Frequently Asked Questions
I Wish I Could Ask For..
Here are some frequently asked questions about funerals, memorials or celebration of life services.
When was Sunset Gardens Established?
Sunset Garden’s has been Celebrating Lives in the Tri-Cities and the surrounding region since 1958.
What Does Full-Service Mean?
At Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home, we know that you only have one chance to get it right. That’s why we remain forward thinking in the services we provide, transcending tradition and giving you the freedom to create meaningful experiences as you say goodbye to your loved one.
Our team at Einan’s is committed to being creative, innovative, and compassionate in meeting the needs of our families. Our forward-looking and open-minded Einan’s staff provide a positive environment for our guests.
We care about the community we serve, which is why when you come to Einan’s at Sunset, we treat your family like OUR family.
How Long Will The Arrangement Take?
The time it takes can vary from family to family, but please expect to spend at least two hours at Einan’s. While most arrangements average two hours, some are shorter, and some take longer. We respect your time, but capturing all the details is important to us because we want to get it right. We are truly honored to serve you and your family.
What Should I Bring With Me?
Below is a list of information that is helpful to bring to the arrangement. We will be asking you several questions during your first appointment at the funeral home:
For the Death Certificate:
- Social Security Number
- Place of Birth
- Deceased’s Race
- Occupation (Type of business/Industry)
- Level of Education
- Marital Status
- Father’s Full Name
- Mother’s Full Name (including maiden name)
- Contact Person and Information
- Military Branch (if deceased was in the armed forces)
Documents:
- Military Documents (DD214)
- Prearranged Funeral Service Info
- Prearranged Cemetery Info
- Historical Data and if available
- Notes of What your Loved One’s Final Wishes Were
- A typed Obituary (If prepared) with a photograph. You can also bring in the obituary on a USB drive or disc. A USB drive can be provided upon request.
If you have a service date and time in mind, please bring that with you. We will do our very best to accommodate your date and time preference.
Who Can Authorize the Cremation?
Washington State has very specific laws as to who is required to authorize the cremation process. There is no way for us to waver on this one, and we aren’t making it up to make your life more difficult. RCW.68.50.160
What Does “Renting” a Casket Mean?
A rental casket is intended to use for the viewing but will not be cremated with the deceased. You will rent the outer portion and purchase the inner portion. The inner portion is what stays with the deceased through the cremation process.
Can I be Present for the Cremation?
Absolutely, what you’re talking about is called a witness cremation. If you choose this option, we will schedule a time for you (and a small group, if you wish) to come to our crematory and accompany your loved one as they are placed into the cremation machine.
Is Embalming Care Required by Law?
No, Embalming Care is not required by law.
However, Embalming Care may be necessary if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a Public Viewing and some situations.
What is a Private Viewing?
Private Viewings are available for families (no greater than 10 people) needing to say a final goodbye. To help create a positive memory for your family, funeral directors will set features (positioning the mouth and closing the eyes) and perform special sanitary precautions. Private viewings are not open to the public and are held in private alcoves on the lower level of the funeral home.
You will need to select what clothing and personal items your loved one will wear for the viewing. If he or she wore eyeglasses or jewelry, decide if you would like that on for the viewing and cremation or burial or if any items will be returned to you after the viewing. For hair and or cosmetics, it’s always best to give the funeral home recent photos of your loved one as a guide to work from. You can schedule a time to bring these items into the funeral home or bring them with you to your arrangement.
I didn’t realize my loved one still had on sentimental jewelry. Will it be returned to me?
During our intake process, any personal effects will be documented. During the arrangement we will review the items that were brought in, and you will be given the option to tell us what you would like done with the personal effects. You can choose to have them cremated with, Discard of, and/or return to family. If you choose to have personal effects returned, you can schedule a time to come in to have these items released to you.
How Will I Know the Ashes I Receive Are Those of My Loved One?
- We use the proper identification process to identify and track your loved one throughout the entire cremation or burial process as well as ensure their safety and security.
