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Funeral Homes and Funeral Services in Sonoma County serving Agua Caliente, Alexander Valley, Annapolis, Asti, Bloomfield, Bodega, Bodega Bay, Boyes Hot Springs, Camp Meeker, Cazadero, Cloverdale, Cotati, Duncans Mills, El Verano, Eldridge, Fallon, Fetters Hot Springs, Forestville, Fort Ross, Freestone, Fulton, Geyserville, Glen Ellen, Graton, Guerneville, Guernewood, Healdsburg, Jenner, Kenwood, Lakeville, Larkfield, Lytton, Mark West, Monte Rio, Occidental, Penngrove, Petaluma, Rio Nido, Rohnert Park, Roseland, Russian River, Russian River Mdws, Salmon Creek, Santa Rosa, Schellville, Sebastopol, Sheridan, Sonoma, Stewarts Point Rancheria, Temelec, The Geysers, The Sea Ranch, Two Rock, Valley Ford, Villa Grande, Vineburg and Windsor

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How to Find the Best Funeral Homes in Sonoma County CA

When a loved one dies, grief can overwhelm the survivors. Arrangements for funerals, cremation, interment or memorial services are often too difficult to manage personally and so are best left in the caring hands of reliable funeral homes, funeral planners and mortuaries in Sonoma County. Let the Prime Buyer's Report help you choose among the best funeral directors and funeral services in Sonoma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Santa Rosa and throughout all of Sonoma County.

How to Find the Best Funeral Homes in Sonoma County CA 

If you are in need of a funeral home, memorial or wake, you need help fast. Funeral services in Sonoma County include classic memorial services at funeral homes where family and friends can gather to remember and honor their loved one. Arrangements for transportation of the body to the funeral home, and subsequent transportation to a final resting place are easily handled by these professionals. In addition, personnel at top rated funeral homes in Sonoma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Santa Rosa are generally available 24 hours a day, and have a wealth of information about floral tributes, churches, cemeteries, cremation, crematoriums and any funeral-related issues.

Funeral Homes in Sonoma County Perform a Variety of Services

There is so much to consider when choosing between funeral homes in Sonoma County. Depending on how large or small of a service you are seeking, the choices and prices can vary widely. Planning a funeral or memorial service requires coordinating myriad services, filling out paperwork, contacting friends and family, scheduling, gathering of relevant and necessary documents and more, all while in the process of grieving.

To top it off, generally your window of planning is very short-typically less than two weeks. It can be overwhelming. Good funeral homes in Sonoma County will help you. Do you want a service at the funeral home, or somewhere else? Will there be a burial or cremation? Do you want music, a particular clergy, flowers, catering, speakers, photos of the deceased to display, an obituary printed in the newspaper, limousines or something else? What is legally required?

 

Patsy Daniels, owner of Daniels Chapel of the Roses, explained that good funeral homes should provide you with options. "Funeral homes should offer good professional service to every family without causing a financial hardship on any family. The good funeral homes will have a selection of items in every price category and offer options that fit your budget. There are also numerous options regarding the type and location of any service to be held. Understanding the needs of every family is the primary goal of arranging a service, while being mindful of financial limitations as expressed by the family."

To avoid having to make difficult decisions during a time of great stress and emotion, many are now pre-planning memorial services. Many funeral homes in Sonoma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Santa Rosa offer discounts or locked-in prices for making and paying for funeral arrangements ahead of time. Should you choose this, it's a good idea to review your decisions every few years and revise them accordingly.

It is not generally known that you are not legally required to use Sonoma County funeral homes to plan and conduct funerals. If you choose to use the services of a local funeral home, it pays to shop around. During a face-to-face visit, the funeral home is required by law to give you a general price list itemizing the cost of items and services the home offers. If this list does not show the costs of caskets or urns, the law requires the funeral director to show you the price lists for those items before showing you the items themselves.

Another myth is that embalming is required by law. Some homes require embalming if there is to be a viewing, but if the body is buried or cremated shortly after death, embalming is not necessary or required.

The Funeral Rules
While most funeral directors and/or funeral providers have the best interests of their clients in mind, others may try to inflate prices or foist undesired services on their clients during their time of need. There is a federal law, known as the funeral rule, that helps prevent this. Among other things, the funeral rule states that:

• You have the right to choose the funeral goods and services you want (with some exceptions).

