ekalaka. Amy and her husband Rick, have five beautiful children: Emma, Jamie, RJ, Harriet, and Madison.
Amy attended Gonzaga University where she earned her BS in Biology before being commissioned into the Army Corps of Engineers. She served in the Army for 10 years on active duty, based in both the United States and Germany. After retiring as a Major, Amy went on to earn her Mortuary Science degree from American Academy McAllister Institute in 2018. Amy started working at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in 2019, where she has continued to serve families in Helena and the surrounding communities.
Amy is dedicated to giving back to her community in both her personal and professional life, volunteering for organizations such as St. Baldrick’s Foundation and the Special Olympics. She loves the library, is always happy to talk recipes, crafts and kids.
Below is a photo album that will help you to know Amy and her family a bit better.
From Some We’ve Served
Nothing makes everyone at all of the Stevenson & Sons funeral homes feel more fulfilled than knowing we’ve pleased the people we’ve served. We’re all very grateful for their many acknowledgements and freely share them among ourselves. A few of them, we’re so proud of, we like sharing them with you. See them all in the album below.
Funeral Planning Aid
We frequently receive questions regarding what the person responsible for making funeral arrangements should expect. Since we’ve received so many requests for this information, we are placing a link which allows our newsletter subscribers to download a complete copy of our Funeral Planning Aid. The informative article is presented as a PDF – simply click the PDF Button below to access it. That way, if you wish, you may keep it on your computer for future reference or sharing with others. If after you read the article, you have any questions, please contact the Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of your choice.
Who’s eligible for Military Funeral Honors?
- Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
- Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
How to establish veteran eligibility
Submit the DD Form 214. The DD Form 214 may be obtained by filing a completed Standard Form 180 with:
National Personnel Records Center(NPRC)
9700 Page Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63132
The Standard Form 180 may be obtained from: http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf
Headstones for Veterans
For complete information and ordering, please visit: Legislative Changes Concerning Eligibility for Headstones, Markers and Medallions – National Cemetery Administration (va.gov)
Supporting Others
If you know someone who would benefit from the uplifting messages and support information we provide in these monthly newsletters, they can sign up to receive their own copy here (https://stevensonandsons.com/news/sign-up/). It’s a great way to lend your support to a friend or a family member.
Financial Assistance
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020…
If you lost a loved one due to Covid-19, you may qualify for financial assistance for your family’s funeral expenses. Click here to find out more information.
Recently posted on the FEMA Covid-19 Funeral Assistance page: The COVID-19 incident period ended on May 11, 2023. FEMA will continue to provide funeral assistance until Sept. 30, 2025, to those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic.
Grief Support
Many people do not have the time to locate a proper grief counselor. Others do not live in an area where there are any grief counselors available. And finally, many people are not prepared to pay a professional for grief counseling. Fortunately, the internet provides some solutions for those who wish to seek grief counseling or to interact with groups of people who are also coping with grief. Many such services exist, as do professional counselors who will assist people privately on line, hence eliminating the need for travel. Not all services are the same, nor are all chat rooms/groups. You should research what you are interested in and follow-up on the leads you believe will be most helpful to your personal situation until you locate exactly what works best for you. In your search engine look for terms like “grief chat rooms” “bereavement support groups” “professional grief counseling” or “grief management.” Good research is the path to successfully linking up with what, or who, will work the best for you. Another option would be to start your search at the Mental Health American website. Lots of information, and many places to research groups, centers and more.