- At the point of removal, we will identify you loved one and place a name tag around his/her arm or leg to ensure proper identification when transported to the crematory.
- Upon arrival at the crematory and holding facility, we begin our intake process by entering your loved one’s information into our electronic tracking system.
- We assign an identification number to your loved one as an extra measure in our identification process.
- Then we place them into our temperature-controlled holding facility until the cremation takes place.
- Your loved one is always treated with respect and dignity.
As we prepare your loved one for cremation or burial, we confirm all identification methods are complete and update our tracking system to indicate the day and time the cremation takes place. Everything is tracked from the moment your loved one come into our care until the ashes are returned to you.
What is an Urn?
The urn is what the ashes are placed in after the cremation. We have a selection to choose from but if you don’t see something you like, let us know. You can also purchase one on your own or have a personalized one made. You are more than welcome to bring the urn in, and we will place the ashes in the urn for you.
What are Keepsakes?
Are little mementos to keep with you after services. You can incorporate ashes, fingerprints and/or lock of hair or dried flowers. Ask your Funeral Director about Life Expressions Cremation Jewelry.
Can I have fingerprints taken of my loved one or a lock of hair?
You can have one or the other or both. Fingerprints are stored in our secure online database. You will receive a unique pin. This pin will give you access to your loved one’s prints, you can order keepsakes and/jewelry directly from the site in the comfort of your own home.
Pallbearers for a Graveside Service.
We recommend calling upon 6 – 8 family or friends to help. Pallbearers can help load and unload the hearse and carry the casket from the hearse to the gravesite. If you need assistance with pallbearers, discuss this with your Funeral Director and or your Family Service Counselor.
How do I get a flag for my Veteran?
You can coordinate this with your director, and they can handle the details. You can also download the application from Burial Flags. You will need to know your service members Rank, entry and exit dates. You can turn this application into your local post office to receive your flag.
Can I rent the space out for other events?
Absolutely! We assist with weddings and showers, parties, and corporate events, just to name a few.
Events at Sunset is a 6,000-square-foot facility located on the grounds of Sunset Gardens. The facility is beautifully furnished and designed to accommodate groups as small as 10 and as large as 250, with both indoor and outdoor event areas. The main hall can be adjusted to accommodate smaller gatherings or left open to invite all your family and friends.
Give us call and let us assist you in planning your next event.
My Loved One Died a While Ago, But We Never Held A Service. Can I Still Plan a Memorial or Celebration of Life?
Yes, you can still plan a memorial or celebration of life service with us. In fact, we encourage it, and we would be honored to help you arrange all the details. Many service options are available to you. You are welcome to use Einan’s Sunset Chapel, the Events at Sunset Chapel, or your own place of worship. We can assist you with service memorial folders, register books, newspaper announcements, memorial DVDs, flowers, catering, military honors, dove or balloon releases, or other requests. It’s never too late to pay tribute to your loved one.
“It always is harder to be left behind than to be the one to go…” ~Brock Thoene
Do you offer catering options?
Ask your director about our wine and beer options, which can be added to your contract for convenience. We offer full catering menus and customizations for Fat Olives, Fat Olives Fiesta Lunch, Henry’s Catering, Henry’s Breakfast, and newly added Crumbl Cookie Platters.
What is a Tribute video?
If you have a lot of family photos, you may want to consider a Tribute Video. Many people enjoy seeing photos of the person’s life during the service or reception. It’s a highly personal touch that is very moving to everyone in attendance. For the video, usually two or three songs are played to accompany the photo slideshow. You can select any songs of special meaning to you.
You may wish to select some of your loved one’s favorite tunes or music that speaks of your loved one’s life and or religious beliefs. Einan’s offers stationery packages that include DVD slideshow videos or select just the videos separately. We can accept digital photos or we will scan your hardcopy photos for the video. Most videos played at services are shorter in duration and usually include no more than 75 photographs. For memorial videos played during viewings, vigils or the reception, these videos can last a bit longer and usually include more photographs.