• Funeral providers in Sonoma County must state this in writing on the general price list.

• If state or local law requires you to buy any particular item, funeral homes must disclose this on the price list, with a reference to the specific law.

• Funeral providers may not refuse or charge fees to handle a casket you bought elsewhere.

• Funeral providers that offers cremations must make alternative containers available.

• Sonoma County funeral providers may not provide embalming services without permission.

• Funeral providers may not falsely state that embalming is required by law.

• Funeral providers must disclose in writing that embalming is not required by law, except in certain, special cases.

• Funeral homes in Sonoma County may not charge a fee for unauthorized embalming unless embalming is required by state law.

• Funeral providers must disclose in writing that you usually have the right to choose a disposition, such as direct cremation or immediate burial, that does not require embalming if you do not want this service.

• Funeral homes in Sonoma County must disclose in writing that some funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing, may make embalming a practical necessity and, if so, a required purchase.

• Funeral providers in Sonoma Countymust not tell you that state or local law requires a casket for direct cremations, because none do.

• Funeral homes must disclose in writing your right to buy an unfinished wood box or an alternative container for a direct cremation.

• Funeral homes must make an unfinished wood box or other alternative container available for direct cremations.

Look for Funeral Homes in Sonoma County County That Do More Than the Bare Minimum
The Prime Buyer's Report lists these funeral homes in Sonoma County: Chapel of the Chimes-Cemetery Mausoleum Crematory, Lafferty & Smith Colonial Chapel, Memorial Park Santa Rosa, Lafferty & Smith Colonial Chapel: Sebastopol, Windsor & Healdsburg Mortuary & Cremation Service, Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory. Other funeral homes and funeral providers that might still serve the Sonoma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Santa Rosa areas include: Adobe Creek Funeral Home. Didn't find what you wanted with the TOP 10 Funeral Homes and Funeral Services in Sonoma County? Then click here to see additional companies in this category.

 

A funeral home should do more than just hand you a list of funeral services and wait for you to choose and cut the check. For the best experience when dealing with Sonoma County funeral homes, seek out those that are accredited, licensed and have received favorable reviews from previous clients or industry organizations. Check these things in our article, "Key Consumer Resources for Funeral Homes and Services in Sonoma County County."

 

 

Choosing the Right Funeral Home in Santa Rosa for you 

Know What You're Looking for from Sonoma County Funeral Homes
Hopefully, when you find yourself needing the services of a funeral home, you will have some idea of what you are looking for. Do you want the funeral home to handle paperwork and other arrangements? Do you want an expensive casket or something more affordable? Do you want burial or cremations? Some funeral homes specialize in different aspects of funeral services. Some offer alternative choices such as scattering the remains in unique places or ways. Some offer "green" funerals in which the remains are not embalmed and are buried in caskets that biodegrade quickly. Much of this can be researched on the Internet and other sources.

Use the list of questions below to help narrow your search.

• How long have the funeral directors been in the funeral home / undertaking business?

• What are the funeral homes' fees, broken down by individual services?

• Can the funeral homes provide forms for a newspaper obituary?

• Can the funeral homes provide a viewing without embalming?

• Do the funeral homes provide funeral services such as flowers, clergy, music, catering, etc.?

• What are your options at the funeral homes regarding cremation, burial and final disposition?

• If the body is donated to science, will the funeral homes still provide funeral services?

• Who does the embalming at the mortuary?

• How long after death is embalming necessary and can the funeral homes guarantee they'll be available?

• Is an obituary in the newspaper required?

• What are your options regarding time of service at each of the funeral homes and mortuaries?

• Do the funeral directors have suggestions for personalizing the funeral services?

• Can the funeral homes help with social security or veteran's death benefits?

• Will the funeral homes allow you to payments to pay for the funeral services?

 
It's very important that you work with a funeral home that you feel you can trust and makes you feel comfortable. Consider your first impression, beginning with the first phone call. Did you get a person, or an answering service?  Was your initial impression that you were dealing with competent professionals?  Did you feel respected and accommodated?   If you were offered a consultation, did you feel at-ease with the funeral director/provider?  Were you able to speak freely with him or her?

Probably one or two names will rise to the top of your list after you have considered these things.

First Impression of Funeral Homes
Good funeral providers will listen carefully to what you're saying and will ask relevant questions. If the employees at the funeral homes seem to only want to get you in the door, or try to make you sign an agreement without hearing something about your needs, choose someone else. You are not obligated to hire the first funeral providers you talk to.

When you've selected what seems to be the most suitable funeral homes for you, make sure you understand the terms of your agreement. Check for any consumer complaints from the Better Business Bureau orState Department of Consumer Affairs.

 

 

Tips for Dealing with Funeral Homes in Sonoma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Santa Rosa 

Try to Have a General Sense of What You Want or Require.
Despite the stress of grief and limited time, if possible, it's a good idea to have some idea of what sort of service you are seeking, what you wish done with the remains, e.g. burial, cremation, where you might like to hold the service, how many people might be attending and anything else that may affect the price or timing of the service.

Write it Down.
Before meeting with a funeral director, write down the considerations from the exercise above. By writing everything down you don't have to try to remember everything in the heat of the moment. Also, you can add to the list as other things come up.

Get Several Separate Quotes From Several Funeral Homes.
There are distinct differences in the services and prices available at different funeral homes. It's best to speak to several, if possible, to help get a base line for prices and options. Take the list you made specifying your needs so that each can provide a quote using the same parameters and you can compare apples to apples.

Choose a Certified, Licensed and Recognized Funeral Home.
Make sure the funeral home you are considering has proper licensing, not only for the home itself, but those individuals who work there, including the funeral director (there is a license for this) and the person doing the embalming, if you choose that service. Also, look for funeral homes that go the extra mile, those that have earned accreditations, membership or kudos from industry groups or consumer watchdog groups. Ask for referrals.

Choose an Experienced Funeral Home and Funeral Director.
Make sure the funeral home you choose has the experience and knowledge to handle your needs. This doesn't necessarily mean hiring the one that's been in business the longest, but it does mean finding a funeral home that has experience in all aspects of funerals, including cremation, burial, paperwork, ceremony arrangements and more.

Ask Questions.
Knowing what to expect is always the best way to feel comfortable. Sometimes people are unsure and afraid to ask the hard questions-questions about price, guarantees and so on. This is a difficult time, but you need to protect yourself by asking whenever you are unsure about any part of the process.

Know Your Rights.
Although it can be difficult to know whether or not a funeral home has acted in bad faith,  there are resources available if you feel a funeral home or funeral director has acted unethically. Reference the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site to learn more. (See our article, "Key Consumer Resources for Funeral Homes in Sonoma County" to learn more.

 

 

Consumer Resources for Funeral Homes in Sonoma County 

Associations & Licensing For Funeral Homes in Sonoma County

BBB Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.com/)
California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov/)
AARP (http://www.aarp.org/)
Funeral Consumers Alliance (http://www.funerals.org/)
Diamond Certified (http://www.diamondcertified.org/)
Cremation Association of North America (http://www.cremationassociation.org/)
International Cemetery and Funeral Association (http://www.icfa.org/)
International Order of the Golden Rule (http://www.ogr.org/)
National Funeral Directors Association (www.nfda.org/resources)
National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association (http://www.nfdma.com/)
Federal Trade Commission Facts for Consumers (www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/funeral.shtm)

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for funeral homes in Sonoma County within the following zip codes:

94922, 94923, 94927, 94928, 94931, 94951, 94952, 94953, 94954, 94955, 94972, 94975, 94999, 95401, 95402, 95403, 95404, 95405, 95406, 95407, 95408, 95409, 95412, 95416, 95419, 95421, 95425, 95430, 95431, 95433, 95436, 95439, 95441, 95442, 95444, 95446, 95448, 95450, 95452, 95462, 95465, 95471, 95472, 95473, 95476, 95480, 95486, 95487, 95492 and 95497

 

Funerals Bodega Bay CA

A Beautiful Alternative Bodega Bay CA 94923

 

Funerals Cloverdale CA

Fred Young Funeral Home Cloverdale CA 95425

 