Can we have the service recorded?
We use “One Room” for recording that allows your service to be live streamed for loved ones who can’t attend that day, and the live stream is recorded and saved for you to cherish forever.
Are there stationary options?
Absolutely! We proudly partner with Life Celebrations. Everything is customizable, meet with a director to see the possibilities!
Most families prefer to have memorial programs handed out at the service. Programs help guide attendees through each part of the service and are a nice remembrance of your loved one. Customized register books are a wonderful record to reflect your loved one’s life as well as document who attended the services in support of you and your family. Einan’s offers a variety of stationery packages and individual stationery items to meet your specific needs.
All memorial folders and register books are customizable to meet your personal preferences. We can add items such as photos, bible verses, poems, quotes, the obituary, the order of service and more. With over 500 theme options to choose from, we are sure that you will be able to find a combination of Memorial Registry Books, Memorial Folders and Acknowledgement Cards that reflect the life and interests of your loved one.
Who Would You Like to Officiate the Services?
Einan’s at Sunset has celebrants on staff. We also work with members of our local clergy to ensure the support of families who would like an officiant to lead their funeral, memorial or celebration of life service. If you do not have your own minister or if your pastor is unavailable for your service date, ask Einan’s to help select someone for you. We have a list of trusted pastors and celebrants who are some of the best officiants in the Tri-Cities.
How Do You Accommodate My Cultural and/or Religious Preferences?
Einan’s at Sunset has celebrants on staff. We also work with members of our local clergy to ensure the support of families who would like an officiant to lead their funeral, memorial or celebration of life service. If you do not have your own minister or if your pastor is unavailable for your service date, ask Einan’s to help select someone for you. We have a list of trusted pastors and celebrants who are some of the best officiants in the Tri-Cities.
Einan’s at Sunset takes care of families of all faith and cultural traditions. Our aim is to serve our diverse community, and to be a trusted resource and guide for local families during time of loss.
“Responsibility and respect of others and their religious beliefs are also part of freedom.” ~Horst Koehler
We are accustomed to meeting the needs of various traditions, cultures, and faiths.
Some Examples of Our Offerings Include:
- Private Rooms for Ritual or Cultural Family Dressings
- A Private Room for Ritual Cleansing
- On-Site Equipment for Recitation of the Holy Rosary
- Evening Vigils
- Tierra Bendita for Traditional Earth Burials
- Holy Trinity Dove Releases
- Witness Cremation Services
- Printing of Service Folders in non-English languages and more.
We can also assist families for services at their regular place of worship, if desired. If you seek to honor your loved one with a special cultural or religious practice, Einan’s invites you to please ask your director for more information.
Do You Offer Dove Releases?
“Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” ~Psalm 55:6
White Dove Releases are a special and meaningful tribute that we offer families. Doves are a metaphor for love, hope and peace and symbolize the soul’s final journey. The number of doves released depends on each family’s preference and choice. A trinity release is where one dove is released representing the deceased, followed by three doves for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. A family release is when each child of the deceased releases one dove. This symbolizes both a final farewell to a parent, as well as hope for both strength and continuance of the family. The Military Release is an alternative to the gun salute. Just after taps is played, and a moment of silence is observed, 21 doves are released together.
Do You Offer Balloon Releases?
“I’ve told my children that when I die, to release balloons in the sky to celebrate that I graduated. For me, death is a graduation.” ~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Balloon releases can be a beautiful tribute to honor your loved one. This can be done at the end of a graveside service, for a birthday celebration, or other special day. We can customize releases to meet each family’s individual preference.
What is a death certificate?
A death certificate is an official document issued by the government, which declares cause of death, location of death, time of death and some other personal information about the deceased.
There are several reasons why you may need to obtain death certificate. Most often it’s to serve as proof for legal purposes. These reasons may include accessing pension benefits, claiming life insurance, or settling estates.