Funerals Petaluma CA

Adobe Creek Funeral Home Petaluma CA 94952
Parent-Sorensen Mortuary Petaluma CA 94952

 

Funerals Rohnert Park CA

Abby Mortuary Rohnert Park CA 94928

 

Funerals Santa Rosa CA

Daniels Chapel of the Roses Santa Rosa CA 95405
Lafferty & Smith Colonial Chapel Santa Rosa CA 95409
Neptune Society Santa Rosa CA 95407
Redwood Coast Mortuary Service Santa Rosa CA 95402
Santa Rosa Memorial Park Santa Rosa CA 95401

 

Funerals Sebastopol CA

Home Funeral Ministry Sebastopol CA 95472
Parent-Sorensen Mortuary Sebastopol CA 95472
Pleasant Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary Sebastopol CA 95473
Redwood Memorial Gardens Sebastopol CA 95472

 

Funerals Sonoma CA

Duggan's Mission Chapel Sonoma CA 95476

Funerals Windsor CA

Windsor Hills Mortuary Windsor CA 95492

 

 

 

 

Funeral Planners Healdsburg CA Area
City-Area	City	Funeral Homes / Funeral Services Found
Healdsburg CA	Alexander Valley CA	* see Geyserville CA
Healdsburg CA	Annapolis CA	0
Healdsburg CA	Asti CA	0
Healdsburg CA	Cazadero CA	0
Healdsburg CA	Cloverdale CA	1
Healdsburg CA	Geyserville CA	0
Healdsburg CA	Healdsburg CA	0
Healdsburg CA	Lytton CA	* see Healdsburg CA
Healdsburg CA	Stewarts Point CA	0
Healdsburg CA	The Geysers CA	* see Cloverdale CA
Healdsburg CA	The Sea Ranch CA	0

 

 

Funeral Planners Petaluma CA Area
City-Area	City	Funeral Homes / Funeral Services Found
Petaluma CA	Fallon CA	0
Petaluma CA	Lakeville CA	* see Petaluma CA
Petaluma CA	Petaluma CA	2

 

 

Funeral Planners Santa Rosa CA Area
City-Area	City	Funeral Homes / Funeral Services Found
Santa Rosa CA	Fulton CA	0
Santa Rosa CA	Kenwood CA	0
Santa Rosa CA	Mark West CA	* see Santa Rosa CA
Santa Rosa CA	Roseland CA	* see Santa Rosa CA
Santa Rosa CA	Santa Rosa CA	12
Santa Rosa CA	Windsor CA	2
Santa Rosa CA	Larkfield CA	* see Santa Rosa CA

 

 

Funeral Planners Rohnert Park CA Area
City-Area	City	Funeral Homes / Funeral Services Found
Rohnert Park CA	Cotati CA	0
Rohnert Park CA	Rohnert Park CA	2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funeral Planners Sonoma CA Area
County	City-Area	City	Funeral Homes / Funeral Services Found
Sonoma County	Sonoma CA	Agua Caliente CA	0
Sonoma County	Sonoma CA	Boyes Hot Springs CA	0
Sonoma County	Sonoma CA	El Verano CA	0
Sonoma County	Sonoma CA	Eldridge CA	0
Sonoma County	Sonoma CA	Fetters Hot Springs CA	0
Sonoma County	Sonoma CA	Glen Ellen CA	0
Sonoma County	Sonoma CA	Schellville CA	0
Sonoma County	Sonoma CA	Sonoma CA	1
Sonoma County	Sonoma CA	Temelec CA	* see Sonoma CA
Sonoma County	Sonoma CA	Vineburg CA	0

 

 

Funeral Planners Sebastopol CA Area
City-Area	City	Funeral Homes / Funeral Services Found
Sebastopol CA	Bodega CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Bodega Bay CA	1
Sebastopol CA	Camp Meeker CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Duncans Mills CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Forestville CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Freestone CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Ft Ross CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Graton CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Guerneville CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Guernewood CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Jenner CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Monte Rio CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Occidental CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Penngrove CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Rio Nido CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Russian River CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Russian River Meadow CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Salmon Creek CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Sebastopol CA	4
Sebastopol CA	Sheridan CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Valley Ford CA	0
Sebastopol CA	Villa Grande CA	0