How many copies of the Death Certificate do I need?
Some companies require a certified copy. Contact the organization to find out what they need. Most families order 2-3. It just depends on what the needs are.
Let us know if you need to order more.
Can I Order Additional Death Certificates?
Yes, give us call and we will be able to assist with ordering them. You can also go through the Heath Department, follow the link for instructions and location.
What If I Need a Correction Made on a Death Certificate After I have received It?
Give us a call and we will assist with filing an Affidavit. You can also follow the link for Instruction on how to file an Affidavit on your own.
https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital-records/how-correct-record
What is a death notice?
A death notice is an announcement in a newspaper that gives the name of the person who passed and details of the funeral or memorial service, as well as where donations can be made.
Where can I post an Obituary?
If you wish, we can post an obituary with a photo of your loved one on our website and on Facebook.
If you wish to post an obituary with the newspaper we recommend visiting: https://placement.memoriams.com/Tri-CityHerald/Obituary It’s a process requiring tight deadlines including payment, and it’s most efficiently handled by the family of the loved one to ensure the information is accurate and timely.
Customer Service: 855-637-6638
What is Pre-Planning
Pre-planning before the need arises is a sound economic decision that relieves your loved ones of the financial burden during a time of loss. With pre-planning, individuals feel reassured that the funeral will reflect their wishes and that important financial decisions will not be made during a time of stress.
Most people are not aware that when a death occurs payment is often due upfront and in full. Preplanning gives you time to think about what you want, and you can pay the costs over time, so it is more affordable.
Who should I pre-plan?
We recommend Pre-planning for everyone. Most people tell us they think it is a good idea. We agree. Our staff wants to make it easy to talk about and easy to make arrangements for your wishes.
Why Pre-Plan?
We recommend Pre-Planning before the need arises because it is the responsible thing to do. Alleviating decisions and paying in advance is the best gift you can give your loved ones.
When should I pre-plan?
You should Pre-Plan before the need arises. No one should have to make final decisions and worry about finances on the worst day of their lives. Planning today avoid conflict in the future.
What is travelers’ insurance?
Is additional coverage to relieve your family of the stress and financial implications in bringing you home should death occur 75 miles or more from your legal residence.
More Information:
Cemetery at Sunset (Take a Tour)
Cemetery at Sunset offers a variety of placement options. Contact the Cemetery for more information. (509) 943-1114 Option 2.
- Lakefront Estates
- Boulder Memorials
- Scatter Gardens
- Wellspring / Feather Sone Garden
- Veteran / First Responders Plaza
- Memorial Coping and Pavers
- Danling Granite
- Glass Front Niches
- Memorial Beveled Walls
Events at Sunset (Take a Tour)
Events at Sunset offers can assist with many types of events. Contact Events to learn more or to schedule your next evet. (509) 943-1114 Option 3.
- Celebration of Life
- Weddings
- Birthday Party
- Baby Shower
- Retirement Party
- Corporate Events
- Firesides
Our Blog – Ketchup with Holley
Hi, I’m Holley, the Ketchup-loving, fearless leader and Service and Operations manager with Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home in Richland, WA. This is my blog where I write about our industry, events and updates for Sunset Gardens.
Have you thought about Pre Planning?
Contact a Family Service Counselor to learn more. (509) 943-1114 Option 2
If your question was not answered, please give us call at (509) 943-1114 . We are available 24/7.
Sunset Gardens
A place for celebrating the memories of your loved one for years to come.
Einan's At Sunset
At Einan's, we want to help you to create a meaningful experience.
Cemetery At Sunset
Providing a place of solace for families to come for generations.
Events At Sunset
Our beautiful facility can accommodate groups from 10 to 250.
Find Us
Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home
915 By Pass Hwy Bldg H
Richland, WA 99352
einanssupport@einans.com
(509) 943-1114 Phone
(509) 946-5678 Fax
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